The UGA Forestry Club placed third at the 52nd Annual Southern Forestry Conclave, held from March 12-15 at Alabama A&M in Huntsville, Ala.

Professor Dick Daniels shared this report:

Congratulations to our UGA Forestry Club who took 3rd place among 15 universities competing at the 52nd Annual Southern Forestry Conclave, hosted by Alabama A&M in Huntsville, AL. In the end it was Arkansas and Stephen F. Austin, two perennial “favorites,” who took first and second, respectively, in the tightest race imaginable: only 1 point in 288 separated the two leaders. We edged out N.C. State who took 4th. LSU finished in 5th place.

In spite of cold temps, biting wind, and driving rain, our students had a great showing, characterized by teamwork, sportsmanship, and real leadership. I’m biased of course, but I’d say our students conducted themselves in the most professional and appropriate manner of all the schools present. I was honored and proud at all times to be associated with this fine group of students.

In addition to our overall 3rd place team hardware we had some great individual performances. In the Technical Events, Michael Pigott took 1st in Wood ID, which also carried a $100 prize from the Railroad Tie Association! Michael Ransom took 2nd in Photogrammetry and had a strong top 4 finish in Dendrology. David Verdery took 4th in DBH estimation.

In the Physical Events, Jonathan Lee and David Verdery took first in log rolling while Red White and Morgan Newman took first in the Jack and Jill crosscut saw. We also took 3rd in women’s crosscut (Morgan Newman and Morgan Verdery), women’s bow saw (Morgan Newman) and men ’s bow saw (David Verdery). Our team points were buoyed by strong top 4th or 5th place finishes in chain throw (Newman and Verdery) and Brian Mixon’s great performances in log chop, and pole felling.

Everyone of our competitors contributed significantly to our team score, including Miles Groover (Timber Estimation), Jason McMullen (ax throw and men’s crosscut), and our wildlife ID team of Meg Williams and Katie Moore.

I need to make a special mention of thanks to Dustin Evans, our Forestry Club president. As a grad student Dustin was not eligible to compete but his leadership and coaching throughout the planning and preparation for conclave and his experience and example during conclave itself really set our team up for success. I also want to thank Morgan Newman for stepping to the plate as our Conclave Chair and taking care of so many details. Many thanks to the Whitehall crew for their help in getting poles, logs, and other materials for practicing. It really paid off! And thank you to Pete Bettinger whose advice and efforts as past club advisor helped lead to this year’s success.

Thanks to the Dean for funding and to all faculty, staff, and students who helped the team gear up for the challenge. UGA will host the forestry conclave in 2011 so you all will be hearing much more about conclave in the future. Thank you and congratulations to the Warnell Forestry Club!

Tags: conclave, Forestry Club