Rhode Island Envirothon -- Forestry

Learning Objectives

The following are major areas to study to prepare for the forestry section test:

Syllabus
Rhode Island Envirothon Workshop

Although Rhode Island is the smallest state by area in the nation, it is still 55% forested. Its forests provide many amenities such as forest products, clean air and water, wildlife and recreational opportunities. Therefore, it is in the best interest of our state to promote conservation and management of its forests.

The Forestry section of the Envirothon will consist of multiple choice, true/false, fill-in the blank, tree identification and hands-on type activity.

40% Tree identifications
60% Assorted questions and hands-on activity

Essential Topics

1) Forestry Terms
Glossary of terms

2) Major trees, shrubs and vines of Rhode Island
Be able to identify the following species:

American Elm

Black Cherry

Hemlock

Pitch Pine

Sycamore

White Spruce

American Chestnut

Black Locust

Hop Hornbeam

Poison Ivy

Sugar Maple

Willow

Atlantic White Cedar

Black Walnut

Larch

Red Cedar

Trembling Aspen

Witch Hazel

American Beech

Blue Beech

Mockernut Hickory

Red Maple

Tupelo

Yellow Birch

American Larch

Colorado Blue Spruce

Northern White Cedar

Red Oak

Tulip Tree

Basswood

Flowering Dogwood

Norway Maple

Red Pine

White Ash

Big Tooth Aspen

Ginko

Norway Spruce

Sassafras

White Oak

Black Birch

Gray Birch

Pignut Hickory

Shagbark Hickory

White Pine

3) Approved Silvicultural Practices

Harvesting Techniques
Regeneration Methods
Timber Stand Improvement
Thinning and Pruning Methods

4) Benefits of Trees

Ex., Converting carbon dioxide in oxygen

5) Tree Damage

Insects
Disease
People (Your tree's trouble may be YOU!)

6) Forest Management Plan

What are the components?

7) Why trees grow where they do on a woodlot?

8) Farm, Forest and Open Space Act.

9) Tree Measurements

Sample questions:

1. Identify the following trees:
     a.
     b.
     c.
2. Why is the Gypsy Moth a major tree defoliator in Rhode Island?
3. How many cubic feet are there in a cord of wood?
4. What are the dimensions of a "stacked" cord of wood?
5. What is the percentage of forestland in Rhode Island?

Forester Mentor Program

If you are interested in having a forester talk to your team, the Rhode Island Chapter of American Foresters can help you. Contact: Chris Modisette at 568-1610.

Forest Management Plan

I am 60 years old, and we purchased this woodlot in 1970. At the time we purchased it, it had been logged. What you see in the flagged area is the woodlot we purchased. We are planning to build a retirement home in the open area in front. Our objective is to use this area (the woodlot) for recreation and wildlife viewing, but we are confused as to what we should do and how we should start, so we are looking to you for advice.

Stand description
Recommendations of what to do with this stand of trees to achieve our objective
If I follow your recommendations, what type of wildlife and/or recreation can I encourage into this stand of trees?
Why did you choose this recommendation?

**** This information is to be used only as a guide to begin preparation for the up and coming workshop. Information may change, be added or deleted at the scheduled workshop. Please use this only as a guide and plan on being in attendance as materials will be covered in detail and provided.

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