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Mason FFA Forestry Team Resources
Check out the below resources to prepare for the Michigan FFA Forestry CDE.
General Notes
Teams of 3-5 members
Contest is moving locations. (Near the McLaren Hospital and Golf Course)
Components of the Contest
Tree Identification 40 pts
Compass and Pacing 30 pts
Tree Measurement 30 pts
Equipment Identification 30 pts
Forest Health 30 pts
Total Points: 160
Tree Identification Resources
Contest chair may choose preserved leaves, full trees, sticks, buds, etc. for this portion of the contest. Duplicated samples may appear.
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2. Compass and Pacing Resources
PROBLEM
To measure the distance and direction between two points by the use of a compass and pacing. It is important to know how to set a course with a compass and how to pace in feet. PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PACE IN CHAINS. PACING WILL JUST BE GIVEN IN FEET. Digital compasses and measuring devices will NOT be allowed during the pacing portion of the contest.
PROCEDURE
Contestants will be given a scorecard and are required to determine the direction and distance between two stakes. They will have to complete this exercise three times in total. The declination on the compass should be set to 0 for the contest.
SCORING - Potential Score 30 Points.
The three exercises will be worth a total of 30 points. Each individual exercise will be worth 10 points each. (5 points for direction and 5 points for distance). Points will be determined by the following:
Distance: One point will be deducted for every (+ or -1) foot
Direction: One point will be deducted for every (+ or -) 2 degrees.
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3. Tree Measurement
PROBLEM
To determine the wood volume of marked trees. Wood volume will be determined using a Biltmore Stick and Diameter Tape.
PROCEDURE
The 10 individual trees to be measured will be marked.
Once you walk up to a sample tree, measure the DBH (tree diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground), using yur D-Tape. Diameter should be recorded in even inches (e.g. trees are 10, 12, 14 etc inches in diameter). All trees measuring DBH of less than 10 will be scored as a 0.
Proceed to measure the number of logs that can be harvested from the sample tree. Using a 100’ tape, measure 66 feet from the base of the tree. Tree heights/number of logs measured with a Biltmore stick should be measured from a 6-inch stump height to an estimated 10-inch top diameter for merchantable height. You will identify the number of 16’ logs. The merchantable height should be rounded down to the nearest 1⁄2 log. For example, a tree with almost 3 logs would be recorded as 2.5 logs on the answer sheet. A minimum top diameter of 10” DOB (diameter outside bark) will be used to define the end of a saw log, unless there is a “stopper” such as a major defect or a branch. All trees measuring less than 16’ or 1 log will be scored as a 0.
SCORING - Potential Score 30 points (No points will be awarded for board feet totals exceeding 10 percent of calculated value by judges
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4. Equipment Identification
Fifteen pieces of equipment from the following list will be displayed for participants to identify by technical names. Each piece of equipment will be designated by number. 2 pts/tool.
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Compass and Pacing Resources
5.
PROBLEM
To determine the wood volume of marked trees. Wood volume will be determined using a Biltmore Stick and Diameter Tape.
PROCEDURE
The 10 individual trees to be measured will be marked.
Once you walk up to a sample tree, measure the DBH (tree diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground), using yur D-Tape. Diameter should be recorded in even inches (e.g. trees are 10, 12, 14 etc inches in diameter). All trees measuring DBH of less than 10 will be scored as a 0.
Proceed to measure the number of logs that can be harvested from the sample tree. Using a 100’ tape, measure 66 feet from the base of the tree. Tree heights/number of logs measured with a Biltmore stick should be measured from a 6-inch stump height to an estimated 10-inch top diameter for merchantable height. You will identify the number of 16’ logs. The merchantable height should be rounded down to the nearest 1⁄2 log. For example, a tree with almost 3 logs would be recorded as 2.5 logs on the answer sheet. A minimum top diameter of 10” DOB (diameter outside bark) will be used to define the end of a saw log, unless there is a “stopper” such as a major defect or a branch. All trees measuring less than 16’ or 1 log will be scored as a 0.
SCORING - Potential Score 30 points (No points will be awarded for board feet totals exceeding 10 percent of calculated value by judges
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