Video: Hundreds Of Forestry Students To Compete In 58th Annual Conclave

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OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Hundreds of forestry students are in Oktibbeha county for a friendly competition. It’s all a part of the 58th Annual Southern Forestry Conclave. More than a dozen universities nation-wide are represented this weekend.

It’s a sharp competition that comes to Starkville once every 15 years.

MSU’s forestry department is hosting the Southern Forestry Conclave.

With 15 universities represented, students put their skills to the ultimate test.

“All of the students get excited about it. It’s kind of trip for most of them, some come from Texas, Florida, pretty far drive and they look forward to it every year,” says staff member, Charles Gray.

Students compete with each other in both physical and technical events.

Many of those events represent the historical roots of forestry.

“This is one that we utilize, we’re going to be about 5 yards away from the cant and hopefully try to stick it in the red. You get three practice shots and you want to try to get as high as possible,” said University of Florida student, Ryan Lavalle.

While some students come focused on the competition, others participate because of the uncommon events.

“Not everyone can say they can throw an axe, or do crosscut. So, I think just the uniqueness about it really brings me in. I’m really outdoorsy and I really like forestry, so that just pulled me out,” said Virginia Tech student,

It’s a sharp competition that comes to Starkville once every 15 years.

M-S-U’s forestry department is hosting the Southern Forestry Conclave.

With 15 universities represented, students put their skills to the ultimate test.

“All of the students get excited about it. It’s kind of trip for most of them, some come from Texas, Florida, pretty far drive and they look forward to it every year.”

Students compete with each other in both physical and technical events.

Many of those events represent the historical roots of forestry.

“This is one that we utilize, we’re going to be about 5 yards away from the cant and hopefully try to stick it in the red. You get three practice shots and you want to try to get as high as possible.”

While some students come focused on the competition, others participate because of the uncommon events.

“Not everyone can say they can throw an axe, or do crosscut. So, I think just the uniqueness about it really brings me in. I’m really outdoorsy and I really like forestry, so that just pulled me out,” said Victoria Neff, a student at Virginia Tech.

For others, the weekend is a good way to meet others in forestry clubs and even some teachers.

“Definitely good for the officers, as far as talking about different ideas. I’ve met so many people down here that have given me a lot of good ideas as far as fundraisers for clubs,” said Sam Cox, University of Kentucky student.

The competitions will end this weekend.

The events are free and open to the public.

On Saturday, the conclave events will be held from 8 am to 5 pm at the John W. Starr Memorial Forest, on highway 25 South.