The University of Arkansas at Monticello Forestry Club participated in the 49th annual Association of Southern Forestry Schools Conclave competition in Ruston, La., hosted by Louisiana Tech March 9 and 10.

   The club received 290.5 points total for the conclave, ranking third in the technical event with 130.5 points and ranking second in the physical event with 160 points.

   Seth Glaze, a forestry major from Camden, participated in a technical event.

   “It was fun in its own way, because it is more competitive. We did a really good job this year, but to work so hard and get second was a disappointment,” Glaze said. “But it will make us work harder for next year.”

   The UAM Forestry Club participated in events concerning physical strength and technical capability. The physical events consisted of the bow saw, cross cut sawing, overhead chop, poll felling, pole climbing, the log roll, burling, chain throw, ax throw, knife throw and archery. The technical events consisted of compass and pacing, diameter at breast height estimation, dendrology, photogrammetry, pole classification, timber estimation, wildlife identification and wood identification.

   The Forestry Field day contestants include senior Lori Andrews of Devall's Bluff, senior Bo Apel of Holly Grove, senior Jason Beard of Rison, junior Covy Brown of Pine Bluff, senior Chase Davis of Pea Ridge, senior Zack Diemer of Little Rock, junior Seth Glaze of Camden, sophomore Steven Goza of Sparkman, sophomore Logan Hancock of Stuttgart, sophomore Justin Mallett of Arkadelphia, junior Kimber Pedigo of Star City, junior Jeff Price of Monticello, senior Roy Prince of Monticello, sophomore Brad Sears of Des Arc, senior Josh Smith of Waldo and junior Josh Smith of Rison.

   Lynne Thompson, professor of entomology, talked about the Forestry Club's long-time dominance.

   “It’s exciting, if you expect to do well. They take a lot of pride in who they are and what they do,” Thompson said, “But they have also got a lot of tradition, so they have been good year, after year, after year.”

   Jamie Schuler, assistant professor of silviculture and forestry club adviser, expressed great approval about this year's conclave.

     “I thought that it was extremely well run,” Schuler said. “I was impressed with the level of sportsmanship among all schools. I think Arkansas did extremely well, it was close up to the very end.”