SFA Sylvans win annual forestry conclave

Members of the Stephen F. Austin State University Sylvans club display their Lumberjack pride and skills during the crosscut sawing competition at the 56th annual Southern Forestry Conclave in Alabama. SFA won first place overall at the competition held in March.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - A team of forestry students from the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University captured the championship trophy at the 56th annual Southern Forestry Conclave in Alabama.

The SFA Sylvans Forestry Club placed first in wildlife identification, dendrology, timber estimation, women's crosscut and pole climbing. A total of 13 universities accredited by the Society of American Foresters participated in this year's event, which was hosted by Auburn University's School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

In order to be successful at the annual competition, teams must do well in both technical and physical events. SFA's team, originally founded in 1946, has either placed first or second overall in 26 of the 28 yearly competitions.

The purpose of the annual contest is to promote cooperation and friendly competition among schools, as well as establish and maintain a high standard of ethics among all students and professional foresters.

SFA students participating in the events were Allen Akin, Ryan Assenheimer, Brian Blades, Brant Day, Mike Hartford, Grant Korbel, Chelsea Lopez, Conor McInnerney, Caleb Murray, David Robinson, Ethan Straley, Brock Vinson, Scott Wahlberg and Courtney Williams.

For more information about the SFA Sylvans and/or the forestry and wildlife programs, visit atcofa.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-3301.