The Forestry Club & Student Chapter of the SAF @ Haywood Community College.

Smoky Moutain News Cover Daniel Jones and Coach Jimmy Lawrence

2011-08-25T10:43:00.007-05:00

Wednesday, 24 August 2011 15:25

Article about HCC Student Daniel Jones in The Smoky Mountain News.

Chopping prowess lands woodsman coveted spot in national championship

Written by Colby Dunn

In 24 seconds flat, Daniel Jones can chop through a 13-inch white pine log, perched atop it and swinging his sharpened ax in a downward arc into the braced timber. That, at least, is the kind of time he’s going for. Today, he’s standing on a much harder poplar round behind his coach Jimmy Lawrence’s house. There’s a whole setup of timber-cutting apparatus out there, training grounds for Jones’ upcoming run in the collegiate championship of the Stihl Timbersports Series. Jones just graduated from Haywood Community College, where he was a member of the timbersports team. His competition record this year was good enough to advance him to the national final in Oregon this week. Timbersports isn’t exactly a household word, but woodsmen hacking away at logs or frantically sawing cookies from felled trees might seem a little more familiar, thanks to ESPN. Getting ready for practice, where he’ll run through his four events — underhand chop, standing block chop, cross-cut saw and chainsaw — Jones suits up in chain mail to protect his legs and steel-toed tennis shoes. Is the chain mail really necessary? “Well, one of the professionals, he actually almost cut his calf off,” replies Jones. So that would be a ‘yes.’ But, say Lawrence and Jones, injuries like that are pretty rare. Part of that must be because the dangerous work is over so quickly. In the upcoming competition, Jones will be going against five other competitors and what counts is time and time alone. In the chainsaw event, for example, he must saw two platter-sized cookies from a four-inch section of log. And it’s done so quickly that if you turn your head, you’ll miss it.

That’s not to underestimate the physical ferocity Jones has to bring to the practice. He’s no small guy, and after leaping back and forth astride that block, he’s well out of breath, and it’s clear that he’s using every stroke as efficiently as possible.

“That’s the first thing you’ve got to break everyone of,” says Lawrence, who coaches the HCC team. “Everybody tries to swing as hard as they can.” And that might be how you split firewood, but it’s not how you win. Some of his team members, says Lawrence, have been chopping wood since childhood. Some have never touched an ax. And since it’s the only team the college has, it’s pretty popular. But everybody essentially starts on equal footing; no one comes in as a high school star.

Part of what Jones likes about it is the heritage behind it. Timbersports were born in logging camps, and they have a working history that few other sports share. Although Jones wasn’t an avid chopper before he joined the team, there was some foreshadowing that he might end up here. "When I was little, me and my brother would go out in the woods and chop trees down and pick the biggest one we could, see how we could get them to fall,” says Jones. Asked if he’ll continue on into professional competition circuit after this, he says he’d like to, thought it’s a bit of a financial hurdle. A good ax can cost hundreds of dollars. A good cross-cut saw, with its long, wobbling blade, can run into the thousands. There are only a few firms in the world that produce them, and each tooth is hand-filed. But if he wins this week, he’s got an automatic spot in the pro tournament. It’s not something he could make a career of, but he hopes it’ll still be a part of his life. “Even in the professionals, you don’t make a lot of money,” says Jones. “You just do it for the love.”

Visit to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

2011-04-28T12:25:00.001-05:00

Natural Resources students recently visited Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest as part of their Silviculture Course. Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, created in 1975, covers 17,394 acres (70 km2) in the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina and the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee, in the watersheds of the Slickrock and Little Santeetlah Creeks. It is named after Joyce Kilmer, author of "Trees." The Little Santeetlah and Slickrock watersheds contain 5,926 acres (23.98 km2) of old growth forest,[1] one of the largest tracts in the United States east of the Mississippi River.

The Babcock Lumber Company logged roughly two-thirds of the Slickrock Creek watershed before the construction of Calderwood Dam in 1922 flooded the company's railroad access and put an end to logging operations in the area. In the 1930s, the U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars asked the U.S. Forest Service to create a memorial forest for Kilmer, a poet and journalist who had been killed in World War I. After considering millions of acres of forest land throughout the U.S., the Forest Service chose an undisturbed 3,800-acre (15 km2) patch along Little Santeetlah Creek, which it dedicated as the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in 1936.[2] (From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joyce_Kilmer-Slickrock_Wilderness)

Mid-Atlantic Awards Ceremony and First Place Goes To.... HAYWOOD

2011-04-18T15:29:00.002-05:00

HCC Forest Management Students Visit Dupont State Forest

2011-03-14T12:22:00.001-05:00

As part of their capstone course, students in the forest management technology program recently visited DuPont State Forest. Mr. David Brown, DSF Forest Supervisor, gave an excellent tour. Topics included: hemlock woolly adelgid eradication efforts, forest recreation, BMPs, continuous forest inventories, and American chestnut reestablishment.

The DuPont State Forest is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Hendersonville and Brevard, North Carolina. Its 10,400 acres of forest feature four major waterfalls on the Little River and several on the Grassy Creek.
The original 7600 acre forest was established in 1996 through a generous bargain sale from the DuPont Corporation. In 2000, the Forest was expanded by two property additions, including the spectacular 2200 acre tract in the center of the Forest containing High Falls, Triple Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. (From: http://www.dupontforest.com/)

HCC IS GOL TRAINING, BEST

2011-03-14T12:12:00.001-05:00

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT @ haywood community college: 2011 Game of Logging...: "'(The BEST!) The class of Level one and two, Game of Logging Course! HCC took 6 of 8 placements!!!!!!!!...and that's all I gotta say 'bout ..."

HCC Forestry Club Adopts Highway

2011-02-23T08:41:00.001-05:00

The HCC Forestry Club recently adopted a section of Hospital Drive near HCC's Main Campus. Shown from left to right are: Hunter Edmundson, Andy Fitzsimmons, Dillon Michael, Caleb Ferrel, Clinton Wickers, Myles Arnette, Casey Straganc, and Joseph Lineberger.

The club plans on cleaning the section of highway by HCC's main campus once a month.

HCC Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters Attends APSAF Conference

2011-02-07T17:14:00.000-05:00

The HCC Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters recently attended the annual APSAF (Appalachian Society of American Foresters) meeting held in Charleston, South Carolina. The topic of this year's meeting was, "The Road Before Us: Does It Look Like Anything We Have Seen Before?". HCC chapter members were able to hear from professional foresters, researchers, and other natural resources professionals on how emerging timber markets (woody biomass, cellulosic ethanol, and carbon credits) will impact the demand for forests and forest products. In addition to the technical sessions, students were able to network with potential employers, university faculty and staff, and also their peers from other colleges and universities.

Two highlights of the conference were an urban forestry tour lead by foresters from the City of Charleston and MeadWestvaco and a visit to the "Angel Tree" which is proclaimed to be the oldest living tree east of the Rockies.

We greatly appreciate all those that provided financial support, without your help many of our students would have not been able to attend. Special thanks to: HCC Foundation, The Kenny P. Funderburke Educational Endowment, North Carolina Division of SAF, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Cathy Bishop.

HCC Students attend the Pisgah Chapter SAF Quarterly Meeting

2011-01-20T13:43:00.008-05:00

On Tuesday, January 18th, students from the HCC Student Chapter of the SAF informally attended the SAF Pisgah Chapter's quarterly meeting at Neo Cantina in Asheville, NC. This was the first time for these students to attend a meeting such as this, but hopefully not the last. The students had a chance to converse with professionals who come from various parts of the region and forestry disciplines to attend these meetings. Aside from the valuable networking aspect, this meeting had the added bonus of a presentation of the US Forest Service's newest Forest Stewardship Program. Dale Remington and Jason Rodrigue from the USFS office in Asheville NC, detailed the collaborative approach the USFS will be taking in assigning timber contracts and restoration projects. This presentation gave our students a "sneak-peek" of what's to come, as well as the possibility of intern and volunteer opportunities.

For more information on implementation of stewardship contracts, contact Dale Remington at 828-257-4261 or by email at dremington@fs.fed.us.

For more information on collaboration and agreement involvement, contact Jason Rodrigue at 828-257-4248 or by email at jarodrigue@fs.fed.us.

The current list of Master Agreement Organizations include:

National Wild Turkey Federation

Contact: Ted Schenck 803-637-3106, tschenck@fs.fed.us

Ruffed Grouse Society

Contact: Mark Banker 814-867-7964, rgsbank@comcast.net

US Wildlife Resources Commission
Contact: Mallory Martin 919-707-0016 mallory.martin@ncwildlife.org

HCC GRADUATES IN THE NYTIMES

2010-10-07T09:46:00.001-05:00

Recent HCC Forest Management Technology graduate Dawn Salley is a news maker! Following her graduation from HCC Dawn took a job with the Cherokee Hotshots. While cleaning up recent storm damage in NYC the New York Times caught her and Matt Gilbert (HCC FMT Class of 2000) in action. GO HAYWOOD! To read the story click on the following:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/28/nyregion/28trees.html

Urban Turn for Workers Accustomed to the ForestBy REBECCA WHITE
An unusual scene unfolded in the rain in Prospect Park on Monday morning, as a crew from Tennessee confronted the aftermath of a particularly turbulent storm.

It was certainly a different sort of emergency for the 21 men and 1 woman in the Cherokee Hotshots, an elite interagency forestry crew that travels the nation, primarily to put out wildfires.

Two tornadoes last week left parks in Queens and Brooklyn with toppled trees, dangling branches and piles of debris crossing pathways. In Prospect Park, 40 trees went down, and almost 130 others were badly damaged.

At a meeting Friday among officials of the United States Forest Service and the city parks department, it was suggested to Adrian Benepe, the parks commissioner, that a specialized — or hotshot — crew come in to help with damage recovery.

“I’d read about how they respond to forest fires,” Mr. Benepe said. “To me, that was something that happens in Yellowstone or the Great Smokies, not New York City.”

Yet the Cherokee Hotshots, based in the Cherokee National Forest in Unicoi, Tenn., made their way to New York City, the first among the 106 interagency hotshot crews to do so since they were formed in the 1940s, said Phil Sammon, a spokesman for the Forest Service.

Members of the crew arrived Sunday in Queens, where they are staying at the Fire Department center in Fort Totten. They drove up from Alabama, where they had spent a week battling a fire over 75 acres of farmland. Their mission here includes Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Kissena Park in Queens.

“We were pretty excited when we heard we were coming to New York,” said Matthew Gilbert, 30, the crew’s superintendent. “This is pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” It was the first time the crew had been assigned a job in a city setting.

Workers started about 9:30 Monday morning, clearing brush and downed trees from pedestrian pathways. Men wielded chain saws with 32-inch bars to dismember trees as old as 75 years, as long as 80 feet and as wide as 40 inches. Some fed smaller tree trunks into a wood chipper; others used axes to drive wedges into trunks before using the chain saws to complete the separation of the trunks into rounds.

They wore protective chaps lined with Kevlar, fire-retardant long-sleeved shirts, leather gloves, white hard hats with full brims — “bigger than construction hats,” one crew member noted — and were equipped with earplugs, radios, “bug eye” protective gear and boots with Vibram soles to provide traction.

In fact, the presence of people in ordinary clothes seemed somewhat disquieting to them.

“We’re used to seeing 10 extra people in a day,” said Brent Foltz, 25, a senior firefighter. “Here, we are seeing 10 extra people in a minute.”

Graham Collins, 29, an artist from Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and his mother, Diana Collins, 61, were just two of the human distractions.

“I like Prospect Park because it’s really a little bit wild anyway,” Mr. Collins said. “It looks like it’s been cleared up really well.” ”

The Prospect Park Alliance intends to replant trees where old ones were destroyed, in accordance with the original design by Frederick Law Olmsted. Since many of the trees that were damaged or killed were large, as many as 10 smaller, younger trees can fill the same area.

“Storms are a natural part of the forest dynamic,” said John Jordan, 41, supervisor of natural resources for the Prospect Park Alliance. “Now dormant seedlings can start growing.”

HCC LUMBERJACKS TAKE THE CRADLE!

2010-10-06T21:41:00.002-05:00

On October 2nd, the HCC Lumberjacks met four other schools on the field of competition and left with a solid win. The team, mostly freshmen this year, showed unmatched focus and resolve in the face of teams that were perhaps more seasoned, but not unbeatable. Though the competition was fierce, a good time was had by all, as camaraderie and mutual respect are hallmarks of the forestry programs that participate in this event yearly. Students are tested not only on their skill with an axe and chainsaw, but also on their abilities to navigate in the woods, their knowledge of native trees and shrubs, and the knowledge that they have acquired during their tenure in the various programs that they attend. The competition, commonly referred to as "The Cradle," is known formally as The John G. Palmer Annual Intercollegiate Woodsmen's Meet. The event is named for Dr. Palmer, a former forestry instructor at HCC respected for his dedication to The Cradle, as well as to the students. The Cradle of Forestry, located in the Pisgah National Forest, generously lends HCC its corral annually to use as the timbersports playing field. It is no accident that this annual competition is held in this iconic location, as The Cradle of Forestry is the location of America's first school of forestry, then known as The Biltmore Forest School. As many of the events in the competition are reminiscent of the games and skills taught to budding foresters by Dr. Carl Alwin Schenck, back when the Cradle was The Biltmore Forest School, this woodsmen's meet serves as a supplemental attraction for visitors to the Cradle's Forest Festival Day. This competition is definitely something to mark on your calendars, as it is always good fun for all. The HCC Forestry Club is, as always, grateful to the The Cradle of Forestry and the event's sponsor, STIHL, as well as all of the many volunteers that helped to make the event a success!

COOK OUT!!!!!!!!

2010-08-25T11:20:00.003-05:00

Everyone is invited to attend the Forestry/Wildife Club Cookout this Wednesday!

The cookout will be held at the Mill Pond at 7PM.

See You There!!!!!!.

Part-Time Job Opportunity

2010-05-21T14:04:00.002-05:00

If anyone's interested in some seasonal/part-time work pulling a cross-cut saw (for real!), there is a trail maintenance project going on at the Linville Gorge Trail that requires clean-up using saws and axes (wilderness area). If you're interested, call Josh Reeves at 417-247-0415. He's looking for folks who have cross-cut experience.

Congratulations HCC Forestry Class of 2010!!

2010-05-11T14:22:00.005-05:00

Just thought I'd give a congratulatory shout-out post to the 2010 class for graduation. It was a real pleasure following your class from the 1st day of Intro two years ago to now. I truly enjoyed the afternoons at the practice yard, traveling with you motley jacklegs to timbersports competitions, and having you in class as students. If you're ever in Boone, I hope you'll look me up. I wish you all the best in your pursuit of a career in natural resources...or fast food...whatever the case may be!! Keep in touch!
Jim Hamilton

HCC TIMBERSPORTS TEAM RESULTS

2010-04-22T15:58:00.000-05:00

HCC Mid Atlantic Team Results:

Johnny Manuel, 2nd Place, Dendrology
Rance Rogers, 2nd Place, Archery
Myles, 4th Place, Archery
Frank Potts, Jermemy Graves, Rance and Dawn, 2nd Place, Team Log Roll
Jeremy Graves, Frank Potts, Rance Rogers, Heather Franklin, Lee, and Alex, 1st Place, Pulp toss for Accuracy
Jared Guffey, 1st place, Men's Axe Throw
Alex, 1st place, Men's Axe Throw
Rance Rogers, 1st place, Chainsaw
Daniel Jones and Rance Rogers, 1st place, Cross Cut
Dawn Salley and Sarah Miller, 1st place, Cross Cut
Daniel Jones and Dawn Salley, 1st place, Cross Cut
Derek Morgan and Heather Franklin, 3rd place, Water Boil
Daniel Jones, 1st place, Single buck
James Judge, 2nd place, Single buck
Daniel Jones, 1st place, Speed Chop
Braxton Spurlin, 2nd place, Speed Chop
Sarah Miller, 2nd place, Speed Chop
Jared Guffey, 1st place, Bolt Split
Rance Rogers, 2nd place, Bolt Split
Dawn Salley, 3rd place, Bolt Split

The Mid-Atlantic Trophy Comes Home

2010-04-22T07:27:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the 2010 Woodsmen Team on your victory at this year's Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's Meet!

SAF Visit

2010-04-12T15:58:00.002-05:00

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. Founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, it is the largest professional society for foresters in the world. The mission of the Society of American Foresters is to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and, to use the knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society. SAF is a nonprofit organization meeting the requirements of 501 (c) (3). SAF members include natural resource professionals in public and private settings, researchers, CEOs, administrators, educators, and students.(From: http://www.safnet.org/

Joanne Cox, SAF executive committee member, and former NC Division Chair recently spoke to a joint meeting of the HCC student Chapter and Warren Wilson Student Chapter. Joanne discussed the many benefits of being a member of SAF. The HCC SAF Student Chapter encourages all forestry and fish and wildlife majors to join the organization. See the following link: http://www.safnet.org/join.cfm

2010 Mid-Atlantic Tryouts

2010-03-31T20:11:00.002-05:00

We're down to crunch time folks! just a couple of weeks until Mid-Atlantic, and club members are stepping up to the challenge that our captains have laid before us: VICTORY AT MID-ATLANTIC! It is not a question of whether we will win, but by how many points! Our finest lumberjacks and lumberjills will be taking the fight to Pennsylvania to defeat our foes on their home turf! Below are some pictures of the tryouts that will decide who competes and who warms the benches.

Enjoy!
~Billy

Mid-Atlantic Practice Revs Up

2010-03-23T19:53:00.003-05:00

The HCC Lumberjacks are fired up and practicing to win! We will be bringing home a 1st place victory from the North in April. For all competing: now is not the time to slack off! Practicing is the only way to assure victory on Penn State's native soil, so BE THERE!

Let's get it together and bring it home folks!

~Billy

P.S. The crosscut saw you see pictured was graciously donated to the club by Sarah Miller, with the engraving donated by the HCC Golden Leaf Advanced Machining Center. A huge THANK YOU to both Sarah and the Center! It looks great guys!

Natural Resources Department Career Day

2010-02-24T20:33:00.007-05:00

On Wednesday, February 24th, The HCC Department of Natural Resources hosted a career day put on by several State and Federal agencies. After a pizza lunch, the students were encouraged to form groups to cycle from station to station in "round-robin" style. At each station, an agency representative spoke with the student group about the job(s) that they perform, and the opportunities available to interested individuals. Students were encouraged to bring resumes with them, as potential employers could be present, and an opportunity could be available. Below are some pictures taken from the event.

We would like to thank the following people for making this event possible:

First and foremost, Bob Pinkston. Bob was the driving force behind making this happen. Thanks, Bob, for all you do. We appreciate you tremendously!

The HCC students for helping in set up and tear down of the event.

The HCC Forestry Club for pizza and soda acquisition

Also, a special thanks to Krista Shelton, of the Sumter National Forest, for forwarding all the available jobs that Bob posts for us.

Officers Shawn Martin and Greg Daniels, of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Tobias Miller and David Ogle, in the trails division of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Dan Bryson, Geoffrey Geier, and Brandon Poole, Forestry Technicians in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Officer Lee Boyd, of the USDA Forest Service Region 8 Law Enforcement Division

Jeff Owenby, Director of the Cradle of Forestry, USDA Forest Service

Chris Spencer, of the Holmes Educational Forest, NCFS

Mike Byrd, Henderson County Ranger, NCFS

And lastly,

Matt Gilbert and Matt Miller of the USFS Cherokee Hotshots

Many of the presenters are HCC graduates, and good examples of what a degree from HCC can achieve. Thanks again everyone!

~Billy

HCC SAF STUDENT CHAPTER TRIP TO APSAF

2010-02-24T08:46:00.002-05:00

The HCC Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters recently attended the annual APSAF (Appalachian Society of American Foresters) meeting held in Greenville, North Carolina. The topic of this year's meeting was, "Charting the Path Forward: Land Management and Forest Products Marketing Strategies for an Emerging Economy". HCC chapter members were able to hear from professional foresters, researchers, and other natural resources professionals on how emerging timber markets (woody biomass, cellulosic ethanol, and carbon credits) will impact the demand for forests and forest products. In addition to the technical sessions, students were able to network with potential employers, university faculty and staff, and also their peers from other colleges and universities.

A highlight of the conference was the student field tour sponsored by Weyerhaeuser and the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources. During this field tour students where able to visit the Pitt County district office and also Weyerhaeuser plantation lands.

We greatly appreciate all those that provided finical support, without your help many of our students would have not been able to attend. Special thanks to: HCC Foundation, The Kenny P. Funderburke Educational Endowment, North Carolina Division of SAF, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Cathy Bishop.

Sugarbush!

2010-02-24T08:42:00.002-05:00

As part of their Forest Management Technology capstone course, HCC forestry students recently traveled to Maple Creek Farm in Yancey County to discuss forest management and non-timber forest products, with Mr. Richard Sanders (Forester and Farm Manager of Maple Creek Farm). Maple Creek Farm is the furthest southern commercial producer of maple syrup in the US, and the only one located in North Carolina. Their "sugar bush" consists of two stands, each with some 200+ sugar maple trees, located on the north and east facing slopes of two mountainsides. The stands are high on the slopes between 3,100 and 3,900 feet in elevation. Over four miles of tubing and piping carries the maple sap from the trees down the mountain to the "sugar shack" in the valley between the mountains(From Maple Creek Farm's website: http://www.maplecreekfarm.net)

At the end of the tour we assisted Richard in inspecting some of the farm's maple syrup by pouring it over vanilla ice cream.

Club T-Shirts

2010-01-26T21:14:00.000-05:00

With the approval of the design and colors of the new club t-shirts comes the next step.... Ordering them. Sarah has posted a sign-up sheet on the FC bulletin board. Please choose what colors and sizes you want. The minimum order quantity is 40, so we need as many folks to commit as possible.

Thanks,
Bill

ApSAF Winter Meeting

2010-01-23T23:33:00.004-05:00

It's almost time, folks, Wednesday is coming up fast. All sophomores that haven't renewed their SAF membership but are planning on attending the Winter Meeting in Greenville, need to try to get it done ASAP. You can renew at the meeting, but it slows things down for the group. An important email was forwarded to me concerning PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) needed for the student tour on Thursday, so I'm posting an excerpt from that letter here, and will go over it again on Tuesday at the FC meeting.

ApSAF Winter Meeting Student Tour

Hello to all. I just wanted to send out a quick reminder regarding PPE for the ApSAF Student tour on Thursday Jan 28th. Please advise students and others planning to attend the tour to wear boots suitable for a field visit (they do not have to be steel toed but should afford substantial ankle support). Also, high-vis vests and hard hats along with safety glasses will be required. Realizing that every student might not have an orange vest, glasses and hard had, I will have some available, but please bring what you have..

Thanks,

W.C.Tucker, Jr.

That's all I have for now folks, see you on Tuesday.

~Bill

Welcome Back Folks!

2010-01-16T00:26:00.003-05:00

Well, another semester has begun and, after the first week, it hold the promise of being a cold one! Club officers met Tuesday to discuss activities and possible projects and have cobbled together a rough outline of what's in store for us this semester. Sarah Miller has already taken the initiative to get a calendar posted on the Forestry Club bulletin board, so look for solid dates posted there. Here's what we have so far...

First and foremost: WE WILL BE HAVING OUR FIRST FC MEETING ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 19th
The annual ApSAF Winter Meeting is slated to take place Jan. 27th through Jan. 29th in Greenville, NC. This is a great opportunity for students following the forestry track. At this meeting, students will get the opportunity to attend technical sessions presented by some of the top minds in our field as well as participate in a field tour presented by the local SAF chapter. This is an excellent chance for students to meet professionals in our field of study, make important contacts, and also to meet students from other colleges. Preference will be given to sophomores in the program, and the students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to attend. More information will be given at our meeting on Tuesday.
We will be hosting a guest speaker on Feb. 9th. Ched Kearse, the current ApSAF Executive Committee Chair, has agreed to come speak with us. An agenda and subject matter will be posted soon.
Timber Beast, the timbersports event hosted by Virginia Tech will be held toward the end of February at Virginia Tech. We really want to send a team, so be thinking about whether you will be able to make it.
Mid-Atlantic is going to be held in Pennsylvania this year around mid-April. WE WILL WIN THIS ONE!!!! Practice during January and February will have a low-expectation practice schedule, but we are going to be cranking that dial UP in March and April. We spanked Penn State Mont-Alto at the Cradle and we will do it again, this time on their home turf! Commitment is expected!
Firewood orders are rolling in with the cold snap we've had over the past month, and we only have enough cut wood to fill about one order. WE NEED FOLKS TO HELP WITH THE CUTTING AND SPLITTING OF WOOD!!! This is our primary way to earn money for the club, and with this cold weather we could make a bundle. Please help with this project, folks! See Rance Rogers or Boomer for times to volunteer.

Well, folks, I look forward to seeing you all at the meeting on Tuesday!

Thanks!
Bill

END OF SEMESTER COOKOUT

2009-12-07T11:56:00.002-05:00

This Thursday at 3:00 we will be having a cookout at the woodsmen's shed. 3:00 is when we start really setting up, and food will most likely be ready around 4:00. Any help with set-up is greatly appreciated. The back up location in case of inclement weather is the Sunrise Cafe. We'll see you guys there!

~Billy

Club hikes with Bob Pinkston

2009-11-05T15:31:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of the hikes That Bob has led our students on. Enjoy!

View all

Get your own

Cold Mountain (aptly named on this particular hike!)
Photographers: Chris Holland and Jeremy Graves

Mount Hardy
Photographer: Shane Baker and Jeremy Graves

HAYWOOD ROCKS THE CRADLE!!!!!

2009-10-04T19:21:00.007-05:00

A truly amazing day was had by all (HCC folk) yesterday at the Woodsmen's Meet held at the Cradle of Forestry. The Haywood team routed the competition scoring an incredible 164 points! Their closest competition was Penn State Mont Alto with 91 points, NC State came in at third with 63 points, and then Montgomery Community College at fourth with 40 points. Congrats Haywood! You all deserved this!

The Haywood Team
The Wise Old Owl roosts once more in its rightful HCC home

HCC Forestry Club President Jeremy Graves accepts the trophy for our win

Monday Meeting Minutes

2009-09-15T20:58:00.002-05:00

Hey folks, here's what was discussed in the meeting along with some important dates.

THIS FRIDAY Sept. 18th: Team Captain Daniel Jones will be opening up the woodsmen shed at 13:00 for folks who are having trouble making it to practice after labs to come practice.
Saturday Sept. 19th: SAWA show in Oaksboro, NC. See a club officer or Jimmy Lawrence for more details.
Saturday Sept. 19th: Bob Pinkston will be leading a hike up Mt. Hardee. Interested parties should sign up using the sign up sheet on the Forestry Club bulletin board. We will be meeting in the parking lot of the old Wal-Mart at 9:00 AM.
CRADLE TRY OUTS!!!!!! Sign up sheets are located on the club bulletin board.

Monday Sept. 21st: Axe Throw, Cross-cut, Chain Saw
Tuesday Sept 22nd: Underhand, Standing Block, Single Buck
Wednesday Sept 23rd: Pole Climb, Water Boil, Archery
Thursday Sept 24th: Bolt Split, Make-ups for other events

We need everyone to be practicing as much as possible, and we will work with you to find a time that is workable with your schedules to achieve this. All areas need focus, but especially team events like log roll and pulp toss.

5. Saturday Sept. 26th: Mountain heritage day will be held at Western Carolina University.
6. Saturday Oct. 3rd: TIMBER SPORTS EVENT AT THE CRADLE OF FORESTRY!! Camping in the Pink Beds camping area will be available to HCC students on Thursday and Friday nights only. Another camping site will be available to those who want to camp Saturday night as well.

That's all I have folks!
~Bill

Last Week's Activities

2009-09-02T22:43:00.002-05:00

Well, every activity was a success thanks to all Forestry Club and Woodsman Team members involved. I want to thank all of you for your efforts and your dedication. This year promises to be an AWESOME one for our clubs! Here are a few shots from the Wednesday demo and Cook out, Saturday's Jammin' on the Mill Pond, and Sunday's rafting trip. Enjoy!

~Billy

View all

Get your own

Monday Meeting Minutes (alliteration is fun!)

2009-08-24T18:26:00.004-05:00

We had an awesome turnout for the meeting today (thanks everyone!), and as promised, here are the subjects we covered that need to be remembered (dates and such).

Weekly Meeting time: The decided upon meeting time will remain 12:20 every Monday afternoon.
Club dues: We would like to have the dues turned in ASAP (prefferably by next meeting if possible) These dues will go toward SAF application costs as well as T-shirt costs. The cost is just $5 a semester.
Club T-shirts: Club T-shirts should be available by next meeting, and will cost $12 for club members or $15 for non-club members.
Wednesday August 26th: Woodsman team / Forestry Club Cookout starts at 5PM and ends whenever the last folks leave. We are doing this knowing that there are some of you freshmen out there that don't get out of lab until 7pm, and we want you to be there to enjoy a burger and good company. See y'all there.
Saturday August 29th: Jammin' on the Mill Pond starts at 10AM and ends at 8PM. We will be running a booth there as well as demonstrating timber sports events for onlookers. We are looking for people to run the booth (selling T-shirts) and demo the events. If you didn't sign up at the meeting, but are interested in supporting the clu, get with a club officer to submit your name.
Sunday August 30th: Club rafting trip on the Nantahala River. See previous post for specifics.
Saturday September 5th: Timbersports demo at the GSMNP fund raiser in Waynesville. I know that this is during Labor Day, but any help working the booth or doing an event would be very much appreciated.
Tuesday September 15th: The ApSAF Pisgah and Nantahala chapters will be leading a tour of the Waynesville watershed. Other chapers involved will include our own HCC student chapter, the student chapter from Warren Wilson College, and hopefully students from the Western Carolina student chapter. Topics discussed will cover silvicultural treatments within the watershed, the status and direction of the watershed project, and much more. We will need volunteers to help cook burgers and represent the college in a positive manner. This is a great opportunity to meet forestry professionals in the area, so keep this tour in mind. The tour should run from approximately 4:15 to 5:30 or 6:00 with a cookout following. More details will follow.
Saturday October 3rd: John G Palmer Intercollegiate Timbersports Meet at the Cradle of Forestry. Practice at the shed began today, remember, practice makes perfect while making you eligible to compete. We discussed requirements for competition, and have determined that a couple of hours (3-4) a week is necessary to be competitive against Penn State Mont-Alto. Team Captains, Daniel Jones and Jeremy Graves, will be watching who shows up and is actually practicing and will ultimately judge who can and can't qualify to compete. BE THERE!
FIREWOOD!!!! We are looking for volunteers to chop and haul firewood. Seek out Rance Rogers or Boomer for more details.

Well, That's all for now folks!
~Billy

Welcome back!!!!!!

2009-08-21T19:17:00.003-05:00

Hello my fellow foresters, and welcome back to yet another exciting semester at Haywood Community College. I also want to welcome the newest additions to the HCC Forest Management Program, we are all happy to have you with us. We're starting this semester at full throttle with an event packed second week.
They are as follows:

Monday Aug 24th: First Forestry Club meeting of the semester to be held in room 310 at 12:20 (please be there)
Wednesday Aug 26th: FC/Woodsmen Team cookout and timber sports demo to be held at the woodsmen shed at 5:00.This is a great time for freshmen to meet the sophomore class and mingle in a fun-filled and laid-back environment. Come enjoy the burgers and hotdogs, chips and drinks provided by the club. (anyone unsure of where the woodsmen shed is, ask a sophomore or an advisor)
Saturday Aug 29th: Join us at the millpond for "Jammin' on the Millpond"
Sunday Aug 30th: The FC will be rafting the Nantahala River. We will meet in the parking lot of the old Wal-Mart at 11:45AM to be at the rafting site by 2:30PM. The trip down the river is estimated to be a 2 hour trip, so the return time should be around 6:30 - 7:00pm. The cost is $19 and we have a limit of 24 seats available, so if you are interested look for the sign up sheet on the FC bulletin board.

That's all for now, I look forward to seeing you all at the meeting!
~Billy

Website Wins Third Place in SAF Competition!

2009-08-03T14:20:00.002-05:00

Just received word from the Society of American Foresters that our website (yes, THIS ONE) placed third in the SAF Student Chapter Website Award contest! From Claire Kovacs, Advertising Manager for SAF:

We have tallied the final scores of the SAF Student Chapter Website Award contest and congratulations are in order for you and your SAF Student Chapter - the Haywood Community College Student Chapter has won Third Place in the SAF Student Chapter Website Award! A huge congratulations goes out to your chapter members for a job well done.Comments from the judges were unanimous in thinking that the future of the forestry profession is in very good hands. Details for receiving the award in Orlando at the National Convention will be forthcoming. Congratulations again for all of your hard work!

Kudos to Bill on all the great photo posts from this summer!!

Forest Recreation

2009-07-29T21:48:00.003-05:00

Here's a look at the many activities enjoyed by the HCC Forest Management students during their three week course in forest recreation (yes, it really is a class!).

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Aside from hiking and generally just enjoying the outdoors, the students learned the history of forest recreation in America; Discussion topics included the history of National Park creation, important figures in history that pushed for the protection of wilderness like John Muir and Aldo Leopold, and which government components control and manage the different aspects of recreation. Enjoy the pictures!

Billy

Club VP Selected to Serve as SAF Student Congress APSAF Chair

2009-07-06T15:36:00.002-05:00

This article was recently posted on the college homepage:

Haywood Community College Forestry student Bill Sweeney was recently elected as the national Society of American Foresters Student Congress Chair. Student from any college represented in the Appalachian Society of American Foresters were eligible to apply for this position including those from two and four-year schools. As Student Congress Chair, Sweeney will lead other student delegates from across the nation representing their respective forestry programs at the 2009 Annual SAF Conference to be held in Orlando, Florida in September.

Sweeney will graduate from HCC next spring. He is vice president of the school’s Forestry Club and has a 4.0 grade point average. He was a marshal at this year’s graduation ceremony. On the HCC Woodsmen’s Team, he competes in the bolt split, axe throw, dendrology, and pulp toss events. This past year, he came in second place in the dendrology and axe throw events. As the Student Congress Chair, Sweeney will serve as liaison between the Appalachian SAF and colleges. He plans to create a network of forestry club presidents in hopes to get students more interested. Most of HCC Forestry students are already very active in the SAF.

“This position is a great networking tool,” Sweeney says. “It is a great way to obtain knowledge on jobs, a career, and for mentorship.” Sweeney says he will participate once a month in phone conferences and consistently through email with the SAF and Student Congress.

Sweeney is a native of Asheville and graduated from Asheville High School in 1992. He spent two years in the Army as a mechanic and two years in the active Reserves. He was worked in retail automotive managing various commercial automotive stores. In addition to attending HCC full-time, he also works full-time at O’Reilly Auto Parts. Sweeney says pursuing a career in forestry is something he’s always wanted to do. “Growing up, I took regular trips hiking, camping, and picnicking in the Pisgah National Forest.” He believes that the role of a forester is to be right in the middle of preservation and conservation.

After graduation, Sweeney plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at either Virginia Tech or the University of Idaho. “HCC is really hands-on,” he explains. “HCC definitely gives you the experience of doing the work, doing the job you will be doing when you finish school. They have a great staff that is interested in helping you succeed. Every teacher has gone out of the way to help. There’s no excuse not to do well.”

Mt. Lyn Lowery Mensuration Hike

2009-06-30T20:25:00.005-05:00

As a reward to the students who worked so hard to achieve and maintain the high HCC Forestry standards in the Summer 2009 Mensuration Class, instructor Bob Pinkston led a 15 mile hike to and from the summit of Mt. Lyn Lowery. Though long and arduous, the vistas and feelings of accomplishment shared by the class made the trek more than worthwhile. The students came to see why Lyn so dearly loved these mountains. Posted below are some shots of the trip taken by the students with hopes that you too will enjoy the beauty of Mt. Lyn Lowery as we did.

~Billy

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SummerMensuration Class 2009

2009-06-23T21:02:00.007-05:00

Forestry juices are a-flowin' as students put their gained knowledge into practice during week two's systematic cruise on the Beaty Forest.

Pictured: Jessi Bowen
Picture by: Ryan Hyman

Forestry Club Banquet Directions

2009-05-06T21:17:00.002-05:00

Hey Guys, the banquet being held tomorrow is going to be at Leslie Boyd's house. Directions to her house are posted below. For additional directions, or if you get lost call Leslie at (828)734-5954 (cell) or (828)926-2061 (home)

From I-40 West:
Take exit 20
Bear right and go under the bridge.
Take the first right onto Cove Creek Rd.
Continue approximately 1/2 a mile, then
Take a left onto Bob Boyd Rd.
Field is on the right, look for the festivities

From School:
follow USHWY 19/23 west
Take exit 103 (Dellwood Rd) toward Maggie Valley
Continue on Dellwood Rd. approximately 4 miles, then
Take a right onto Hwy 276 (Jonathan Creek Rd.) Dollar General is at the corner
Continue Approximately 5 miles, then
Take a left onto Cove Creek Rd. (it's the last left before you get to I40)
Continue approximately 1/2 a mile, then
Take a left onto Bob Boyd Rd.
Field is on the right, look for the festivities

See you all there!
Billy

Lumberjacks Demo for Chile Group

2009-05-06T08:11:00.001-05:00

"Los Madereros" from HCC put on a show for a visiting group of Rotarians from Chile this afternoon. The Forestry Club demonstrated the various events involved in timbersports to the group that is visiting western North Carolina for several weeks. Students donned their official "team uniforms" of hickory shirts and red suspenders and showed off the finer points of axe-throwing, speed-chopping, and crosscut sawing. The group also toured the Professional Crafts program while on campus.

Lumberjacks Finish 2nd in 2009 Mid Atlantic Meet

2009-04-22T18:50:00.002-05:00

The HCC Lumberjacks made the 9 hour trek to western Maryland and came very close to ousting the reigning Mid-Atlantic champions, Penn State Mont Alto. HCC Freshman Daniel Jones placed a solid second in the STIHL Mid Atlantic Collegiate Challenge posting amazing times in the four STIHL events.

A Message from the New Club President

2009-04-22T18:46:00.001-05:00

Mid-Atlantic Trip

2009-04-16T19:33:00.002-05:00

We will be meeting at the vans behind the student center at 6:30 AM tomorrow morning, Friday April 16th, with plans to leave at 7:00 AM. Be prepared to camp up there, as we decided not to rent motel rooms.

See you guys in the morning,

Billy

Shining Rock Wilderness Hike

2009-04-06T20:55:00.003-05:00

This last Saturday we had a great hike in the Shining Rock Wilderness, and much fun was had by all. We thank all who attended the hike and especially Bob Pinkston, who led the hike. Here are some shots from the excursion. Enjoy!

Billy

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American Chestnut Foundation Presentation

2009-04-06T20:11:00.004-05:00

Hey there folks!

Today we had Bryan Burhans from the American Chestnut Foundation share with us the state of the American chestnut, and what they have done to further research into the restoration of this American giant. He spoke of the American chestnut's historical, ecological and economic importance, as well as some of the traits and characteristics that made it such an important player in the construction of our country's infrastructure. The breeding programs that are being developed by the foundation are sighted in on eventual reintroduction and restoration of this once dominant tree to our national forests. Here are a few shots from the Presentation, as well as a link to the foundation's site. I encourage you to check it out, and possibly become a supporter. A special thanks to Bryan for the presentation, Frank for all the hard work in setting this up, and all the great folks that showed up to support our club.

Billy

http://www.acf.org/

This is Bryan doing his presentation

Here is club president Frank Potts presenting Bryan with a HCC Forestry Club T-shirt

Shining Rock hike

2009-04-03T22:31:00.001-05:00

Remember to meet in the old Wal-Mart parking lot at 9 AM. See you guys there!

Billy

2009-03-28T20:29:00.003-05:00

We had a great turn out to our second cookout on monday. We had a lot of fun showing some of the newcomers demos of the events held at Timbersport meets. Here are a few photos of the festivities. Enjoy!
~Billy

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Meeting Notes from 3/10/2009

2009-03-12T06:23:00.004-05:00

Howdy folks, here are some of the topics we discussed at the meeting on Tuesday.

We will be having a cookout on Monday March 23rd at the Woodsmen Team shed at 5:00.
We hope to be able to schedule a guest speaker from the American Chestnut Foundation for Monday March 30th. More details to follow.
We will be having Bob Pinkston lead a trip up to Shining Rock followed by a ramp hunt on Saturday April 4th. There is the possibility of a fish fry using those ramps following the trip. A sign up sheet will be posted on the FC bulletin board.
Frank has ordered the new FC T-shirts, and I must say they are sharp! Price will be $10 for club members and $15 for non club members.
We need every able bodied man and woman who is interested in competing in the Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen Meet to get up to the shed and practice. Please recruit folks when you can, as we would like to have a good showing in Maryland.
Elections for the next semesters club officers will be held following the Mid-Atlantic meet, so be thinking about who you would like to lead you next semester.

That's all folks!

Billy

March Forestry Club Cookout

2009-03-09T19:29:00.002-05:00

Well, we had a great turnout at the cookout today, and we appreciate everyone's attendance and support. A special thanks to all who helped plan and execute this get together; the food was great, and so was the fellowship. Here are some of the photos that were taken. Enjoy!

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Water Rock Knob Trip 2/22/09

2009-03-02T20:58:00.004-05:00

Here are a few more pictures from the hiking trip led by forester Bob Pinkston. Enjoy!

Photographer: Jeremy Graves
Pictured: Frank Potts, Sarah Miller, Jeremy Graves, Bob PInkston

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FC Club notes

2009-02-11T17:56:00.002-05:00

Hey guys and gals, I just have a few things this week.

The Mid-Atlantic woodsmen meet is going to be April 17th through 18th, a schedule of events is available on the display case outside the Naural Resources office. All potential competitors need to be attending practice regularly until then. THIS IS A BIG DEAL!
The hiking trip to Shining Rock is still on for Sunday Feb. 22. All folks interested in attending are encourage to attend the meeting on Tuesday Feb. 17 in room 310, where Bob Pinkston will be going over what to bring, and what to expect.
The HCC SGA would like some help manning the booth this weekend Saturday Feb. 14 in the Wal-Mart parking lot for helping with "Teddys for Troopers". Anyone interested should contact a FC Club officer for more information.
Timberbeast, VT's woodsmen event, is going to be Friday Feb. 27 for all interested. This isn't going to be club sponsored, so anyone wanting to go will need to provide their own transportation, and sleeping arrangements. All interested get with me (Bill), and if we have enough, we can decide whether or not we want to caravan up.

That's all folks!

Billy

FC Meeting Notes

2009-01-27T21:18:00.003-05:00

Hey guys! Welcome back! Here are the highlights from today's meeting.

Frank has a small order of the club t-shirts (24) on the way, so look for them in the next few weeks, and if your size isn't there or you want a case load of them, you will be given a chance to order more.
Feb. 7th: Saturday: Trail maintenance at Erwin High School is scheduled for 9 AM. We will be meeting at the vans and leaving around 8:30 AM if you need to follow someone there. If you won't be caravaning with us, but need directions, see a FC officer.
Feb. 14th: Saturday: We will be holding our first of many cookouts at the home of Jon Ward, FC VP, between 4 PM and 6 PM. Directions will be forthcoming for all who wish to attend. This a social event, and a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know the other members of our Forestry Club.
Feb. 22nd: Sunday: FC hike! LIke the cookout, this is to be the first of many. A destination has yet to be chosen, but should be by the next FC meeting.

That's all, folks

Billy

Halló, Góðan daginn, Živijo, Hola, Zdrasti, Ni hao, and Howdy!

2009-01-27T13:49:00.004-05:00

The forestry club blog has officially reached 3,000 hits. We especially appreciate our visitors from around the globe. We've had hits from China, Bulgaria, Latvia, Australia, Indonesia, Spain, the UK, Canada, Poland, Chile, Brazil, Germany, France, and Romania to name a few. It's pretty impressive to see that our club has garnered "worldwide" attention. Danke schön!

APSAF 2009

2009-01-26T22:27:00.002-05:00

Just a few pictures here from the recent trip the Forestry Club/SAF Student Chapter took to Newport News, Virginia for the winter Appalachian SAF meeting. We had the most students in attendance (beating out our 4-year counterparts!)

Home for the Holidays

2008-12-19T22:30:00.002-05:00

Hey guys, hope everyone did well during this last semester, and that you all have a great holiday season at home with your families. Frank will be contacting the folks that are interested in working at Erwin High over the holidays at some point, so more info will be forthcoming. Once again, enjoy your break, you guys have earned it!

Billy

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T22:18:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving!

Forestry Club Meeting Notes

2008-11-24T21:38:00.003-05:00

Here's what was discussed:

1) Trail Maintenance at Erwin High School

Frank will be traveling to meet with Ann Weatherly on Wednesday Dec. 3rd at 3PM to discuss a plan of action. Anyone who wishes to go with him is welcome, just meet at the vans at 2PM.
We start maintenance presumably on Dec. 6th, so anyone who is interested needs to get with a FC officer to add their name to the list.

2) T-shirts

T-shirts are up for the vote once again, as the previous design scheme was deemed too detailed. Anyone's design could win, so get something (ie. A design and/or slogan) together to present at the next meeting.

3) SAWA Meeting

Is to be held in Concord, NC at noon on December 7th
Hopefully we will have a school van to take, so we will be meeting at the vans at 7AM Sunday Morning to head out.
Bring money for any membership dues (if you wish to join), and lunch
Jimmy stresses that this meeting is very important, especially for members and future members of SAWA, as many policies and procedures as well as club officers will be voted on/for.

4) New FC meeting time

As was voted on unanimously, we will now be meeting bi-monthly rather than weekly, as much of the information has become redundant, and with exams coming, study time is precious. The next scheduled meeting will be December 8th.

5) Trail Maintenance on the Beatty Forest

Get with Andrew Stewart or Bob Pinkston if you wish to assist on this project.

Well, that's all folks! Study hard and have fun!

~Billy

Rolleo!

2008-11-19T22:31:00.004-05:00

Haywood's lumberjacks squared off against NC State and VA Tech in Rolleo at the Hill Forest last weekend. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Notes from the 11/3/08 club meeting

2008-11-03T20:49:00.003-05:00

Howdy folks! Here are a few of the highlights.......

Fall Fling volunteers are needed this Wednesday to help out as well as help represent our club. See a club officer to ask what you can do.
Concerning club t-shirts: Be sure to have your design and/or slogan ready by next Monday, keep in mind we want mountains, some wildlife and, of course, trees. We'll be putting them to the vote during the next meeting.
We are still looking for donations for the silent auction.
Erwin High School has paid us the honor of asking for our help in clearing a nature trail on their property, so we'll be looking for volunteers to help with that.
Be thinking of dates for the following:

Lumberjack dinner/breakfast
Silent Auction
Maintenance on the Beaty Forest trails/campground
Preston Forest trail maintenance
Hike to Shining Rock

That's all I have, folks. Keep studying, and have fun!

Billy

Cold Mountain hiking trip

2008-10-27T19:22:00.007-05:00

The Sunday trip to Cold Mountain was a success with our group of club members, led by Bob Pinkston, reaching the summit. Here are a few pictures taken by Jeremy Graves and friends to help you experience the trip. Enjoy!

The journey begins at Camp Daniel Boone

Forester Bob Pinkston leads the way

A glimpse of fall color

The majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in fall. Absolutely gorgeous.

Victory

A great day indeed!

Some Pics from the SAWA event Saturday Oct 18th

2008-10-18T21:46:00.003-05:00

Guffey contemplates where to sink his axe during throwing axe qualifiers.
Looks like a one pointer
Branson shows us how it's done during the stock saw qualifiers.

Judge cuttin' his second cookie during stock saw qualifiers.

Meeting Recap from 10/6/08

2008-10-06T19:55:00.002-05:00

Just hitting the high spots from the meeting here.

Concerning SGA events:

We need the names of any and all volunteers who can help out with one or more of the nine scheduled events. For a list of these events, please see a FC officer. The more folks we can get out there helping, the better our chances of winning 'Top Club' are. Again, see a FC officer to submit your name.

Concerning the Cradle:

GREAT JOB GUYS!!! We didn't win first, but, no worries, that can be remedied. I was proud to see the sheer overabundance of Haywood team spirit! I was also proud to see the heart certain individuals showed in fighting 'til the time limit, and not giving up! We have a great team, y'all, let's pull it together and take it to 'em at State for Roleo on the 15th of November. Practice, more practice.

Other events:

Any and all team members interested in the SAWA meet in Cruso, to be held on October 18th, need to get your names to Jimmy ASAP. There will be a $10.00 membership fee (this covers all eight shows for next year as well), and then a $5.00 fee per event you enter. Jimmy doesn't need your money right now, but will in the next week. Practice up, 'cause you could be on TV! No pressure there.........

That's all for now

Billy

Cradle of Forestry 2008

2008-10-05T22:44:00.003-05:00

Well, the HCC Woodsmen's Team fell just shy of first place after making an amazing nail-biter of a comeback during the 2nd half of the 13th annual woodsmen's meet at the Cradle of Forestry's Festival day event. However, the HCC lumberjacks and jills finished on top in many individual events. All those afternoons of practice paid off for the log roll team of Frank Potts, Rance Rogers, Julie Davis and Jeremy Graves who took first place. Guffey regained his mojo in bolt split. Daniel Jones and Braxton Spurlin took top slots in the stock saw while both men's crosscut teams (Judge/LaGrange & Guffey/Ward) finished ahead of the pack--"Wolfpack", that is...we were thrilled that NC State could join us this year at the Cradle! Haywood also had 1st place finishes with Julie Davis's women's axe throw win and Jon Wards first place finish in single buck. Our pole fell teams also shined with 1st and 2nd place finishes. Mont Alto barely edged our dendrology and quiz bowl teams in close contests and managed to end HCC's 8-year Cradle winning streak. Congratulations! Below are a few videos from the day. More are posted at: http://www.youtube.com/user/HCCForestryProf

Forestry Club Gives Demo and History Lesson at Haywood Fairgrounds

2008-09-29T14:01:00.002-05:00

On Friday, Forestry Club and Lumberjack team members put on a demonstration and talked about forest history with Haywood County elementary school kids. Axe-throwing was, of course, a highlight and club members Bill Sweeney and Christine Litton were right on target!

HCC's Axe Masters

2008-09-25T21:42:00.002-05:00

As the 2008 Cradle of Forestry Draws nearer, the practice field is alive with the "thuds", "dings", "clanks", and "knocks" associated with axe-throw practice--especially when misthrown axes bounce and careen off of various objects NEAR the target. Here are a few clips ending in the soft and sweet "thump" sound of a well-directed throw.

Bill Sweeney's patented 1-armed viking hurl.

Frank Potts hits axe targets and hornets nests with stunning accuracy.

Kelly Farmer shows the guys up with a solid bulls eye.

Forestry Club meeting schedule change

2008-09-22T22:15:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow's FC meeting is cancelled due to it being in direct conflict with a scheduled academic clinic. Frank and the board have set a new day, as this clinic will be meeting every week henceforth, but will be keeping the same scheduled time. Starting next week, the new meeting day will be Monday still at noon in room 309/310. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to respond here, or see Frank, John, Andrew, or Ethan.

Billy

Forestry Club at Back to School Blast

2008-09-21T19:38:00.005-05:00

The HCC Forestry Club and Woodsmen's Team set up a booth and timbersports demonstrations at HCC's "Back to School Blast". Club officers were on hand to talk to other students about the forestry program and members of the woodsmen's team put on a "clinic" on crosscut sawing and chopping. Members also tried their skills on a mechanical bull that SGA had on site for the event.

Club officers Jon Ward and Frank Potts manned an info table which highlighted the history of western NC forestry and HCC's natural resources programs.

Nathan "Junior" Edwards takes on the bull!

Ward and Guffey demo crosscut sawing.

Judge and Braxton race with DUI goggles.

Haywood Lumberjacks Active in SAWA

2008-06-18T07:49:00.004-05:00

Sophomore forestry students James Judge and Braxton Spurlin are continuing their lumberjack training over the summer and are actively competing in the South Atlantic Woodsman's Association (SAWA). In 2008, the HCC Lumberjack Coach, Jimmy Lawrence, took over leadership of the SAWA and Haywood Community College became a major sponsor of the association. The summer/fall season gets kicked off Saturday, June 21, with a competition at the Cradle of Forestry.

(Photo: Braxton Spurlin beginning chop in pole-fell event at 2008 Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Meet.)

Club Wraps up Year with Banquet

2008-04-30T07:58:00.006-05:00

The Forestry Club wrapped up a successful 2007-2008 year with their annual banquet this week. Club officers, advisors, staff, and individual students were recognized for their academic achievements and efforts in the forestry program and club activities. The club had a successful year of fundraising to support woodsmen's meets, attendance at conferences, supplies, and other activities--over $8,000 was raised through grants, sponsorships, and t-shirt and firewood sales. Instructor and "event coordinator" Bob Pinkston was recognized with a STIHL Mid-Atlantic Meet road sign that was signed by the club. HCC staff Gene Stano and Scott Page were also recognized for their efforts in making the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's Meet a spectacular success. Other awards were presented that highlighed student "extracurricular" activities (below).

Haywood Finishes 2nd at Mid-Atlantic Woodsmens Meet

2008-04-17T13:06:00.005-05:00

Beautiful weather but stiff competition welcomed the Haywood Lumberjacks this past weekend at the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's Meet. Accolades are deserving for the faculty, staff, and students who worked hard to make the event a spectacular success. The Penn State Mont Alto, Penn College, Montgomery Community College, and Allegany Community College teams traveled far and performed well. A big thanks to the teams, STIHL, and our other sponsors for such a great weekend! Enjoy the pics!

Lumberjack Team on ESPN Timbersports Page

2008-04-10T08:41:00.004-05:00

HCC's Lumberjacks have a feature article on ESPN's Timbersports website as they make their final preparations for the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's meet. To read the article, click on the link HERE! We look forward to seeing you at the competition field on campus this Saturday!

Haywood's Axmen

2008-04-03T12:08:00.001-05:00

The team has worn out the practice wood in preparation for the upcoming 2008 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's Meet to be held here on campus. Forestry Club President James Bentley only had two words for the competition....."Bring it."

Chainsaw Practice

2008-04-03T11:51:00.002-05:00

HCC Sophomore Lumberjack, Justin Grose, practices for the stock-saw event. Not bad!!

Single-Buck with Tiny

2008-04-03T08:06:00.002-05:00

HCC Lumberjack sophomore Josh "Tiny" Roten practices single-buck sawing.

Cross-Cut Clinic

2008-04-03T07:51:00.001-05:00

HCC Lumberjack sophomores James Bentley and Nathan Edwards practice crosscut sawing.

Axe Throw

2008-04-03T07:46:00.001-05:00

HCC Freshmen Lumberjack and Fish & Wildlife Management student, Jarrett Guffey, demonstrates axe-throw.

HCC Forestry Club Hosting STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Collegiate Challenge

2008-02-26T09:28:00.004-05:00

Mark your calendars! The HCC Forestry Club will be hosting the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmens meet and STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Collegiate Challenge on Saturday, April 12. We'll be welcoming Penn State Mont Alto, Penn College of Technology, Montgomery Community College, and Allegany College of Maryland to campus for a day of lumberjacking! Events kick off at 9:00 am with archery and dendrology and continue all day. The STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Collegiate Challenge happens at 12:30 where one competitor from each team will vie for a spot in the STIHL® Intercollegiate Championship in Columbus, Georgia this summer. See you on campus!

HCC Wins Virginia Tech Mini Conclave

2008-02-24T20:30:00.010-05:00

HCC woodsmen team traveled this past weekend to Blacksburg VA. to compete against NCSU, VT, and DSLCC in their annual mini-conclave. HCC took many of the events with a first place, to finish with a win in the end.

While at VT, the students took a tour of Cheathem Hall to learn a little more about VT forestry program and take a look at the class rooms.

(Above)HCC Woodman team during the tour of Cheathem hall.

The trip proved to be very fun and informational.

The forestry club would liked to thank VT for the invitation.

(Right )James B. and Heather J. took first in Jack and Jill.
(Above) James B and Nathan E. win Men's Cross cut with a 3.8 sec. Cookie on 8x8 white pine.

Forestry Club back at HCC and Back to Work!

2008-01-24T13:19:00.000-05:00

The Forestry Club at HCC kicked off their spring semester with a pizza lunch and info session with University of Idaho Natural Resources Recruiter, Mike Loehring. Mr. Loehring talked to natural resources students about forestry and fish and wildlife programs and transfer agreements.

The club also left for the APSAF winter meeting in Myrtle Beach yesterday. Pictures to follow!

Happy Holidays from the Forestry Club Elves!

2007-12-06T21:17:00.001-05:00

The guys look pretty good in green tights! To see them dance, visit: http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1150744017

Forestry Club T-Shirts For Sale

2007-11-15T13:54:00.000-05:00

This year, the Forsestry Club designed one of its best T-shirts ever and have extras on hand for sale for $15. Profits from shirt sales will be used to fund Forestry Club activities throughout the year.

Demo at Biltmore Lake

2007-11-03T20:52:00.000-05:00

HCC's Woodsmen's team was invited to 'strut their stuff' (see picture... Forestry Club President James Bentley engaged in strutting) at Biltmore Lake's 1st Fall Festival this weekend. A crowd of over 400 residents of Biltmore Lake in Asheville got to watch the team perform a number of timbersports events including crosscut sawing, underhand chopping, and chainsawing. A couple of spectators even strapped on chaps and pulled saws with teammembers. Forestry students Josh Roten, James Bentley, and Braxton Spurlin and Fish and Wildlife students Erin Bellavia and Jarret Guffey participated in the demo. Students participated in the event as part of their fundraising efforts to host the 2008 Stihl Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's Meet which will take place at Haywood in April.

HCC Lumberjacks take 1st Place at Cradle of Forestry

2007-11-03T20:48:00.000-05:00

A little late, but.....For the 8th year in a row, the Lumber Jacks and Lumber Jills of HCC bested the field of competition at the 12th annual Cradle of Forestry Woodsmens Meet. HCC's team went up against fellow competitors from Penn State Mont Alto, Dabney Lancaster Community College, Montgomery Community College, and 1st year invitee, Virginia Tech. Haywood jumped out to an early lead winning the Quiz Bowl Competition, taking 1st and 3rd place in Dendrology, and finishing 1st in Archery. Haywood also dominated in the Water Boil event, Women's Chainsaw, Pole Climb, Men's Horizontal Speed Chop, Women's Axe Throw, and Men's Crosscut Saw among others. The event was graced with excellent weather and a crowd of over 2,000 spectators who were dazzled by all participants' sawmenship and sportsmanship.Sporting freshly cut mohawks, HCC's woodsmen took to the field after several weeks of practice and firewood fund-raising to host the event. After camping out, the teams awoke Saturday morning to an old style lumberjack breakfast prepared by HCC Blacksmithing Instructor David Burnette and his crew at the Pink Beds at the Cradle of Forestry.

Fish and Wildlife Instructor Shannon Rabby set up an information booth about HCC's different programs in natural resources and also provided hands-on environmental education to youngsters who attended the event.

"Fired up!" HCC's Quiz Bowl victory over Virginia Tech set the stage for the rest of the day and Austin Keener's fast time in the Water Boil event kept HCC "smokin'!".

Woodsmen's meet organizer and founder John Palmer was also recognized by the Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Society in a special ceremony at noon for his 12 years of work with the event. Cradle of Forestry Executive Director Alex Comfort unveiled a banner officially naming the event the "John G. Palmer Intercollegiate Woodsmens Meet."

Preston Simpson

2007-09-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

I'd say the VP of the Forestry Club makes a pretty convincing Simpson...thanks to http://www.simpsonizeme.com/.... and 5 minutes of photoshop!

Forestry Club Begins Practice for 2007 Cradle of Forestry

2007-09-04T12:06:00.001-05:00

The Forestry Club is up and running for the new academic year. Sophomore officers James Bentley, Preston Honeycutt, and Zack Koonce have rallied the troops for a beginning-of-the-semester cookout (with Wildlife and Archery Clubs as well) and have recruited a new crew of 'talent' for the woodsmen's team. The first major lumberjack meet of the year will be the first weekend in October at the Cradle of Forestry. Haywood's lumberjacks (and jills!) will square off against their rivals Penn State Mont Alto, Dabney Lancaster, Montgomery Community College, and first year invitee, Virginia Tech.

Above: (Freshman Ryan Gilliland practices single-buck.)

The team practices daily at the old lumberyard with "Coach" Jimmy Lawrence, who gives tips on technique for chopping and sawing events. The club is currently planning a couple of fundraising activities and does have firewood for sale. For more info about these and other club activities, contact Forestry Club President, James Bentley at jwbentley@yahoo.com

Sophomore women Holly Warren and Erin Bellavia practice women's crosscut.

Axe-Throwin' Shelly

2007-08-08T14:55:00.000-05:00

Shelly Lowe, HCC student and Forestry Club member, demonstrates excellent form and technique in the Axe-Throw. The Forestry Club at Haywood Community College is actively seeking members for the 2007-2008 Woodsmen's Team. If you are interested in participating, contact James Bentley at jwbentley66@yahoo.com!

Blackburn WINS STIHL Intercollegiate Championship!!

2007-07-17T12:37:00.000-05:00

HCC Forest Management graduate, Jay Blackburn, placed FIRST in the STIHL National Collegiate Timbersports Championship held in Stillwater, Minnesota this weekend (July 21). Jay squared off against 5 other regional champions (the best from 40 colleges/universities from the US and Canada) and secured a spot in the STIHL Timbersports Professional Series!!

Competition was extremely tight and came down to a 3-way tie where Jay emerged the victor in a stocksaw showdown.Jay has been training 6 days a week throughout the summer and felt much more prepared than last year--when he placed third overall. Jay recently trained with Arden Cogar Jr., a STIHL pro-series finalist, in West Hamlin, West Virginia. You can see some video of this practice session below and we will post videos of Jay's performance in Minnesota as soon as they are available!

Underhand chopping, stock chainsaw, and single-buck practice on red oak and white pine.

First Summer Meeting Flyer

2007-06-03T22:42:00.002-05:00

Video Highlights from Timbersports Competitions

2007-05-29T17:01:00.001-05:00

Men's Stocksaw Event (Jay Blackburn)

Jack and Jill Crosscut (Brooke Banks)

Men's Crosscut (Josh Roten and Jason Jones)

"Man of Stihl" Featured in Smoky Mountain News

2007-05-01T22:17:00.000-05:00

Senior Forest Management Technology major, Jay Blackburn, was recently featured in the Smoky Mountain News regarding his repeat qualification for the Stihl Intercollegiate Timbersports Championship. Jay will once again represent HCC in Stillwater, Minnesota this summer. If he wins, Jay will secure a spot in the professional series to compete against the big boys of Stihl Timbersports. You can read the entire article by following this link--and see his mug representing the college on the Haywood Billboard on Hwy 23/74!

Lumberjacks Finish 3rd at Mid-Atlantic Meet

2007-04-17T09:27:00.000-05:00

Despite the constant rain and cold temperatures, the HCC woodsmen's team rebounded late in the day from last place to finish 3rd in the 2007 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's Meet held at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge, Virginia. Competition was fierce as Penn State Mont Alto successfully defended their overall Mid-Atlantic title and Dabney S. Lancaster finished in 2nd place. Forestry senior Jason Jones made strong showings in the single-buck sawing event and underhand chop and "cut wood good!" with his freshman teammate, James Bentley, in the men's crosscut and pole fell events which put a lot of HCC points on the board. Teammates Heather Johanssen and Brooke Banks took first place in the women's crosscut event and incoming student Kendawa Ruckman placed second in men's bowsaw. Max Cox placed third in the men's axe throw after a "throw-off" with four other competitors. Footage from this years competition will be aired on ESPN-U in July.

Jay Blackburn Qualifies for Intercollegiate Championship

Forestry senior Jay Blackburn will travel again to Stillwater, Minnesota to represent the college in Stihl's Intercollegiate Timbersports Championship. Jay finished first place in each of the qualifying events--underhand chop, single-buck saw, and stocksaw--to secure a more than 20 second lead over the next best competitor. As a freshman in last year's intercollegiate event, Jay placed third overall and this year hopes to improve his times to secure a bye into Stihl's Timbersports Series.