Area 4 Envirothon

Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Identify common trees without a key and identify specific or unusual species of trees or shrubs through the use of a key

• Understand forest ecology concepts and factors affecting them, including the relationship between soil and forest types, tree communities, regeneration, competition, and succession

• Understand the cause/effect relationship of factors affecting tree growth and forest development (climate, insects, microorganisms, etc.)

• Understand how wildlife habitat relates to forest communities, forest species, forest age structure, snags and den trees, availability of food, and riparian zones

• Understand the value of trees in urban and suburban settings and factors affecting their health and survival

• Understand how the following issues are affected by forest health and management: biological diversity, forest fragmentation, air quality, fire, and recreation

• Understand basic forest management concepts and tools such as: how various silvicultural practices are utilized, the use of tree measuring devices, and best management practices

• Identify complex factors which influences forest management decisions (economics, social, and ecological)

• Apply silviculture concepts and methods to develop general management recommendations for a particular situation and management goals