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NEWPORT — The Kalispel Tribe recently hosted the second annual Pend Oreille County Forestry Contest at the Indian Creek Community Forest. Under the direction of Future Farmers of America instructor Aubrey Markel, the Cusick Panthers came prepared and earned first-place honors as this year’s overall champion. The event drew 65 high school students from Cusick, Kettle Falls, Freeman, Medical Lake, Colville and Davenport. The contest served as a practice event ahead of the regional forestry competition scheduled for Stevens County in spring 2026.
“Our organization is always excited to be part of this event, and it’s incredible to see how much our community has rallied to support the Forestry Competition and its continued growth,” said Stephen Allen, communications manager for the Pend Oreille Conservation District.
Based on the FFA career development curriculum, these forestry contests give students the opportunity to demonstrate practical skills used in the forestry industry. This year’s Pend Oreille Forestry Contest included five scored stations: timber cruising, compass and pacing, map interpretation, native tree identification and tool identification.
“This event is a valuable learning opportunity for students and a great activity for our community,” said Mike Lithgow, director of policy and outreach. “We sincerely thank our sponsors, volunteers, and partners for making it possible.”
