The students discovered a shared trait between Henry VIII and lodgepole pines.
Both were known for their prolific seed spreading abilities.
During a visit to the Pintler Face II timber sale, students from Granite High School in Philipsburg learned about this analogy from Jake Lee, a service forester for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
The students arrived at the site and observed the process of felling lodgepoles by Parke Logging while Dave Krueger, a procurement forester for Sun Mountain Lumber, ensured their safety.
People are also reading…
The students learned about the lodgepole pine’s seed production and its importance in the forest ecosystem and economy.
They also got insights into the heavy equipment used by Parke Logging from Adam Parke, including the feller-buncher that caught the attention of the students.
Seth Blackstock and Jordan Price, two students, shared what they learned about the feller-buncher during the tour.
The group also included members of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Working Group, who collaborate with the Forest Service on forest projects.
While some controversy surrounds the Pintler Face project, logging activities were allowed to continue after a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen.
Representatives from the timber industry, including Sun Mountain Lumber and Montana Logging Association, joined the students on the tour to provide insights into forest management and the timber industry.
After the site visit, the students toured the Sun Mountain Lumber sawmill in Deer Lodge for a firsthand look at the wood processing industry.
The timber tour aims to educate students about the importance of forest management and the timber industry in Montana.
