Sustainable Forestry Tour for Teachers & Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the participants experience?
Teachers and school counselors are immersed in the social, economic and ecological aspects of sustainable forestry. They gain information, concepts and activities to bring back to school. During the VIP experience, they’ll walk in managed forest stands of differing ages; tour wood and paper mills and a seedling nursery; see an active timber harvest operation; and experience and receive proven classroom activities to address tour topics with their students. Participants learn directly from professionals who care for forests, and those who provide familiar products. Participants return home with abundant information and resources to explore sustainable forestry and related careers with their students.
What grade(s) and subjects(s) should the participant teach or counsel? How are they selected?
The target audience in 2023 is teachers and school counselors of 7th through 12th grades. We seek a mix of those who focus on career awareness, sciences, math, language arts, social studies, agriculture, natural resources, STEM, engineering and mechanics. We aim for the group to represent different geographic areas, as well as a mix of grade levels and subjects, and hope participants share what they learn with their students and colleagues for years to come. There is a limit of 25 participants. While not everyone can be selected, careful consideration is given to every applicant. Those who aren’t selected may access many similar benefits through Project Learning Tree classes. https://idahoforests.org/plt.
Who pays for participant transportation, food and lodging?
All tour expenses (lodging, meals, travel to/from and during tour, materials) are covered by generous sponsors including a variety of forest product businesses such as sawmills, logging companies, building material suppliers; trade groups and other individuals; organizations and agencies.
Is there required pre- and post-work?
Participants must complete about 4 hours of work outside of the tour time, most of it prior to the tour. This includes completing a short online Project Learning Tree training. The pre- and post-assignments are required as part of the SFT experience, even if the participant chooses not to obtain credit.
Where and when does the tour take place?
The Sustainable Forestry Tour operates out of, and participants lodge at, University Inn in Moscow, Idaho. After completing the pre-tour assignments on your own, the tour runs from Monday, 6/26 at 10:30 am to Thursday, 6/29 at 11:00 am. The tour takes place in the Pacific Time Zone.
Do participants have to share hotel rooms?
Single occupancy lodging is provided, unless a roommate is requested. Non-participants are not permitted to attend the tour. However, if family/guests are traveling to Moscow with the participant, you may arrange with us to secure a larger room, if available, and pay any additional balance.
SFT FAQs continued on next page
How do the participants get from place to place?
Participants drive to Moscow or fly to either the Pullman or Spokane airports. Travel between the airports and Moscow will be arranged as needed. During the tour, air-conditioned vans or a bus will pick up the participants at the hotel and take them to tour sites.
How much walking/riding is required?
Participants will walk and ride each day. They must be able to walk at a brisk pace on uneven ground through brush, up and down hills and stairways, and on elevated walkways. Participants need to be able to ride in a van and/or bus for up to one hour at a time.
What should participants bring with them?
We’ll be in the woods or touring factories and mills during most of the tour. June weather in north-central Idaho is predictably unpredictable. It may be hot, cold, dry, wet or all of the above during the tour. Safety equipment, bug repellant, sunscreen and a first aid kit are provided. Please bring:
– Casual outdoor clothing, including a jacket, hat, rain gear and sunglasses.
– Closed-toe sturdy shoes or boots are required in mills and in the forest.
– Long pants are required on some mill tours and recommended in the forest.
– Medications (for motion sickness, insect stings, allergies, etc.)
– Devices to document your experience. Cell signals may not be available in some locations.
Are credits available?
Optional professional development credits (for recertification and/or payscale movement) are available from Northwest Nazarene University or University of Idaho at a cost to the participant of $60/credit. 1, 2 and 3-credit options are offered. The amount of work is the same for 1 or 2 credits. Those opting for 3 credits will complete an additional post-tour assignment. Links for credit registration will be provided prior to the tour. Contact plt@idahoforests.org if you need Washington NEWESD 101 Clock Hours to be arranged. For those needing proof of attendance, we will provide a letter and/or certificate.
What is the role of sponsors?
Sponsors are individuals, organizations forest product businesses, and state and federal agencies. Participant sponsors cover a sponsorship fee for tour participants. Other sponsors provide funding toward general tour costs. Sponsors often develop a relationship with participants and are a terrific source of information after the tour.
What if I have other questions?
Visit our website at https://idahoforests.org/tour.htm or contact us at plt@idahoforests.org or
208-863-1512. See photos from past tours on the Sustainable Forestry Tour Facebook page.
Idaho Forest Products Commission, 350 N 9th St., #102, Boise ID 83702
208-863-1512. plt@idahoforests.org, https://idahoforests.org