ATHOL, ID – More than 200 students from across the state gathered at Farragut State Park on May 8 to participate in the 42nd annual Idaho State Forestry Contest, hosted by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) in partnership with the Bonner Soil & Water Conservation District (BSWCD).

A total of 220 students competed in a series of forestry-related challenges designed to test their skills in areas such as tree and plant identification, log scaling, compass and pacing, soil and water quality, and forestry tool identification. The event offers a hands-on educational experience that highlights real-world applications in forestry, conservation, and natural resource management.

“This contest brings together education, career exploration, and stewardship,” said IDL Director Dustin Miller. “It would not be possible without the close collaboration with the Bonner Soil & Water Conservation District and the support of hundreds of dedicated volunteers and donors.”

The contest, supported by more than 250 volunteers including forestry professionals, educators, and conservationists, emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and engagement with Idaho’s natural resources.

Individual Winners

Senior Division

• Jonathan McComas – Whistlestop 4-H (496)

• Jared Cramer – Whistlestop 4-H (488)

• Ava Goetz – Orofino High School (473)

Junior Division

• Samuel Wenstrom – Whistlestop 4-H (468)

• Caitlyn Cramer – Whistlestop 4-H (467)

• Andrew Guadagnini – Whistlestop 4-H (462)

Rookie Division

• McKenzie Stevens – Hidden Valley Academy (170)

• Emelia Hixson – Selle Valley Carden School (166)

• Amalia Nemeth – Selle Valley Carden School (162)

Team Winners

Senior Division – Whistlestop 4-H (Overall Score: 1880)

• Jonathan McComas (496)

• Jared Cramer (488)

• Samantha Guadagnini (469)

• Maria Guadagnini (427)

Junior Division – Whistlestop 4-H (Overall Score: 1832)

• Samuel Wenstrom (468)

• Caitlyn Cramer (467)

• Andrew Guadagnini (462)

• CJ Wetzel (435)

Rookie Division – Selle Valley Carden School (Overall Score: 581)

• Emelia Hixson (166)

• Amalia Nemeth (162)

• Jace Tuttle (136)

• Camille Burrows (117)

Top senior finishers planning to attend the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources this fall were also awarded scholarships of up to $1,000.

“Students don’t just learn at this event—they experience the forest as a classroom,” said BSWCD Executive Director Sarah Garcia.

Photos from the event and a complete list of winners are available at idl.idaho.gov.