RMMS forestry team.L-R: Mason Sowers, Brian Watts, JJ Huffman, Carli Martin, Jonathan Ballard, and Abbi Whitlock.

The Lord Botetourt FFA and the Read Mountain Middle School FFA competedin the District Forestry Evaluation Event on October 11that Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge,Virginia.At the event students had to Identify Common Forest Trees, Measure trees to calculate Volume and Value of standing timber, Identify common tools and equipment used in the forestry industry, determine how to properly space trees for a select harvest operation and read and interpret a topographical map.

The Lord Botetourt team consisting of team members Zach Dove, Caleb Rich, Ryan Newton and Katelyn Stevens placed 1st in the Senior division (10th-12th grade) With Caleb Rich, Zach Dove and Katelyn Stevens respectively being recognized as the top three individuals overall.

The Read Mountain team consisting of team members Mason Sowers, Brian Watts, JJ Huffman, Carli Martin, Jonathan Ballard and Abbi Whitlock placed 1st in the Junior division (6th-9th grade) with Mason Sowers,Abbi Whitlock, Brian Watts respectively being regonized at the top three individuals in the event.

Both teams will continue on to compete in regional competition.