“Students from Bret Harte High School Participate in 2023 El Dorado Forestry Challenge // Grizzly Flats, CA — 9 students from Bret Harte High School participated recently in the 2023 El Dorado Forestry Challenge, one group of a total of 111 high school students from 15 schools from the foothill and central valley regions of California. The event was October 25 to 28 at Leoni Meadows Camp, in Grizzly Flats, California.
One of the highlights for the students this year was the opportunity to consider the steps involved with forest management planning on a 154-acre forested parcel in the Grizzly Flats area that did not burn in the Caldor Fire. Students conducted a cruise on the property to assess the current forest conditions, identify threats, and recommend treatments. During the Challenge, teams of students also completed a field test to assess their technical forestry knowledge and data collecting skills.
'The Forestry Challenge is always an excellent opportunity for my students to learn hands-on and life skills. It is always a valuable use of our time.' said Bret Harte High School teacher Matt Castro. Megan Scott a senior at Bret Harte, summed it up as follows: 'It is always a great experience being able to spend time in nature and learn about possible career choices. It is also a great bonding experience to bond with our peers that everyone should experience.'
FOR INFORMATION: Diane Dealey Neill, Coordinator | Forestry Challenge | (530) 417-1960
The Forestry Challenge is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/. Funding for this project provided by The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Business and Workforce Development Grants and a grant from the US Forest Service.”
Photo courtesy of Mr. Castro.