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Sustainable Forestry Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the teachers/counselors see?
Through the Sustainable Forestry Tour teachers and counselors immerse themselves in the social, economic and ecological aspects of sustainable forestry. Once they arrive at the tour, they'll will be treated as a VIP! They are immersed in sustainable forestry issues with valuable information and concepts they can bring into their classrooms. During the 3-day program, participants visit private, state and federal forests; tour a sawmill, plywood mill, paper mill, and seedling nursery; visit a fish hatchery; see an active timber harvesting operation, walk in managed forest stands of differing ages and visit an ancient cedar grove. Throughout the tour, they learn directly from the natural resource professionals who care for our forests, and those who provide products we all use every day. Teachers and counselors leave with abundant information and resources to explore sustainable forestry and related careers with their students.
Who should apply to go on the tour?
Teachers and school counselors of 3rd through 12th grades are invited to apply. We encourage teachers who have specialties in science, natural resources, vocational or agriculture education, and career counselors to apply. The most important goal in selecting a teacher or counselor is their ability to share what they learn on this tour with their students and peers.
How are participants selected?
The Idaho Forest Products Commission is recruiting teachers and counselors from throughout the region. They are also often recruited by tour sponsors. Selected participants will be matched with sponsors. Teachers and counselors may apply for a spot on the tour online at www.idahoforests.org, or by requesting an application from IFPC. While we can't guarantee everyone will be selected, we'll give careful consideration to all applicants.
Teacher/Counselor Application Deadline: 3/31/08. All applicants will be notified by 4/30/08.
Who pays for the participant’s hotel room and food during the tour?
There are many sponsors who make the Sustainable Forestry Tour possible. Participants are sponsored by a variety of forest product businesses, such as sawmills, logging companies, building material suppliers, and trade groups. The sponsor pays a $300 registration fee, which covers all room and board charges during the tour. The sponsor also pays for the participant's round-trip travel expenses.
When and where do participants need to arrive?
Participants need to register anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25. The tour officially kicks off at 3 p.m. and ends at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 28. An optional jet-boat ride on the Snake River, including lunch, will take place on Saturday, ending at 5 pm. The tour operates out of, and participants lodge at, the Red Lion in Lewiston, Idaho.
Do participants share a hotel room?
We typically assign roommates to encourage interaction between tour participants and help keep travel costs down. Special arrangements may be made upon request. The Red Lion has a conference room where participants meet for breakfast and can network after each day's events. Spouses and family members are not permitted on the tour.
How do the participants get from place to place?
A shuttle is provided between the Red Lion and Lewiston Airport. During the tour, an air-conditioned bus picks up the teachers at the hotel and takes them to each site on the tour. Speakers and videos are often shown during the drive. Beverages, snacks and sanitary facilities are available.
How much hiking/walking is required?
Participants are walking through much of each day's tours. They should be able to walk two miles at a brisk pace and be able to tolerate high temperatures, as we'll often be out in the sun for long periods, and touring some mills that can be quite hot.
What should participants bring with them?
Bring casual clothing, as we'll be in the woods or touring factories and mills during most of the tour.
-Comfortable shoes for all day.
-Long-sleeve shirt and long pants (required in some facilities)
-Sunglasses, rain gear
-Camera
-Bug repellant, sunscreen and safety equipment are provided.
Are graduate credits available?
Two graduate credits (for recertification) are available from University of Idaho at the teacher's own cost. (Idaho educators: $86/credit. Outside Idaho educators: $227/credit. Washington ESD 101: 30 clock hours available.) Registration takes place during the tour.
What is the role of sponsors and how are participants and sponsors matched?
Sponsors are forest products businesses, individuals and agencies in Idaho and throughout the nation. Sponsors provide registration and transportation costs for tour participants and directly handle participant travel costs. Sponsors often develop a business/education partnership and are a source of information to their teacher/counselor after the tour is completed. We will match each participant with a sponsor. Some sponsors will recruit teachers or counselors and create a match. We will happily match interested participants with other sponsors who pay their registration fee and transportation costs.
Sponsor Application Deadline: 3/31/08. Sponsor/Participant match confirmed by 4/30/08.
How much does it cost to sponsor a teacher or counselor?
The cost to sponsor a teacher or counselor is $300 (registration fee which covers all charges from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday afternoon) plus the participant's travel expenses (by plane or car is up to the sponsor and participant). Keep in mind that they may also need lodging Tuesday and/or Saturday evening and additional meals, depending on their home location. In general, the total cost of sponsoring a teacher or counselor is typically $300 to $900.
What is the Sponsor/Teacher/Forester partnership?
A local forester or other natural resource professional in your community may become involved in helping you find a teacher or counselor, and/or in keeping in touch with your participant beyond the tour. They will have both of you to come to with questions following the tour, and for additional resources to help teach their students about sustainable forestry and related careers.
What if I have other questions?
Teachers & Sponsors are encouraged to contact the Idaho Forest Products Commission at 208-334-4061 (toll free at 800-ID-WOODS) or e-mail plt@idahoforests.org.
 
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