The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Forestry Club hosted the 67th Association of Southern Forestry Clubs Conclave on Apr. 14, bringing together forestry students from across the southeastern region for a weekend of competition and community.
The event highlighted both technical knowledge and physical skills in forestry, offering students a chance to demonstrate their expertise while connecting with peers and alumni. The UAM team achieved a third-place overall finish, with notable first-place honors in the wildlife event and several other top-three placements in events such as wood technology, DBH estimation, bowsaw competitions, chain throw, crosscut events, and pole felling.
Laura Sims, associate professor with UAM’s College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and adviser to the club, said hosting the Conclave was about more than just competition. “This event is about more than competition; it’s about giving students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned and connect with supporters and peers. It also teaches organization and time management and how to have fun doing it too,” Sims said. “The UAM Forestry Club did great. I’m proud of their performance, professionalism and hospitality.”
Tate Tanner, president of the UAM Forestry Club, reflected on the effort that went into organizing the gathering: “Hosting Conclave is something we’ve worked toward all year, and seeing it all come together was incredibly rewarding.” David Coussens, Conclave chair for the club and incoming president added: “Placing third overall while hosting is something we’re really proud of, and it meant a lot to see the support from alumni, professionals from the forestry industry and the community.”
More than 250 competitors attended this year’s event along with over 100 alumni who returned for an on-campus gathering during Conclave activities. Cindy Snow Kopack—a graduate from UAM’s forestry program—said: “The college provided a wonderful weekend for us [alumni] to reconnect… First class all the way around!”
Support from sponsors—including industry partners—and local businesses contributed resources that made hosting possible according to Sims. She noted contributions by university staff members Stacy Wilson (forest manager) and Valerie Harvey (fiscal support analyst), as well as individual donors through organizations like The Ouachita Society of American Foresters.
According to the official website, The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service receives funding through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture alongside state appropriations; its programs aim to enhance agriculture communities by applying research-backed practices throughout Arkansas; delivery occurs via county offices located statewide as well as extension centers; specialists are present at five university campuses; social cohesion is supported through programs tailored for rural urban suburban communities; finally—the service operates within all seventy-five counties under oversight by The University Of Arkansas System Division Of Agriculture.
With strong performances across events—and longstanding traditions dating back decades—the conclave showcased both competitive spirit among current students as well as enduring ties between generations within southern forestry education.
