Forestry Merit Badge

Important Information:

• This is a drop-off class. Drive in through the outer gate and drop-off at the main brick building.
• Parents/leaders are welcome to wait onsite in our breakroom with free Wi-Fi ,or in one of several outdoor seating areas. Our property is adjacent to Norvin Green State Forest, which has many hiking trails.
• Pre-requisites MUST be completed prior to the in-person class: 5a, 5b OR 5c (SCOUTS CAN CHOOSE ANY OPTION for requirement 5) & 8.
• Scouts MUST bring physical proof of pre-requisite completion to class.
• Scouts MUST bring a signed Blue Card to class for our counselors to sign.
• Scouts MUST wear their uniform & closed-toe shoes.
• Cell phones will be collected at the beginning of each class, to ensure Scouts give their undivided attention to the badge Counselor.

Cancellations requested 2 or more weeks in advance will be refunded at the full price, minus Evenbrite fees. Refunds are not available with less than 2 weeks notice.

Instructors: Badges are taught by our certified Counselors who are experienced educators, have completed the Youth Protection Training, and are Wilderness First Aid certified. They are certified through the Northern NJ, BSA Council. Our current Counselors are: Lauren Lynch, Nicole Vaccaro, Peter Lundell, Chris Campbell

Forestry Prerequisites:

Requirement 5a, 5b,OR 5c: scouts choose one to do as PREREQ

-Requirement 5a: Visit a managed public or private forest area with the manager or a forester who is familiar with it. Write a brief report describing the type of forest, the management objectives, and the forestry techniques used to achieve the objectives.

How to complete this: Scouts must bring in their physical or written report describing the type of forest, the management objectives, and the forestry techniques used to achieve the objectives, we will discuss their reports together during class.

• Ringwood Forest Management Website: https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/ringwoodstatepark.html#

OR

-Requirement 5b: With a knowledgeable individual, visit a logging operation or wood-using manufacturing plant. Write a brief report describing the following:

(1)The species and size of trees being harvested or used and the location of the harvest area or manufacturer

(2) The origin of the forest or stands of trees being utilized (e.g., planted or natural)

(3) The forest’s successional stage. What is its future?

(4) Where the trees are coming from (land ownership) or where they are going (type of mill or processing plant)

(5) The products that are made from the trees

(6) How the products are made and used

(7) How waste materials from the logging operation or manufacturing plant are disposed of or utilized

How to complete this: Scouts must bring in their physical or written report describing the above points. We will review their report and discuss it together in class.

OR

-Requirement 5c: Take part in a forest-fire prevention campaign in cooperation with your local fire warden, state wildfire agency, forester, or counselor. Write a brief report describing the campaign, how it will help prevent wildfires, and your part in it.

How to complete this: Scouts must bring in their physical or written report describing the fire prevention campaign, how it prevents wildfires, and your part in it. We will review their report and discuss it together in class.

• Ringwood NJ’s Fire Warden: https://www.ringwoodnj.net/content/2347/2355/14098.aspx

-Requirement 8: Visit one or more local foresters and write a brief report about the person (or persons). Or, write about a forester’s occupation including the education, qualifications, career opportunities, and duties related to forestry.

How to complete this: Scouts must bring in their physical or written report on either the foresters themselves or the education, qualifications, career opportunities, and duties related to forestry.

• New Jersey’s Forestry Association website to connect to a Forester: https://njforestry.org/contact-us/