Kids learn about logging

By LARRY HOLCOMBE

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OMA, Wis. - The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association is teaching kids across the region about the forest industry with a two-day Log-a-Load for kids symposium.

Day one, on Thursday, saw 408 school kids arrive from schools across northern Wisconsin and the western Upper Peninsula take in a series of learning stations set up in the woods north of Pine Lake in Oma.

Today will see 588 more kids come through, according to Tara Krall, Iron County Forestry Department office manager and trail coordinator.

Beginning at 9 a.m. and running into the early afternoon, kids rotated through stations learning different aspects about the logging industry and forest management from a variety of people, public and private. They spent 10 minutes at each station.

The Iron County Land and Water Conservation office was there, with stations dedicated to soils and water. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had stops dedicated to forest fires, wildlife and tree identification.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation also had a station to teach kids.

There were also stations led by loggers and people for wood product manufacturers. Kids learned about the various types of logging equipment used in the woods, as well as marking timber. One station had two horses used to skid logs; another included a portable sawmill.

"It's quite a learning experience for the children," said Krall. She said this was the second such event held in Iron County, the first being five years ago.

The county sold the 24 acres of stumpage at $1 a cord to the GLRPA, according to Krall. She said after the event, the GLRPA will sell the timber and donate proceeds to the Children's Miracle Network.

Thursday was sunny, yet a muddy, but colorful day in the woods.

The kids enjoyed a day outside and lunch, as well.