For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jeff Kirwan, PhD
Extension Specialist
College of Natural Resources
Va Tech Mail Code 0324
Balcksburg
540.231.7265

Ann Gallus
4H Volunteer
Loudoun County Wildlife Club
703.771.4911

The 2002 4H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Invitational in Wooster, Ohio, was won by the team representing Virginia on July 27. The 4-H¹ers from Augusta County and Loudoun County judged wetland habitat to capture the National title over twenty-five other states. Second place went to contestants from Tennessee, third was taken by the team from Alabama.

The Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program's national event is in its 25th year. It is held each summer at the different location so that a wide variety of habitats can be considered. The event is made up of five parts, identification of wildlife foods, wildlife management practices, interpretation of aerial photos, creation of a rural wildlife management plan, and an urban management plan.

Teams are made up of four high school age contestants that are chosen in advance by state competition. Virginia's team, Josh Salatin from Augusta County, Jordan Clough, Rosemary Martin and Emily Smith, all of Loudoun County, was chosen in May.

Species that were featured in this year's event included redhead duck, muskrat, wood duck, beaver and bullfrogs. Contestants were expected to know their habitat requirements, diet, cover and water needs. They had to be able to apply their knowledge to write a comprehensive plan to manage an area for multiple species.

The rural management plan component of the contest was won by Virginia with a score of 21 of a possible 30 points. Tennessee finished second with 20 points and Colorado third with 19 points.

The urban management plan included hummingbirds, eastern fox squirrels, butterflies and cottontail rabbits. This section was won by Utah with a score of 23 points out of 30. Virginia finished second with 21.5 points, Texas was third with 20.50.

Individual standings found Virginia members, Josh Salatin in 9th, Rosemary Martin 10th and Jordan Clough in 11th. Combined with their management scores this was enough to put them in first place with 245.850 points of a possible 300 points. Tennessee finished second with 240.280, and Alabama was third with 237.830.

The National Invitational is sponsored by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sustainable Forestry and Wildlife of International Paper, National Rifle Association and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.