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The week of June 18th through June 22nd proved to be an adventure in forestry for 29 educators from across Louisiana. The 5th annual Louisiana Forestry Teachers Tour, based in Alexandria, Louisiana, once again challenged and provided insight into forestry practices for the teachers attending.

The tour began on Tuesday afternoon when teachers checked in and registered for the tour. The program began with opening comments from the tour staff, followed by a PLT workshop. The workshop opened with an activity that allowed participants to get to know one another and introduce one another. Other activities demonstrated how trees grow and the requirements necessary for growth, the products that come from the forest and how to use the activities with students. Teachers then received a PLT activity guide and additional materials and information. An address by State Forester Paul Frey, explanation of sustainable forestry by Mr. Ed Robichaux and presentation by Ms. Sonnie Milton on the Southern Forest Heritage Museum all followed the PLT workshop. The first evening ended with an opportunity for teachers, sponsors and guests to visit with each other.

Day two began at 7AM. Tour members boarded the chartered bus and traveled to the Roy O. Martin mill in LeMoyen. While there teachers had the chance to see first hand how trees were converted into lumber. The next stop was the Alexander State Forest. Upon arrival, teachers were treated to a catered lunch compliments of Gaiennie Lumber Company. After lunch, Mr. John Martel, complex manager for the state forest led a tour of some of the forest management operations taking place on the state forest. From there, the group visited the US Forest Service Palustris Research Station. Ms. Mary Anne Sword and Mr. Eric Kuehler demonstrated some of the equipment used and measurements taken at the site. The teachers them participated in a PLT activity demonstrating how key elements affected trees. Upon departing the research station, the group then traveled to the Southern Forest Heritage Museum. They were able to get an after hours tour of the museum and grounds. Dinner was served at the museum compliments of Roy O. Martin Company.

At 7AM on day three, the group set out to visit a non-industrial private landowner's property. Mr. Robert Johnson led a tour of his property. He pointed out particular management practices on various parts of his property. A particular point of interest for the educators was the work being done to manage for longleaf pine. The next stop was a harvesting operation by Boise Cascade. Ms. Tina Meiners explained the decision making and implementation involved with thinning a stand of timber. The teachers were able to observe aspects of the operation including felling, skidding and loading of the trees. They also saw first hand the attention given to employee safety and caring for the site. The tour stopped at Kees Park in Pineville for lunch. The Louisiana Building Materials Association provided lunch for the group. After lunch, the teachers toured the International Paper mill in Pineville. Educators learned of the process of making paper while viewing the operation and witnessing many of the quality control measures. Upon completion of the paper mill tour, International Paper Company treated the teachers to dinner at Loyd Hall. In addition to a wonderful meal, the group enjoyed a tour of the plantation home and a tour trivia activity.

After breakfast on day four, the tour visited Kisatchie National Forest. Mr. Jim Caldwell led a tour of many interesting areas on the national forest. Teachers learned about wilderness areas, managed areas and recreation on Kisatchie. The half-day visit ended with a picnic lunch provided by Smurfit-Stone. The next stop on the tour was Bosie Cascade's laminated veneer lumber mill. Tour guides showed and explained how alternative wood products are made and their importance in construction. Mr. Joe Elder Jr. of Elder Wood Preserving Company joined the tour and addressed the group in route to the preserving plant. He shared his appreciation and respect for educators. He gave an overview of wood preserving and some of the current issues facing the industry. Upon arrival at the treating plant, participants were able to view the processes involved with treating wood. The evening ended with dinner provided by Elder Wood Preserving Company.

The morning of the fifth day involved closing comments and evaluations. Teachers received additional materials and shared comments about the tour. The teachers were provided with information about their sponsor(s) and contact information for all tour participants.