GARRETT
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
NRW 275
FOREST
MANAGEMENT
This
course is an overview of basic principles and procedures commonly applied in
forest resources management. Topics
include the fundamentals of forestry science, silviculture systems and
practices, harvesting practices, forest economics, principles of the multiple
use approach, and preparation of a forest management plan. Field experience will be a major focus of
this course.
NRW 275
FOREST MANAGEMENT
MISSION
This course is designed to provide the student with
the knowledge and fundamental skills necessary for integrating the principles
of forest science with successful management of natural resources. These skills include both theoretical and practical
applications, including proficiency in developing forest management plans based
on multiple use objectives.
OBJECTIVES
1. The student will acquire the ability to critically examine
historical precedents, ecological systems, and policy ramifications when
evaluating forestry issues.
2. The student will develop the mental and practical tools and
discipline that are a prerequisite for developing and instituting a multiple
use approach to forest management.
3. The student will develop an understanding of the several fields
of science integral to managing forests, i.e., forest ecology, soils,
microbiology, plant physiology, and entomology.
4. The student will develop a general understanding of fire
management techniques and their application in modern silviculture.
5. The
student will gain an understanding of the importance of recreation, urban and
community forestry, and land use planning in managing today's forests.
6. The
student will integrate the economics of forest management, i.e., logging
production and forest products, with ecological principles that incorporate a
holistic approach to management.
COURSE CONTENT
The following are topics
that are covered over the course of a semester. As opportunities arise to
incorporate new and
innovative techniques, course content may be modified.
Introduction to forest systems
Historical use of forests, renewable resource policies,
forest ecology
Forest soils, sediment/erosion control and timber
harvest, buffer management plans
Forest recreation management
Forest pathogens and insect pests
Forests and fire as a management tool
Forest fire behavior and wildfire suppression, prevention
and control
Silviculture
Logging
production and forest products
Urban
and community forestry
Lab
I Fire
Fighting Field Exercise
Lab
II Woodland
Examination (field)
Lab
III Silviculture
and Forest Ecology
Lab
IV Logging
Site Planning and Layout
Lab
V Street
Tree Inventory
Presentation
of Forest Management / Stewardship Plan
Teaching Techniques
The instructional approach for this course is based
on the following formats:
Lecture
Video
/ Computer media
Lab
exercises
Field
exercises
Field
trips
EVALUATION
METHODOLOGY
Students are evaluated and receive a final grade
based on the following methods:
Three
Section Exams
One
Final Exam
One
formal 20 page Forest Management / Stewardship Plan
Oral
Presentation of Forest Management / Stewardship Plan
Field
Quizzes
COURSE TEXT
"Introduction to Forest and Renewable
Resources" by Sharp and Hende. (6th
Edition)
OTHER ASSIGNED
READINGS
Forestry Handbook (Wenger)
Silvicultural Systems of the Major Forest Types of
the U.S. (USDA)
Forest Ecology
(Spurr and Barns, 3rd Edition)
Soil Survey of Garrett County (USDA)
Forest Fire Control and Use (Brown and Davis)
The Practice of Silviculture (Smith)