Natural Resource Management

Summer 2024

Enrollment:

Fall, Winter on space availability

Degrees and Certificates

Program Website:

View the program website

Program Description

The associate in applied science degree in Natural Resource Management prepares students to work in the forestry area. This program is nationally accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Two additional options are available: Parks and Recreation or Wildlife Fisheries. The Wildlife\Fisheries program is accredited by the North American Wildlife Technicians Association. The Parks and Recreation option prepares students for park maintenance and/or interpretive positions. The Wildlife/Fisheries option prepares students to perform field sampling as well as habitat restoration work.

All students must complete an internship of at least 400 hours to complete the degree. Second-year students may remain in the main program which is forestry-based, or they may select one of the two options for an AAS degree which requires a total of 90 credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify selected forest trees, shrubs, and forbs native to the Pacific Northwest.
  2. Use various instruments to measure the height, diameter and age of trees and apply this data to volume, site, and growth determinations.
  3. Operate hand compasses, level, global positioning systems, and electronic instruments in determining slopes, turning angles, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
  4. Utilize maps and aerial photographs in the management of natural resources, including the use of geographic information systems.
  5. Recognize common diseases and insect pests of forest trees and assess their damage.
  6. Use the computer as a tool for solving natural resources problems and applying cartographic concepts to the development of effective reference and theme-based maps.
  7. Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.
  8. Recognize and apply the various silvicultural systems and techniques used in ecosystem management.
  9. Understand concepts involved in soil science including soil management, conservation, and use of soils in forestry and agriculture.
  10. Maintain and safely operate a chainsaw.
  11. Write technical reports and give presentations.
The number of technical level jobs has increased in some areas and remained steady in most others. Public pressure for environmental protection and management has led agencies to undertake projects in all areas of the natural resources that require qualified field technicians to complete.