Natural resources affect every aspect of
our lives. Natural resources provide the raw materials for our homes and
workplaces, the books and newspapers we read, our water, and more. Those
who work in natural resources fill the role of attaining desired forest
conditions and benefits. As professionals, natural resource personnel
develop, use, and communicate their knowledge to sustain and enhance
natural resources for diverse benefits in perpetuity. To fulfill this
purpose, natural resources professionals need to understand the many
demands on our natural resources and the potential for ecosystems to
satisfy these demands now, and in the future.
The Associate
in Applied Science and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Natural Resources prepare
graduates to work in a variety of outdoor careers. The growing awareness
of water quality, wetland protection, reforestation and environmentally
sensitive timber harvest requires the services of technicians with a broad
knowledge base. People who are trained to measure and sample the forest, wildlife,
streams and wetlands will enhance their employment opportunities. Wildlife
biologists and professional foresters need personnel to efficiently
produce accurate data. Park managers need knowledgeable personnel to
perform maintenance duties and interpret wildland ecology for the public.
Students may enter these
professional/technical programs at the beginning of any quarter.
All courses also apply to the Associate in
Arts degree as elective courses and may be transferable to a four-year
natural resources program.
We recommend completion of high school
science, algebra, and trigonometry courses, before beginning these
programs.
We offer the following programs:
B.A.S. in Forest Resource Management-Sampling
and Assessment and Forest Operations
A.A.S. in Natural Resources - Forestry
(Accredited by the Society of American
Foresters)
A.A.S. in Natural Resources– Wildland Fire
A.A.S. in Natural Resources–Park Management
A.A.S. in Natural Resources–Water Quality
A.A.S. in Natural Resources–GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
Associate Pre-professional Transfer Degree in Natural Resources
What’s the difference in
these pathways?
Forestry: Reforest areas; estimate the
volume and value of standing timber; mark timber for cutting; map
boundaries of proposed timber sales; interpret aerial photos; use a
compass and tape; record neat, well organized field notes; inspect
planting performance by contractors; collect field measurements of the
species and stocking of reforested areas; and check compliance of
thinning, pruning and reforestation contractors.
Water Quality:
Monitor stream and lake
systems for water quality and functions. Identify plants and animals, as
well as wetlands delineation and mapping their location. Apply
environmental regulations regarding stream and wetland protection.
Park Management: Construct and
maintain trails and campgrounds. Collect fees, explain and enforce park
rules. Interpret plant and animal ecology for the general public.
Natural Resources-GIS: Collect data,
construct databases, and utilize databases to produce Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) computer-generated maps for public and private
entities.
Wildland Fire:
Fire prevention
and education activities, wildfire suppression as crew member or leader of
an aerial, engine or ground crew.
Forest Resource Management
BAS:
A larger number of senior level permanent positions are available to
graduates with Bachelor's degrees.