Associate of Applied Science - Natural Resources - Park Management

This degree program prepares graduates to work in state, private, county, municipal, and federal parks as assistant park rangers and in associated positions. Park management includes interpreting plant and animal ecology to the general public. Park rangers are responsible for constructing and maintaining trails, campgrounds, and facilities. They collect fees, explain and enforce park rules, and promote public safety.

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: • Demonstrate the knowledge of ecosystem management techniques to develop forest management objectives related to fire ecology and restoration, riparian and wildlife management including harvest and silvicultural prescriptions. • Demonstrate knowledge of biological, abiotic and cultural ecosystems as they apply to natural resource management in today’s society. • Utilize the latest technology in forest navigation, mapping, planning and implementation of forest management practices. • Demonstrate skills to accurately collect, analyze and present a variety of natural resources data collected using the latest field techniques for useful outputs. • Demonstrate good verbal and written communications to disseminate information effectively to a variety of audiences. • Demonstrate competence in assessing recreational needs in the context of environmental considerations in recreational settings. • Demonstrate ability to safely and effectively work in recreational environments.