This degree program prepares 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, its wildlife, streams and wetlands will enhance their employment opportunities. Wildlife biologists and professional foresters need technicians to efficiently produce accurate data. Park managers need knowledgeable personnel to perform maintenance duties and interpret wildland ecology for the public. Wildland firefighters are needed with current certificates of knowledge and skills.

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.