Year 2
Course of Studies
Semester 3
Semester 4
| Course | Name | Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOR 280 | Applied Research | 1 | |
| ENVR 250 | Indigenous Peoples of Canada and Environmental Management | 3 | |
| FOR 200 | Field Trip Study | 1 | |
| FOR 251 | Silviculture II | 4 | |
| FOR 253 | Forest Policy and Resource Management | 2 | |
| FOR 261 | Forest Harvesting | 3 | |
| ENVR 291 | Computer Applications in Resource Management | 2 | |
| Total | 16 | ||
Course Descriptions
This course is an introduction to Silviculture as it is traditionally viewed; the art and science of establishing and tending forests to meet specific environmental, social, and management objectives. It will prepare the student for immediate employment as a forest technologist through instruction in silvicultural theory and the application of silvicultural treatments and the use of sampling to monitor silviculture activities. Ecological, operational, economic, and legislative considerations will be presented. The emphasis of this course is on the silvics of Southern Interior tree species, basic silviculture, silviculture surveys, site preparation, reforestation (natural and artificial regeneration), field assessments and preparation of logical and feasible silviculture treatment recommendations. Field and office case studies are used throughout.
Prerequisites: All first year courses.This course covers the planning and establishment of natural resource road access including Total Chance
Planning, assessing terrain stability and potential environmental impacts of road construction route
reconnaissance, road location, survey, and design techniques and construction costing, road construction
methods, bridges and drainage structures, road management strategies, as well as the applicable legislation and
permitting requirements.
The course also reviews basic forest hydrology principles and the effects that resource road construction and
forest harvesting might have on the hydrology of a forested watershed. Additionally, the Skattebo Integrated
Project includes elements of project management such as work plan formulation, scheduling, task and duration
definition. Aspects of a safe work environment are emphasized during each learning activity.
Forest Measurements is a study of the policies and procedures used for timber cruising, log scaling, and waste and residue assessment in British Columbia. Using timber valuation as a focal point, emphasis is placed on field data collection techniques, sampling methods, statistics and data compilation. The roles of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the forest industry are also explored in class and during onsite tours of local forest manufacturers.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all first year courses.FOR 271: Applied Ecology and Range Management provides enhanced and new skills and knowledge related to sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Ecological, operational, social, economic, and legislative considerations will be presented in this course. Emphasis will be on management strategies related to a number of ecological topics including; silvics, natural disturbance types, range management, riparian areas, soils, and soil hazards, fuel management, visual quality, species at risk, biodiversity and resiliency. Field and office case studies are used throughout the course. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to apply knowledge gained about managing for these individual values and resources towards the formation of integrated and comprehensive forest management strategies.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of required first year courses.This course consists of an extensive field examination of a wide range of prominent forest health agents and
conditions. This includes field recognition, biology, ecological role and forest management implications of various
forest insects, fungi and abiotic agents. Other topics include the recognition and management of invasive weed
species, assessment of forest health agents in conjunction with silviculture surveys and harvesting prescriptions,
management of root diseases and assessment of bark beetle occurrences.
Applied Research Project is an introduction to the basic principles and methods of research with an emphasis on forest resources. The objective of this course is to assist each student in completing an applied research project that has both a field-based data collection component and a literature-based research component. Each student will select an approved research topic and complete a number of assignments, including writing a research proposal and producing final report. The research results and recommendations will be presented at the SEG student conference.
ENVR 250: Indigenous Peoples of Canada and Environmental Management. The focus of the course is to enable students graduating in the field of natural resource management to better understand and work effectively with Indigenous peoples. Students will develop a greater awareness of Indigenous peoples and the cultural diversity that exists within this group of Canadians. The course will examine various topics related to Indigenous cultures
and pre and post contact histories, including the Indian Act and the legacy of residential schools. The work of the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be discussed.
The course examines current issues connected to land management in BC, including the treaty process, consultation activities, capacity building and protection of traditional lands and rights. Landmark court cases that have helped define Indigenous land rights will be studied. Cultural Heritage Values are defined in the course and students will have the opportunity to review the Heritage Conservation Act as it relates to field observations and regulations.
Prerequisites: All courses in the First Year ENVR. Note: Pre-requisites(s) may be waived with the permission of the Instructor. Corequisites: NONE
In the spring of the fourth semester, second year students will participate in a field trip to study away from the Castlegar Campus. The field trip provides an opportunity for students to see, first-hand, current management practices, ecosystems and resource management issues in other regions of the province. Students will be actively involved in trip planning and will be presented with opportunities to develop communication skills, job finding skills and professionalism.
This course is available only to students registered in the second year of the Forestry program.
This course prepares students for employment in the forest industry of British Columbia through instruction in silvicultural theory and the application of silvicultural practices. Biological, ecological, operational and economic considerations will be presented. The emphasis of this course is on reforestation, silviculture systems, stand management and crop planning techniques (spacing, commercial thinning, pruning, fertilization), and developing a defensible site plan.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory Completion (minimum C grade) of FOR 250 Silviculture I.This course explores the policies governing forest management in BC, the rights to harvest timber, the tenure system, appraisals and value of timber, and elements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and other relevant policy, legislation, and regulation.
The course will also investigate contract agreements, economic concepts, financial analysis and allowable cut determination and their applications to forest management activities.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of first year ENVR classes.FOR 261: Forest Harvesting is an in depth study of timber harvest systems and supporting technologies including: harvest planning, mapping and GIS analysis, environmental impacts, field engineering considerations and system costing. The course is designed to reinforce foundational skills such as field note taking,
measurements and safety. Theoretical emphasis will be given to the phases of timber harvest and the potential role of ground, cable and aerial based harvest systems as well as log transport systems. Health and safety issues surrounding timber harvesting operations will be explored. Through two projects integrated with other courses, project management elements will be learned in an applied setting.
ENVR 291: Computer Applications in Resource Management in British Columbia have become more complex and so the need for clear presentation and communication of ideas, plans, and strategies is more important than ever before. The content of ENVR 291 will address software used for the collection, assembly, display and presentation of environmental content specifically related to Forestry. The focus will be on importing field data into ArcGIS software for visualization and analysis, as well as preparing suitable cartographic maps using ArcGIS software will be our focus.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of: ENVR 160, ENVR 154, ENVR 158 and ENVR 190.