A.A.S. Degree

The Forest Management Technology curriculum is designed to help students acquire technical knowledge, understanding, and abilities in developing, conserving, and utilizing forest resources.

Students develop an understanding and ability in the principles and practices of forest resource management. Students will spend much of their time in field training situations where emphasis is placed on the practical application of this knowledge and skill.

Graduates should be qualified for entry into positions as forest technicians with federal, state, and private forestry enterprises. Graduates will have competence in forest protection, forest management, and forest procurement and in performing various technical tasks related to forestry.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Forest Management Technology program, students should be able to:

• Understand the history of forest management in America and basic forestry terms;
• Make basic tree, log, and land measurements including the calculation of basic statistics;
• Read maps and understand map coordinate systems;
• Identify and name major trees and lesser vegetation, with emphasis on the North Carolina piedmont region;
• Understand the role of wood and paper in our society;
• Understand principles of botany, general and forest ecology, and silviculture;
• Understand and apply principles of forest hydrology;
• Understand basic principles of wildlife habitat creation incorporating major federal and state laws affecting forestry;
• Understand principles of forest regulation;
• Identify major forest pests and recommended pest control methods;
• Have entry-level knowledge of wildland firefighting skills;
• Use remote sensing devices in making decisions about forest management;
• Supervise timber harvesting operations;
• Understand basic concepts of plane surveying;
• Understand the challenges and demands on natural resources for recreational purposes.

Semester Hours Required for Forest Management Technology A.A.S. Degree: 69