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Natural Resource Management

Do you enjoy nature and want to work in the great outdoors? A degree in natural resource management could put you on the right path.

In this program, you’ll prepare for a career in one of three areas: forestry, fish and wildlife management, or parks and recreation. Much of your learning will take place out in nature, where you’ll learn skills in timber cruising, forest management, forest insect and disease identification, data sampling techniques, electro fishing, bird identification, GPS\GIS tools and much more.

This two-year degree prepares you to transfer with a junior standing into a natural resource program at a four-year college or university in the Pacific Northwest.

Detailed Information

The forestry option of the natural resource program is nationally accredited by the Society of American Foresters. The wildlife\fisheries option is accredited by the North American Wildlife Technicians Association.

Transportation to the field sites is provided by the college through lab fees. Lab fees, books and needed supplies are approximately $1,100.

Related Program

We also have a program for students interested in working in the urban forest. For more on arboriculture/urban forestry, visit the arboriculture/urban forestry area of study page.

Accreditation

The Forestry option of the Natural Resource program is nationally accredited by the Society of American Foresters. The Wildlife/Fisheries option is accredited by the North American Wildlife Technicians Association.

  1. Identify selected forest trees, shrubs, and forbs native to the Pacific Northwest.
  2. Use various instruments to measure the height, diameter and age of trees and apply this data to volume, site, and growth determinations.
  3. Operate hand compasses, level, global positioning systems, and electronic instruments in determining slopes, turning angles, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
  4. Utilize maps and aerial photographs in the management of natural resources, including the use of geographic information systems.
  5. Recognize common diseases and insect pests of forest trees and assess their damage.
  6. Use the computer as a tool for solving natural resources problems and applying cartographic concepts to the development of effective reference and theme-based maps.
  7. Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.
  8. Recognize and apply the various silvicultural systems and techniques used in ecosystem management.
  9. Understand concepts involved in soil science including soil management, conservation, and use of soils in forestry and agriculture.
  10. Maintain and safely operate a chainsaw.
  11. Write technical reports and give presentations.
The number of technical level jobs has increased in some areas and remained steady in most others. Public pressure for environmental protection and management has led agencies to undertake projects in all areas of the natural resources that require qualified field technicians to complete.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also check the annual schedule or search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 90


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NATRS112
Natural Resources Mathematical Applications  
5
NATRS120
Basic Computer Applications in Natural Resources  
2
NATRS202
Dendrology  
5
NATRS225
Natural Resources Occupational Experience  
1
Total Credits
 
13
 

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NATRS204
Maps and Aerial Photo Interpretation  
5
NATRS215
Forest Measurements  
5
NATRS225
Natural Resources Occupational Experience  
2
WATER120
Hydrologic Technical and Field Reports   1
5
Total Credits
 
17
 

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS 220
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resources  
5
NATRS130
Chainsaw Operation, Maintenance and Safety  
3
NATRS201
Forest Protection  
5
NATRS230
Global Positioning Systems  
3
Total Credits
 
16
 

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NATRS203
Forest Harvesting and Products  
5
NATRS209
Silviculture  
5
NATRS216
Forest Inventory  
5
NATRS225
Natural Resources Occupational Experience   2
1
Total Credits
 
16
 

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS 110
Plant Biology   3
5
ENVS 207
Wildlife Biology  
5
NATRS221
Applications in Geographic Information Systems  
4
NATRS225
Natural Resources Occupational Experience   2
1
Total Credits
 
15
 

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS 208
Outdoor Recreation and Interpretation  
3
ENVS 210
Environmental Soil Science  
5
NATRS205
Surveying  
5
Total Credits
 
13
 
1 May be substituted with ENGL& 101 or an approved written communication course 100 level or higher.
2 A 400-hour internship, either paid or volunteer, must have been completed before registering for this course.
3 May be substituted with BIOL& 160.
  • Tuition

  • Resident

    $
    8,916
  • Non-Resident

    $
    11,010
  • International

    $
    20,413
  • Avg. Books

    $
    702
  • Max. Course Fees

    $
    736

These dollar amounts reflect the costs associated with the completion of the degree/certificate.

Have a question? Let's hear it.