School of Forest Resources and Conservation

Provides students with a basic understanding of the classification, nomenclature, morphology, ecological relationships, associations and uses of the major forest tree and shrub species of North America.

Basic concepts of sampling. Design of cost-effective sample surveys. Sampling methodology applicable to natural resources: simple random, stratified, systematic, multi-phase and multi-stage. Cluster sampling, ratio, regression and difference estimation. Line transects

Study of the principles of effective communications in natural resources including audience, message, media, information sources and formats; provides for practical experiences with the development and applications of communication plans, including proven natural resource programs.

A comprehensive approach to program development, from needs assessment to evaluation, will be applied to non-formal environmental opportunities. Existing and developing programs will be analyzed, with emphasis on the role of participation and indicators in meeting environmental objectives. Required field trips to be scheduled.

Watershed hydrology, balances and models. Water quality parameters, processes and loading. Ecosystem and watershed functions. Watershed resources management.

Demonstrates principles and methods of measurement and analysis of selected water resource variables. Exercises in simulation models are used.

An integrative approach to the study of forest resource management for the production of multiple products (such as timber, recreation, wildlife, rangeland, etc.) utilizing the case study approach.

Factors in evolution of forest, range, wildlife and related natural resources administration and policies in the United States; policy components; policy formation implementation, administration and change processes; introduction to criteria for evaluating effectiveness of policies and administration.

Individual study of a selected topic related to forest resources and conservation as contracted with the instructor at the start of the term.

Examination of current environmental issues that impact individual, community, and institutional decisions about North American forest resources. Each issue will be reviewed with a framework that uses human behavior, policy options, and media messages to understand the issues. Students will be expected to understand the issues. Students will be expected to understand key issues discussed and analyze the major social and ecological variables affecting each issue. (S)

A general background course for non-FRC students interested in management, use and conservation of forest resources. Topics include resource description, historical perspectives, current issues, forest biology and management principles. (B)

Ecological principles and their application to the management of forests; major sections include tree population and forest community dynamics, and ecosystem processes. (B)

Principles governing establishment, treatment and control of forest stands; natural and artificial regeneration systems; intermediate cuttings and cultural operations.

A study of tree structure and function with relationships to forest environments and forestry practices.

Introduction to the concepts, principles and applications of geographic information systems, remote sensing, and global positioning systems, emphasizing applications in forest resource management.

Forest resource measurements; log and tree content estimation; forest inventory techniques; stand growth and yield.

A detailed study of the role, occurrence, and function of wildland fires in natural ecosystems and the use of prescribed burning to simulate those functions. Key topics include factors that influence natural fires, effects of fires on the environment, management and control of wildfires, and the use of prescribed burning. Students will plan and conduct several prescribed burns.

An overview of important international issues and developments related to forest resource use and tree management systems in a wide variety of contexts.

Introduction to the nature, scope, and components of the urban forest, including biology, culture, and protection and aspects of management, planning and policy.

A general survey of the significant biological, physical, and economic qualities of the major regions of the U.S. Emphasis on various silvicultural systems used in managing these forest types with respect to geographic differences in land use, market opportunities, species characteristics and economic conditions.

The economics of forestry and forest resources: private and public interests in both timber and non-timber forest outputs; concepts of externalities, conservation, efficiency and equity; techniques in valuation of forest resources; application of economic principles to issues in forest resources.

Principles of forest management; decision analysis; timber, nontimber and timberland valuation; management plans; forest regulation; harvest scheduling.

An integrated, tree- and forest-oriented study of forest health emphasizing the ecological and economic roles of the biotic agents and abiotic factors that incite dysfunction and the biological and ecological basis for the maintenance of forest health through integrated management of these agents and the forest.

An interdisciplinary and applicable study of the tools and techniques and managers and planners use to provide sustainable ecotourism opportunities in Florida and worldwide. Topics include integrating ecotourism with other resource uses, landscape level ecotourism planning, sustainable community development, minimizing and monitoring ecotourism impacts, and creating a diversity of ecotourism opportunities.

An introduction to the various operations associated with maintaining, protecting and managing forests and forest products, including interactions with silvicultural systems, costs and environmental factors.

Concepts and principles of agroforestry, including its complexity and diversity, improved agroforestry techniques in temperate and tropical zones, recent research problems and methodologies of agroforestry research, and the potentials of agroforestry in land management and development.

Individual study of a selected topic related to forest resources and conservation as contracted with the instructor at the start of the term.

A special project course restricted to students in the college’s Honors Program. Students complete a project on a selected topic, issue or problem in research, teaching or extension. The project will be reviewed by at least two faculty members chosen by the honors coordinator. May be repeated for up to six credits.

Topics in forestry, wood science, range, recreation, wildlife and fisheries. Topics include special issues and in-depth study of topics not in other courses.

FOR 4943C Senior Practicum in Natural Resources

Senior level forest management project including information gathering and analyses, plan development and oral presentation.

Plan and conduct research under faculty supervision. Tailored for students desiring careers in forest science.

Practical co-op work experience in forest resources and conservation under approval of industrial, business, institutional or government agency supervisor.