Forestry: Forest Conservation

Introduction to the ecology and management of American forests: forest distribution, ownership, and ecological factors, species interactions, multi-resource management goals, and silvicultural practices. Cannot be taken by Junior/Senior-level Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources students.

Open to Degree and PACE students

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of forests and forest conservation practices (especially from an ecological viewpoint and with a North American emphasis) so that you might better understand and appreciate the complexity and importance of forests and their uses in contemporary society.

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the historical context for modern day forest conservation efforts in North America 2. Explain the general principles of tree and forest functioning and the variety of forest conditions across North America 3. Contrast differences in forest conservation approaches and associated objectives 4. Evaluate the range of factors influencing the health and integrity of forests 5. Develop recommendations for guiding future forest conservation efforts.

Your performance will be evaluated based on the components listed below as well as your participation. Final course grades will be determined as follows: Written Responses to Readings (50%), Weekly Quizzes (25%), Cumulative Final (take-home) 25%