AA/AS in Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy

The Natural Resource Management program trains students for technician roles in forestry, wildlife, fisheries and recreation. It leads to an associate in applied science degree and centers on fieldwork rather than lectures alone. Outdoor labs teach students to recognize forest plants, estimate the value of standing trees, sample fish and wildlife, find their way with map and compass, run a chainsaw safely, identify plant diseases, operate a surveying total station and produce maps. A related area of study covers care of street and park trees in cities. Graduates are positioned for jobs with federal and state agencies such as the Forest Service, the state natural resources department and state parks, or with private timber firms. Students must gain admission to the program ahead of starting program courses.