Forestry and Natural Resources
See Also in Agriculture
(Grades 11-12) Full Day 240 minutes daily, m-f
Fall Semester (Soil, Water, Recreation and Heavy Equipment Operation): Sustainable use of our soils and water resources is the backbone of semester 1. Some areas covered include: soil and water testing; land judging, wetlands and waterfowl, conservation practices, environmental laws, and fisheries (Aquaculture). Learn to safely operate and maintain construction equipment (backhoe/loader; dozer; excavator; skid steer; dump truck and trailer; laser level; chainsaw). Add to your skills in remote sensing, GIS, GPS, computer technology, landscape surveying, topographical and aerial photo interpretation, print reading, environmental laws and permits. Business management, leadership and recreation skills are practiced through the FFA organization. The class competes in the Vermont Land Judging and Winter Forestry Career Development Events.
Spring Semester (Forestry, Wildlife and Equipment Operation): Wise use of our forest resources for timber, water, wildlife, recreation and wilderness is the focus of this semester. learn to produce quality maple syrup and maple products, Christmas trees, lumber and fish. Learn about the ecosystem for forest and wildlife habitat management for deer, bear, grouse, turkey, non-game species. Harvest timber safely using “Game of Logging” technology. Learn business practices in computer recordkeeping, contracts, and marketing. Expand safe equipment operation (see above). Compete in the Vermont Envirothon and Forestry Career Development events through the FFA leadership skills training program.
Prerequisite: 10 credits on transcript upon entering the program.
Recommended Preparation: Mechanical Science, Plant & Animal Science, Environmental Science.
Desirable Qualifications: Good attendance, good work attitude and habits, team player, an interest in learning more after graduation, enjoys working outdoors.
Credits: One embedded science, one applied math and four elective credits upon completion of this program.
Our English course, Technical Communications, is offered to Forestry students. It meets for 40 minutes daily for the full year and students passing the course receive 1 credit.
Related careers: wildlife biologist; forester; heavy equipment operator; game warden; park ranger; maple sugar producer; tree farmer.