Natural Resources Technology: Forest Resources - Degree
Associate of Applied Science Degree Program | mhcc.edu/NRT
Faculty Advisers
Jason Pinkerton: 503-491-6941 | Room AC2593 | Jason.Pinkerton@mhcc.edu
Pualani Derman: 503-491-7322 | Room AC2591 | Pualani.Derman@mhcc.edu
This program prepare students to work in forest resources management and research. Forest technicians may work in diverse areas such as: reforestation; mapping; plant inventory; outdoor recreation; timber appraisal; land surveying; harvesting; stream surveys; wildlife habitat enhancement; and wildfire suppression.
Courses involve outdoor labs, which help prepare students for jobs in local forests, parks, and natural areas. This program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
Students must select Natural Resources as their major in order to enroll in the courses below. To change your major, stop by the Student Services Hub in room AC2253, email the Admissions & Records office at AR@mhcc.edu, or call 503-491-7393.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Perform relevant field tasks required of natural resource technicians
- Use a broad range of technological tools to research, document, map, measure, record and analyze data relevant to natural resources
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems
- Demonstrate knowledge of social influences on ecosystem management
- Demonstrate professional skills needed for successful job performance
Selected courses may be transferred to several four-year institutions in appropriate bachelor’s degree programs. Check with the program adviser for current information. Note: Students who placed into MTH060 Beginning Algebra I (Course offered online) must complete it during their first term in the program.
For the most part, courses that fulfill general education requirements can be taken in any term.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| F111 | Introduction to Natural Resources | 3 |
| F141 | Tree and Shrub Identification | 3 |
| NR160 | Wildland Fire | 3 |
| NR180A | Career Development in Natural Resources | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Wilderness Survival (recommended) | ||
| Health and Fitness for Life (Course offered online) | ||
other Health / Physical Education course | ||
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| FT122 | Forest Measurements I | 5 |
| FW251 | Principles of Wildlife Conservation | 3 |
| MTH065 | Beginning Algebra II (Course offered online) (or higher, excluding MTH098) 2 | 4 |
| WR121Z | Composition I (Course offered online) | 4 |
| BT210ZEA | Excel - Level I (if needed) | 0-1 |
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| FT221 | Aerial Photo Interpretation and GPS | 4 |
| MTH084 | Applied Trigonometry with Modeling 2 | 1 |
| NR140 | Introduction to Forest Soils | 3 |
| NR144 | Forest Insects and Diseases | 3 |
| NR230 | Forest Botany | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Fourth Quarter | ||
| Summer | ||
| WE280NR_ | Cooperative Education Internship | 2 |
| Credits | 2 | |
| Fifth Quarter | ||
| Fall | ||
| F200 | Introduction to Forest Surveying | 4 |
| F240 | Natural Resources Ecology | 4 |
| FT222 | Forest Measurements II | 4 |
| WR227Z | Technical Writing (Course offered online) | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Sixth Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| FT228 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| NR212 | Current Issues/Forest Resources | 1 |
| NR242 | Watershed Processes | 3 |
| NR244 | Applied Silviculture I: Reforestation | 3 |
| Human Relations requirement 3 | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 13-14 | |
| Seventh Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| FT235 | Outdoor Recreation | 3 |
| NR238 | Timber Harvesting and Products | 5 |
| NR246 | Applied Silviculture II: Forest Stand Dynamics | 3 |
| Related Elective | 6-8 | |
| Credits | 17-19 | |
| Total Credits | 91-95 | |
- 1
Students are expected to use Excel spreadsheets in their NRT courses. Those unfamiliar with spreadsheets are advised to enroll in an Excel course before first or second quarter.
- 2
Successful completion of MTH095 Intermediate Algebra with Right Triangle Trigonometry (Course offered online) or higher (excluding MTH098) will replace both MTH065 Beginning Algebra II (Course offered online) and MTH084 Applied Trigonometry with Modeling
- 3
PSY101 Psychology of Human Relations (Course offered online), HUM202 Ethics in the Workplace (Course offered online) (Cultural Literacy course) or BA285 Leadership and Human Relations are recommended. See adviser for transferability information.
Related Electives to reach 90 credits, if needed:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NR260 | Field Projects | 3 |
| MTH095 | Intermediate Algebra with Right Triangle Trigonometry (Course offered online) (or higher) | 5 |
| Modern Languages | ||
| Any courses with the following prefixes: ANTH, BA, BI, BT, CH, CIS, COMM, ET, FW, G, GEOG, NR. | ||
Transfer Schools
Exploring forest resources as your major? Learn more with MHCC's Career Coach, which covers: skills needed for each career, wages, employment rates, and live job postings in the Greater Multnomah County Area.
Careers related to forest resources:
F111 Introduction to Natural Resources
Credits 3Fall
Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels.
Students are introduced to natural resources definitions, management and regulations, with an emphasis on forest ecosystems. Topics include an elementary approach to ecosystems structure, composition and function; fundamentals of forest, range, watershed, wetlands, recreation and wildlife management; and an overview of pertinent history and laws influencing natural resource policy and management.
F141 Tree and Shrub Identification
Credits 3Fall
Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels.
This course is devoted to the classification and field identification of important western trees and shrubs. Appropriate ranges, habitats and consumer use of these species are presented as well as a survey of other major forest types of North America. Outdoor field trips are an integral part of the course.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
F200 Introduction to Forest Surveying
Credits 4Fall
Registration Requirement: F111, F141, FT122, FT221, and MTH084 or higher or instructor consent.
This course covers the fundamental concepts of plane surveying and resource surveys within the natural resources field. The use of mathematics in applying the correction to errors, calculation of angles and bearings and the adjustment of traverses is emphasized, along with field survey practice. Federal and State survey protocols may be covered.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
F240 Natural Resources Ecology
Credits 4Fall
Registration Requirement: F111 and FW251 and NR230; or instructor consent.
Natural Resources Ecology is an introductory course in ecology, with an emphasis on forest ecosystems. Students examine the relationships between biological and physical components of ecosystems and dynamic processes such as nutrient cycling, disturbance and succession. Students are expected to take an active role in class activities, including class discussions and group work. Indoor and outdoor laboratories focus on field techniques used to measure and characterize ecosystem components. This course is recommended for all natural resources technology majors and all students interested in ecology and natural resource conservation.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
This course fulfills: Lab Science
FT122 Forest Measurements I
Credits 5Winter
Registration Requirement: F111, F141, and MTH060; or instructor consent.
This course introduces the student to field measurement of forest resources. Topics include fundamentals of field sampling, use of topographic maps, estimation of land area and measurement of physical tree characteristics. Electronic data collection and analysis are integral.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
FT221 Aerial Photo Interpretation and GPS
Credits 4Spring
Registration Requirement: F111, F141, and FT122.
This course teaches the fundamentals of aerial photograph, the global positioning systems (GPS) and small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS, drones) needed for navigation, interpretation and data gathering in natural resources. Students learn to relate photo features to map and landscape features, and to find distance, direction and land area on photos. Photos are used with GPS for various field data applications. Additional GPS topics include satellite signals and paths, factors influencing position accuracy and computer post-processing. Students use GPS to construct computer-generated maps. sUAS Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 licensing requirements are covered extensively.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
FT222 Forest Measurements II
Credits 4Fall
Registration Requirement: F141, FT122, FT221 and MTH084 or higher; or instructor consent.
This course provides instruction and training in estimating volume and quality of standing timber. Sampling methods and their associated field techniques are covered, with an emphasis on producing reliable and accurate data. Data computation, statistical evaluation and the preparation of comprehensive timber cruise reports are required. Labs focus on field timber cruising using Atterbury's Super A.C.E. program.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
FT228 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Credits 3Winter
Registration Requirement: F111, F141, FT122, FT221, F240, and MTH084 or higher or instructor consent.
This course covers the fundamentals of how to manage, manipulate and display spatially-referenced data for land-use planning and decision making. Students work with GIS software applications.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
FT235 Outdoor Recreation
Credits 3Spring
Registration Requirement: FT111 and F141 or instructor consent.
This course explores the use and management of forested recreational settings. Topics include the influence of social and economic values on recreational use and planning, techniques for environmental interpretation and facilities and site maintenance.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
NR140 Introduction to Forest Soils
Credits 3Spring
Registration Requirement: F111, F141, and FT122; or instructor consent.
This course introduces students to the physical and chemical properties of forest soils in the context of forest management. Topics include soil composition, texture, structure, water holding capacity and nutrient cycling. The roles of mycorrhizal fungi and soil organisms in organic matter decomposition and nutrient availability are examined. Key concepts are used to evaluate the effects of forest management activities on soil productivity.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
NR144 Forest Insects and Diseases
Credits 3Spring
Registration Requirement: F111 or instructor consent.
In this course, the major insects and diseases of Pacific Northwest forest trees are studied as they relate to forest health. Identification, biology, damage to trees and the role of insects and diseases in forest ecosystems are emphasized. Preventative and control measures are studied in the context of landowners' management objectives. A discussion of abiotic damage agents, including atmospheric pollutants, is also included.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
NR160 Wildland Fire
Credits 3Fall
Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels.
This course introduces the student to the role of fire in forested ecosystems. Areas addressed include wildland fire prevention, suppression and behavior; fuels management strategies and activities; basic fire ecology; and the use of prescribed fire as a management tool. Topics covered include the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S-190, Introduction to Wildlind Fire Behavior and S-130, Firefighter Training.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
NR180 Career Development in Natural Resources
Credit 1Fall
Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Natural Resources Technology or Fisheries Technology program.
In this course, students investigate career options, job search strategies and application processes specific to the natural resources field, including discussion of private organizations and public agencies managing natural resources in the Pacific Northwest. Topics will include interviewing, resume development, job search strategies and methods and specific application processes for state and federal positions.
NR180A Career Development in Natural Resources
Credit 1Fall/Winter
Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels.
In this course, students investigate career options, job search strategies and application processes specific to the natural resources field, including discussion of private organizations and public agencies managing natural resources in the Pacific Northwest. Topics will include interviewing, resume development, job search strategies and methods and specific application processes for state and federal positions.
NR212 Current Issues/Forest Resources
Credit 1Winter
Registration Requirement: F111, FW251, and F240; or instructor consent.
This course investigates biological, social and political issues influencing forestry and natural resources management. Organizations and organizational structure are examined as they relate to land management philosophies and objectives.
NR230 Forest Botany
Credits 3Spring
Registration Requirement: F111 and F141
This course introduces students to the identification and classification of forest plants. Topics include plant taxonomy, anatomy and physiological responses to environmental factors. Labs focus on field identification of plant families and indicator species.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
NR238 Timber Harvesting and Products
Credits 5Spring
Registration Requirement: FT228 and NR244 or instructor consent.
This course investigates the various techniques used to remove woody material from forest stands and to manufacture wood products. Instruction focuses on selecting proper harvesting methods and equipment to meet forest management objectives, and the relationship between the raw wood material and finished wood product. Topics include the operations of ground-based, cable and aerial logging methods; environmental assessment of resource impacts; timber sale and road layout; timber appraisal, wood properties and treatment; and methods of product manufacturing. Field trips to logging sites and mills are integral to the course.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
NR242 Watershed Processes
Credits 3Winter
Registration Requirement: FT122, NR140, F200, and MTH084 (or higher); or instructor's consent.
This course examines the basic hydrological processes occurring in forested watersheds. Natural factors influencing water quality and yield, fish and wildlife habitat and soil and slope stability are covered. The effects of forest management activities on these processes are examined, with an emphasis on riparian areas.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
NR244 Applied Silviculture I: Reforestation
Credits 3Winter
Registration Requirement: F141, FT122, NR140, and F240; or instructor consent.
In NR244 and NR246, students are instructed in the practices of forest ecosystem management. This course focuses on the principles and applications of reforestation and restoration of native plants. Topics include silvical characteristics of forest tree species, site preparation, seedling selection and planting, brush and animal damage control, natural regeneration and reforestation evaluation.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
NR246 Applied Silviculture II: Forest Stand Dynamics
Credits 3Spring
Registration Requirement: F111, F141, FT122, FT222, FT228, and NR244; or instructor consent.
This course is a continuation of Silviculture I. In this course students study the growth and development of stands and methods of prescribing stand management techniques, particularly thinning, for a given forest type and landowner objective. It also includes evaluating the applicability of the major silvicultural systems of clearcutting, shelterwood and selection cutting for a given site and landscape.
Additional Course Fee: $25.00
NR260 Field Projects
Credits 3Spring
Registration Requirement: F111, FT122, FT221, F200, NR244, and FT228, or instructor consent.
This course provides the student an opportunity to synthesize the principles and field skills gained from previous coursework by planning, developing and carrying out a team capstone project of their own. Data are recorded in field journals and results are communicated both orally and in technically written reports.