Forestry & Natural Resources
Forestry and Natural Resources at Bakersfield College is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the field of forestry and natural resource management.
The program focuses on practical skills and knowledge necessary for managing forest ecosystems, including topics such as forest ecology, wildlife management, forest products, and forest policy. Students will also learn about the ethical, legal, and environmental considerations related to the management of natural resources. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, preparing students for careers in forestry, natural resource management, and related fields. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree in a related field.
What is Forestry?
Forestry is a field of study that focuses on the management and conservation of natural resources, particularly forests and other wooded areas. This discipline encompasses a wide range of topics including forest ecology, wildlife management, fire ecology, watershed management, and forest economics. Professionals in forestry and natural resources work to maintain healthy and productive forest ecosystems, while also considering the needs of local communities, the economy, and the environment. They may work in a variety of settings such as government agencies, private industry, non-profit organizations, or academic institutions. The ultimate goal of forestry and natural resources is to ensure the sustainable use and preservation of our natural resources for current and future generations.
Is Studying Forestry Right for Me?
A Forestry degree or certificate of achievement would benefit individuals who are interested in conservation and management of natural resources, particularly forest ecosystems. This program is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors, have a passion for environmental conservation, and have an interest in science and technology. Students who wish to pursue a career in forestry, wildlife management, natural resource management, or related fields can benefit from this program. This degree can be a steppingstone for those who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in a related field. Additionally, individuals who enjoy problem-solving, critical thinking, and working collaboratively with others will find this field rewarding.
Some key traits and skills that would make you a good fit for studying Forestry and Natural Resources include:
- Passion for nature and the environment
- Physical fitness and working outdoors
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
Forestry Degrees and Certificates
You CAN Afford BC
Careers in Forestry and Natural Resources
A degree and/or certificate of achievement in Forestry can lead to various career opportunities in forestry, natural resource management, and related fields. Some potential career paths for graduates include:
- Forest and Conservation Technician: Technicians collect and analyze data on forest ecosystems, wildlife, and water resources. They may also help plan and implement forest management activities, such as reforestation and prescribed burning.
- Park Ranger: Park rangers oversee recreational activities in public lands and natural areas, including forests, parks, and wildlife reserves. They also provide education and interpretive services to visitors.
- Forest Products Industry: Graduates can work in the forest products industry, which includes wood processing, manufacturing, and marketing. Job roles may include operations managers, sales representatives, and procurement specialists.
- Wildlife Management: Wildlife management specialists work to manage wildlife populations, control invasive species, and restore habitats. They may work for government agencies, conservation organizations, or private companies.
- Natural Resource Management: Natural resource managers work to protect and conserve natural resources, including forests, water resources, and wildlife habitats. They may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations.
- Environmental Education and Outreach: Graduates can work in environmental education and outreach, providing information and resources to the public about natural resource management and conservation. Job roles may include educators, outreach specialists, and communications professionals.
- Forest Policy and Administration: Graduates can work in forest policy and administration, which involves developing and implementing policies related to forest management, conservation, and protection. Job roles may include policy analysts, program managers, and regulatory specialists.
Society of American Foresters
Preamble
Service to society is the cornerstone of any profession. The profession of forestry serves society by fostering stewardship of the world's forests. Because forests provide valuable resources and perform critical ecological functions, they are vital to the wellbeing of both society and the biosphere.
Members of SAF have a deep and enduring love for the land, and are inspired by the profession's historic traditions, such as Gifford Pinchot's utilitarianism and Aldo Leopold's ecological conscience. In their various roles as practitioners, teachers, researchers, advisers, and administrators, foresters seek to sustain and protect a variety of forest uses and attributes, such as aesthetic values, air and water quality, biodiversity, recreation, timber production, and wildlife habitat.
The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to protect and serve society by inspiring, guiding, and governing members in the conduct of their professional lives. Compliance with the code demonstrates members' respect for the land and their commitment to the long-term management of ecosystems, and ensures just and honorable professional and human relationships, mutual confidence and respect, and competent service to society.
On joining the SAF, members assume a special responsibility to the profession and to society by promising to uphold and abide by the following:
Principles and Pledges
- Foresters have a responsibility to manage land for both current and future generations. We pledge to practice and advocate management that will maintain the long-term capacity of the land to provide the variety of materials, uses, and values desired by landowners and society.
- Society must respect forest landowners' rights and correspondingly, landowners have a land stewardship responsibility to society. We pledge to practice and advocate forest management in accordance with landowner objectives and professional standards, and to advise landowners of the consequences of deviating from such standards.
- Sound science is the foundation of the forestry profession. We pledge to strive for continuous improvement of our methods and our personal knowledge and skills; to perform only those services for which we are qualified; and in the biological, physical, and social sciences to use the most appropriate data, methods, and technology.
- Public policy related to forests must be based on both scientific principles and societal values. We pledge to use our knowledge and skills to help formulate sound forest policies and laws; to challenge and correct untrue statements about forestry; and to foster dialogue among foresters, other professionals, landowners, and the public regarding forest policies.
- Honest and open communication, coupled with respect for information given in confidence, is essential to good service. We pledge to always present, to the best of our ability, accurate and complete information; to indicate on whose behalf any public statements are made; to fully disclose and resolve any existing or potential conflicts of interest; and to keep proprietary information confidential unless the appropriate person authorizes its disclosure.
- Professional and civic behavior must be based on honesty, fairness, good will, and respect for the law. We pledge to conduct ourselves in a civil and dignified manner; to respect the needs, contributions, and viewpoints of others; and to give due credit to others for their methods, ideas, or assistance.
Academic Department: Agriculture
Career & Learning Pathway: Agriculture Nutrition Culinary Arts (ANCA)
Courses: Forestry (FORE) and Natural Resources (NRES)
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