Forest Ecosystem Protection

Catalog description

Principles and concepts involved in managing the forest ecosystem in regard to fires, insects, and diseases. FORT 220 Forest Ecosystem Protection (4) FORT 220 is a third-semester, four-credit course that builds upon information learned in FORT 150 (Dendrology) and FORT 160 (Silvicultural Practices). This course will provide students with tools to identify and understand the effects of insects, disease, and fire on individual trees, forests, and ecosystems. They will learn signs and symptoms of insects and disease, integrated pest management principles, tactics of fire suppression, and will complete the PA-130 wildland fire training course. Emphasis is placed on recognition, prevention, and control of insects and pathogens. A case-study approach is used for the major pest problems of the northeastern United States.Course objectives include development of assessment and diagnostic skills for major plant pests, recognition of signs and symptoms of abiotic and biotic disease, knowledge of integrated pest management, basic fire behavior and control techniques, and development of verbal and written communication skills.Course grading will be based on scheduled lecture exams and quizzes, a final comprehensive examination, lab reports, and participation.