FOR 265 Forest Measurements

School of Environment and Geomatics

FOR 265 Forest Measurements is a study of the policies and procedures used for timber cruising, product valuation, log scaling, and waste and residue assessment in British Columbia. Using timber valuation as a focal point, emphasis is placed on field data collection techniques, sampling methods, statistics and data compilation. The roles of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the forest industry are also explored in class and during onsite tours of local forest products manufacturers.

Prerequisites: ENVR 160 and ENVR 154 and ENVR 158 and ENVR 190 all with a minimum grade of 60%

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Yesbctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours90
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture2
Lab (lab, field, computer)4

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Understand Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations cruise standards
  2. Measure and record basic forest attributes
  3. Describe and demonstrate timber valuation processes used in British Columbia
  4. Interpret compiled cruise, block survey and inventory data and apply it as a management tool
  5. Apply safe working standards and procedures at a field project location

Teaching and Learning Approach

This course will be taught via a combination of face to face and online lectures and outdoor face to face labs. All relevant lecture materials as well as weekly instructions for lectures and labs will be posted in advance on the FOR265 Moodle site.

Learning Resources

Required:

Standard forestry field gear

Recommended:

iPad Mini or equivalent digital device.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. 1.· Course Outline and Expectations · Review of basic measurements concepts

2. 2. Lecture: · Variable radius plot sampling · Timber reconnaissance Lab: Timber recce data collection

3. 3. Lecture: · Key concepts in operational cruising · Cruise Manual Chapter 4, Lab: Reconnaissance cruising and cruise plot establishment

4. 4. Lecture: Cruise Manual Appendix Lab: Operational Cruising Part 1

5. 5. Lecture: · Damage Codes · Check Cruise Standards Lab: Operational Cruising Part 2

6. 6. Lecture: · Check Cruising Methods Lab: Ministry check cruise of operational cruise plots

7. 7. Lecture: Midterm Exam in Lecture · Cruise mapping and design Lab: TBA

8. 8. Lecture: · Cruise mapping and design · Sample error · Cruise compilation Lab: · Cruise compilation · Skattebo prep: cost/revenue

9. 9. Forest Inventory

10. 10. Skattebo Project (all week)

11. 11. Lecture: · Scaling and grading · Waste and residue · Wood utilization Lab: Celgar mill and logyard tour

12. 12. Lecture: · Timber Waste & Residue Survey Lab: Waste and Residue Field Work

13. 13. Lecture: Review Lab: Professionalism interviews

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Quizzes, Assignments, Labs25%
Midterm Exam25%
Professionalism10%
Final Exam (comprehensive)30%
Skattebo Integrated Project10%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.