FOR 271 Applied Ecology and Range Management provides enhanced and new skills and knowledge related to sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Ecological, operational, social, economic, and legislative considerations will be presented in this course. Emphasis will be on management strategies related to a number of ecological topics including; silvics, natural disturbance types, range management, riparian areas, fish habitat, soils, and soil hazards, fuel management, visual quality, species at risk, biodiversity and resiliency. Field and office case studies are used throughout the course. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to apply knowledge gained about managing for these individual values and resources towards the formation of integrated and comprehensive forest management strategies.
Prerequisites: ENVR 160 and ENVR 163 both 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.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 75 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 2 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Apply safe working standards and procedures at a field project location
- Interpret and assess ecological, social, economic and legislative connections to various resource values identified under FRPA (Forest and Range Practices Act)
- Apply integrated management principles in planning forest resource use activities, including Indigenous perspectives as well as sustainability and climate change considerations connected to land use planning
- Develop proficiency in the collection, analysis and implementation of field data across multiple natural resource values and make recommendations for best management practices in forest ecosystems
- Demonstrate critical thinking and effective communication skills in balancing ecological, social, economic, and legislative aspects of natural resource management in BC.
- Demonstrate professionalism by actively participating in discussions and exercises, providing constructive feedback, supporting peer leadership, and maintaining a professional work ethic
Teaching and Learning Approach
FOR271 consists of a weekly lecture and lab. During lectures the theoretical portion of the course will be
presented with an overview of various resource values and management connected to these values. Students
will learn to evaluate the effectiveness of forest and range practices in achieving management objectives,
including sustainable resource management. Labs will put theory to practice and will most often involve outdoor
field work assignments, carried out regardless of weather conditions.
Students will participate individually or as part of a group, in a variety of learning activities in both the classroom
and field setting. These will include: lecture, in class exercises, discussions, case studies, problem based
learning and reflective practice. Students will participate in one integrated project during the semester.
Learning Resources
Required: None
Recommended:
· Plants of Southern Interior of BC (Parish, Coupe and Lloyd)
· The Distribution and Synopsis of Ecological and Silvical Characteristics of Tree Species of British Columbia’s
Forests (Klinka,Worrall,Skoda,Varga) www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-
resources/silviculture/tree-species-selection/tool-introduction/tree-species-silvics-and-comparisons
It is suggested you download the relevant references to your device prior to field labs : (all guidebooks
can be found online, with hard copies available for some publications in the Equipment Room)
· Land Management Handbook (LMH) 70 found at: www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/docs/lmh/LMH70.htm
· Autecological Characteristics of Selected Species that Compete with Conifers in BC: A Literature Review.
· The Soil Landscapes of British Columbia (Valentine et al 1986) - available online.
· A Guide to the Response of Common Plants in BC to Management Treatments (FRDA 008).
· Riparian Management Guidebook.
· Wetlands of British Columbia: a guide to identification. Management Handbook No. 52. Resource Branch, B.C.
Ministry of Forests, Victoria, B.C. (MacKenzie, W.H. and J.R.Moran. 2004).
· Fish-Stream Identification Guidebook.
· Mapping and Assessing Terrain Stability Guidebook (August 1999).
· Hazard Assessment Keys for Evaluating Site Sensitivity to Soil Degrading Processes.
· Soil Conservation Guidebook.
· Watershed Assessment Procedures Guidebook.
· Visual Quality Objectives Guidebook.
· Managing Identified Wildlife Guidebook.
· Biodiversity Guidebook.
· Field Manual for Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems (LMH #25)
Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. 1. Orientation Week
2. 2. Introduction & BEC Review
3.
3. Disturbance & Succession
4. 4. Soil Properties
5. 5. National Truth & Reconciliation Day
6.
6. Soil Hazards
7. 7. Midterm
8.
8. Riparian Management
9. 9. Grassland Management
10.
10. Recreation, Visual Quality & Cultural Heritage
11. 11. Fall Break
12. 12. Skattebo Integrated Project
13. 13. Skattebo Integrated Project
14. 14. Wildlife & Biodiversity
15. 15. Final Exam
Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Lab Assignments | 1-5 | 21% |
| Quizzes | 1-5 | 9% |
| Skattebo I Integrated Project | 1-5 | 15% |
| Professionalism | 1,3,4,5 | 10% |
| Midterm | 2,3,5 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 1-5 | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
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.