RFW 262 The course Ecosystem-Based Management provides learning opportunities for students in ecosystem-based management. In the course the student will continue to learn about ecosystem structure and function at the stand and landscape scale, forest ecosystem health including identification and biology of prominent forest insects and diseases, invasive species, wetland and riparian conservation and management, and ecosystem restoration activities. The course will place an emphasis on observation using standard data collection and analysis. These will be used to prepare prescriptions that implement an ecological approach to land management. The student will gain employable skills related to forest health identification, ecosystem interpretation, ecosystem restoration, and adaptive management.
Prerequisites: ENVR 160, ENVR 163, and ENVR 170 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.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:
- Prescribe management for regionally significant invasive species
- Identify field occurrence of forest pathogens and insects, explain their biology, ecological role and management
- Classify wetlands, assess ecosystem function and prescribe techniques to minimize human impacts
- Identify common native and invasive macrophytes
- Identify zooplankton and evaluate their role in the local food web
- Describe human-modified riparian systems in the region and analyze the sustainability of current management practices
- Identify negative impacts on ecosystems and apply an adaptive management approach to restoration theory
- Synthesize data to aid in sustainable ecosystem management
- Communicate scientific findings in a variety of oral and written formats to public and processional standards
Teaching and Learning Approach
This course combines classroom and field-based learning. One can expect to work in small groups collecting
data but submit assignments independently. Peer and self-evaluation tools will be taught and applied.Learning Resources
Required:
· Standard personal field equipment is necessary as per School of Environment and Geomatics policies
· Compass, clinometer, scientific calculator, loose-leaf field note paper
· Waders
· Tablet
Recommended:
Field Guide to Noxious and Other Selected Weeds of BC (SEG Equipment Room)
MacKenzie, W.H. and J.R.Moran. 2004, Wetlands of British Columbia: a guide to identification. Management
Handbook No. 52, Resource Branch, BC, Ministry of Forests, Victoria, BC Land.
Field Guide to Forest Damage in BC JPN-17, 2001
Common Tree Diseases in BC, (SEG Equipment Room)
Forest and Range Practices Act, Regulations, MoF website
Other useful websites are listed on RFW 262 Moodle site (moodle.selkirk.ca)
10x hand lens, knife, camera (optional)Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. No Lectures (Orientation Week)
2. No Lectures or Labs (RFW 200 - Slocan Lake Field Trip)
3. Introduction & Biodiversity & Ecosystem Health
4. Forest Health
5. Restoration
6. Wetlands & Amphibians
7. Thanksgiving Monday- No lecture
8. Wetlands and Amphibians
9. Midterm Exam (Moodle Exam In B12 8 am Oct 27)
10. Climate Change
11. No Lab- Fall Term study Break
12. Climate Change Presentations
13. Dam Impacts/ Food Chain
14. Review
15. Exam WeeksAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Lab Assignments | 1, 3-6 & 7 | 10% |
| Presentations | 1, 4, & 7 | 15% |
| Quizzes | 1-4 & 7 | 10% |
| Midterm | 1 & 3-7 | 20% |
| Final Report (Wetland Assessment) | 8 & 9 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 1-7 | 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.