Natural Resources-Park Management, AAS

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115-117 Credits

This degree program prepares graduates to work in state, private, county, municipal, and federal parks as assistant park rangers and in associated positions. Park management includes interpreting plant and animal ecology to the general public. Rangers are responsible for constructing and maintaining trails, campgrounds, and facilities. They collect fees, explain and enforce park rules, and promote public safety.

Students may enter the Natural Resources program in any quarter, however many natural resources courses are only offered one time each year. Course sequencing is important! Complete prerequisite as early as possible.

Contacts: Gene McCaul ext. 4582 - gmccaul@greenriver.edu, Monica Priebe, ext. 4509 - mpriebe@greenriver.edu, Holly Nay ext. 4510 - hnay@greenriver.edu

Program Website: Natural Resources | https://www.greenriver.edu/students/academics/degrees-programs/natural-resources/

Program Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

Demonstrate the knowledge of ecosystem management techniques to develop forest management objectives related to fire ecology and restoration, riparian and wildlife management including harvest and silvicultural prescriptions.
Demonstrate knowledge of biological, abiotic and cultural ecosystems as they apply to natural resource management in today’s society.
Utilize the latest technology in forest navigation, mapping, planning and implementation of forest management practices.
Demonstrate skills to accurately collect, analyze and present a variety of natural resources data collected using the latest field techniques for useful outputs.
Demonstrate good verbal and written communications to disseminate information effectively to a variety of audiences.
Demonstrate competence in assessing recreational needs in the context of environmental considerations in recreational settings.
Demonstrate ability to safely and effectively work in recreational environments.

Requirements

General Education Classes

CMST& 220 - Public Speaking Credits: 5
ENGL& 101 - English Composition I Credits: 5
ENGL 128 - Research Writing: Science/Engineering/Business Credits: 5
GEOL& 101 - Introduction to Physical Geology Credits: 5 and
SOC& 101 - Introduction to Sociology Credits: 5 or
NATRS 123 - Backcountry Watershed and Forest Assessment Credits: 12

Natural Resources Classes

First Year

NATRS 100 - Introduction to Natural Resources Credits: 5
NATRS 114 - Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance Credits: 1
NATRS 172 - Computer Applications Overview Credits: 4
NATRS 180 - Natural Resources Measurement Credits: 6
NATRS 182 - Aerial Photos, GIS and Forest Navigation Credits: 8
NATRS 183 - Tree and Shrub Identification Credits: 4
NATRS 184 - Wildflower Identification Credits: 5
NATRS 192 - GIS for Natural Resources Credits: 5
NATRS 270 - Stream and Wetland Ecology Credits: 5
NATRS 290 - Internship Seminar Credits: 1

Second Year

NATRS 161 - Wildlife Habitat Management Credits: 4
NATRS 205 - Wildland Recreation Credits: 4
NATRS 284 - Road and Trail Engineering Credits: 7
NATRS 286 - Natural Resources Business Principles Credits: 5
NATRS 292 - Resource Sampling and Appraisal of Forest Conditions Credits: 8
NATRS 293 - Silvicultural Analysis and Forest Protection Credits: 4

Capstone

Complete capstone courses in summer quarter.

NATRS 277 - Natural Resources Internship 1 Credits: 4
NATRS 278 - Natural Resources Internship 2 Credits: 4
NATRS 279 - Natural Resources Internship 3 Credits: 3
NATRS 280 - Natural Resources Internship 4 Credits: 3

To enhance the student’s preparation for future employment, we recommend the following:

AVIA 123 - Aviation Weather Credits: 5
GEOL 117 - Natural Disasters with Lab Credits: 5
HL ED 190 - Standard First Aid/CPR Credits: 3
NATRS 262 - GIS Tools in the Field Credits: 6
NATRS 263 - Cartography Credits: 5
NATRS 198 - Independent Study-Natural Resources 1 Credits: 1-5
NATRS 199 - Independent Study-Natural Resources 2 Credits: 1-5
NATRS 271 - Stream and Wetland Restoration Credits: 5
NATRS 298 - Independent Study-Natural Resources 5 Credits: 1-5
NATRS 299 - Independent Study-Natural Resources 6 Credits: 1-5

Related Instruction Requirements

Satisfies related instruction requirements.

Written Communication
ENGL& 101

Oral Communication
CMST& 220

Computations
NATRS 180

Human Relations
NATRS 286

Notes

Substitutions of required courses may be made with the department’s prior approval when it is agreed that the student’s suitability for employment will be enhanced. Examples include courses involving small engine repair, basic carpentry, plumbing or wiring.

Last Revised

7/1/2020