FOR 215 - Applied Silviculture at Rappahannock Community College
Course Description
Effective: 2015-05-01
Focuses on theory and practices involved in controlling the forest establishment, composition and growth. Laboratory emphasizes observation and application of various silvicultural procedures including site preparation, regeneration, and intermediate treatments.
Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
4 credits
General Course Purpose
This course is designed to provide a working knowledge of silviculture- the principles and practice of manipulating forest vegetation to achieve a particular goal. Lectures emphasize silviculture as it is used to meet landowner objectives in the central Appalachians.
Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
Prerequisite: FOR 115
Course Objectives
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the ecological environment and the influences of human intervention
- Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for silviculture practices, in both the field and classroom
- Evaluate a potential planting site to determine the appropriate reforestation method, site preparation, species and number of trees per acre
- Demonstrate proper planting of tree seedlings and quality control procedures.
- Recommend appropriate intermediate silvicultural treatment and regeneration methods for Appalachian hardwood/pine and southern yellow pine forest types
- Model how different treatments will change forest growth
- Identify and describe forest stand treatments that will protect and/or enhance wildlife habitat, esthetics and/or recreational opportunities
- Prepare and orally present forest management plans suitable for small private ownerships, applying the skills of ecology, mensuration, silviculture, mapping, soils, and harvesting
Major Topics to be Included
- Silviculture practices
- Planting methodology
- Compare and contrast silviculture practices
- Oral presentation about forest management