About Natural Resources Conservation

225 Holdsworth Natural Resources Center

Phone: 545-2665

Web site: www.umass.edu/forwild/

Head of Department: Professor William C. McComb. Professors Finn, Fuller, Griffin, Hoadley, Patterson, Ross; Associate Professors Barten, Fisette, Juanes, Harrington, Kelty, Kittredge, Loomis, Muth, Ryan; Assistant Professors Clouston, McGarigal, Randhir, Schweik; Lecturers Damery, Houston; Research Professor Fownes; Adjunct Faculty Bloniarz, Smulski.

This department has four undergraduate programs leading to the B.S. degree: 1) Building Materials and Wood Technology, 2) Forestry, 3) Natural Resource Studies, and 4) Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation. In addition, the department offers an Associate of Science Degree (two year) in Arboriculture and Park Management. This program is provided through the Stockbridge School, which is a unit of the College of Food and Natural Resources. Details about the Stockbridge Program may be found at the end of the information about the college. The department has one of the most comprehensive academic programs in natural resources in the United States. The Forestry program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. By completing requirements of their major program, Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation students can meet certification standards of their professional societies. Many students in the Department plan to seek professional employment in some aspect of natural resources while others have chosen a major here primarily because of a personal interest in conservation, or some other aspect of the environment.

The Courses

Some courses are required by several of the programs in the department. These are scheduled under a general departmental rubric (NRC).

100 Environment and Society (I)
(1st sem) 4 cr

Conservation principles and their application to problems in soils, water, forests, wildlife, mineral, and general landscape resources; relationship of conservation to national and international environmental issues.

150 Fundamentals of Applied Ecology (BS)
(2nd sem)

Introduction to the principles of ecology, including structure and dynamics of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Applications of ecological principles to current problems in natural resource management and conservation. Restricted to majors in the Department of Natural Resources Conservation.

191 Introduction to Natural Resources Professions (1st sem) 1 cr

An overview of the broad field of conservation and its need for professionally trained workers. Presentations by a variety of natural resources specialists.

290A Animal Sampling and Identification (1st sem) 1 cr

A laboratory/field trip course exposing students to basic sampling and identification techniques of wildlife and fish species. Participation in field trip activities mandatory. Students cannot add this course after the first week. Restricted to majors in the Department of Natural Resources Conservation.

290E Applied Ecology II (1st sem)

The application of ecological principles, as presented in Applied Ecology I, to solve conservation and management problems in various ecosystems. A problem-based course with case studies from terrestrial, wetland, and aquatic systems. Ecological principles ranging from autecology to animal-habitat relationships to ecosystem processes. Prerequisite: NRC 150.

290P Plant Sampling and Identification
(1st sem) 1 cr

A field course in the identification of important tree and shrub species. Introduction to the basic sampling techniques used to characterize forest vegetation and stand structure, with reference to wildlife habitat. Restricted to majors in the Department of Natural Resources Conservation.

290S Introduction to Spatial Information Technologies (2nd sem)

Introduction to maps and mapping, aerial photography, satellite imagery, and geographic information systems (GIS). Prepares students for more advanced coursework in GIS and remote sensing, forest measurements, and ecological assessment. Prerequisite: a college-level pre-calculus course.

390A Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management (1st sem)

Introduction to the human dimension of resource management. Included are social values, demographics, outdoor recreation, agency history and mandates, economic valuation, resource allocation, stakeholder groups, the commons dilemma, communication, and other relevant topics.

397A Professional Writing in Natural Resources

Class discussion and individual projects. Fulfills Junior Year Writing requirement.

409 Natural Resources Policy and Administration (2nd sem)

Introduction to the processes of natural resource policy formulation, administration of public lands, and social values related to managing the nation's renewable natural resources. History of current federal laws, policies, and programs, and discussion of the roles of various resources management agencies. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

549 Ecosystem Management
(2nd sem) 4 cr

Ecosystem management and how it is defined by various organizations. The historical context and key contributing ecological concepts of ecosystem management and alternative approaches for its implementation. Prerequisite: senior or graduate status in Natural Resources Conservation or consent of instructor.