PKMT 101 - Introduction to Forestry and Wildland Fire

4 Credits: (3 lecture, 2 lab)

Course Description
This course introduces natural resource management with emphasis on forest ecosystems and wildland fire. Students examine the historical development of forestry, core forest management and silvicultural practices, tree identification, land navigation, and wildland fire behavior. The course includes completion of NWCG S-130 and S-190 training and a required field-based exercise.

Note Fall semester only. 

Text
Audubon Society Staff and Elbert L. Little, Jr. Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region.

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). S-130: Firefighter Training & S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Objectives
The student will be able to

1. Explain the historical development of forestry and natural resource management in the United States.
2. Classify common Pennsylvania tree species using key identifying characteristics and observable characteristics relevant to natural resource and park management.
3. Analyze basic forest management methods and timber measurement practices relevant to park settings.
4. Demonstrate land navigation using topographic maps, compass, and GPS.
5. Explain fundamentals of wildland fire behavior and safety.
6. Apply foundational wildland fire behavior concepts and basic firefighting techniques in accordance with NWCG S-130 and S-190 standards, including completion of required field exercises.

1. Foundations of U.S. Forestry and Conservation Policy
2. Forest Ecology and Management Principles
3. Tree Identification of Common Pennsylvania Species
4. Land Navigation Using Maps, Compass, and GPS
5. Wildland Fire Behavior and Firefighter Safety
6. Introduction to S-130 and S-190 Field Exercises