ESPM 182: Forest Operations Management

The purpose of the course is to provide students with basic knowledge of how to plan for and conduct forest treatments. It is meant as a companion to silviculture, which is the planning out and scheduling of treatments in order to meet defined objectives in forests. As such, Forest Operations does not focus on the reason for conducting treatments but rather how they are done. Topics include the types of equipment that are used in thinning, harvesting, prescribed fire, and vegetation management. The administrative requirements involved with planning operations (e.g. permit acquisition and contracts) are covered, as are principles of road maintenance and road abandonment. Two weekend field trips are required. A prescribed fire will be planned.