College Catalog

The curriculum prepares students for technical and mid-management positions in forestry production, wood processing, federal and state agencies, natural gas, and manufacturing industries. The course work emphasizes outdoor learning and practical hands-on experience. It provides both an academic and a specialized background needed for a variety of careers in forestry.

Career Opportunities

Forest fire control; wildlife habitat improvement; maintenance of forest roads, structures, and recreational areas; timber estimation, marking, and stand improvement; pulpwood procurement; logging supervisor; location and survey of forest property lines; lumber inspector; dry kiln operator; lumber yard supervisor; quality control technician; mill manager; field forester or researcher; soil conservation technician; and equipment sales.

Recommended High School Subjects

Four years of English, two years of algebra, and two years of science.

Remediation Strategies

All students must remediate within the first year. The order of remediation will be math, reading, and English.

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• practice approved safety procedures in the work environment.
• identify selected species of trees and shrubs by their scientific and common names, general uses, site characteristics, and geographic distribution.
• apply the fundamentals of plane surveying, including the use and care of surveying equipment, maps and map-making, and the theory of measurements.
• measure the volume and value of standing timber.
• prepare a forestland management plan for a property using the concepts of multiple use and sustained yield forest management.
• demonstrate knowledge of the silvicultural treatments used to regulate standcomposition, regenerate stands, increase growth rates, and improve timber quality.
• apply the basic theories, principles, and techniques used in timber harvesting and demonstrate skills in the operation and maintenance of tools and equipment used to harvest a timber crop.
• describe the life history, food, and habitat requirement of the major game, non-game birds, and mammals of Pennsylvania.
• identify and describe the function of tree parts and of selected plants and describe their relation to soil.
• describe the manufacturing and uses of various forest products and describe the characteristics and structure of common wood species.
• describe the characteristics and control of various forest pests, diseases, and fire problems.
• grade hardwood and softwood logs and lumber based on industry standards.
• develop marketing and logistical skills for the forest industry.
• demonstrate familiarity with the principles of cutting logs into lumber.
• demonstrate basic skills in handling and drying of lumber.
• discern the concepts of plant variability and diversity.
• apply computer skills to forestry related software.
• apply basic GIS/GPS technology to field applications.

Curriculum

NOTE: MTH 180 and MTH 182 are recommended for Forest Technology students desiring to transfer to a four-year degree major.

Accreditation

The educational program in Forest Technology leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Forest Technology is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.