Regional Forest Studies

Course Description:

This course focuses on the biological, historical, social and economic factors influencing forest management in a region outside of the Canadian context. The purpose of the course is to provide students registered for the course to better understand forest management practices within the Canadian context by gaining an understanding of how these factors influence forest management in a region outside of Canada. Students will become familiar with the forest tree species, current management practices and their historical development, and the social and economic structure of the visited region. A 10 to 14 day field trip to the region is required. The field trip will attempt to expose students to a broad cross-section of land owners and management practices in the region. In addition to student participants, several prominent forestry professionals from across Canada will join with the students. Each year a new region is selected.

Course Instructors:

Dr. John A. Kershaw, Jr.
Dr. Ted D. Needham
Dr. Pierre E. Zundel
Neville Peasley


 

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course each student will demonstrate a/an:

  1. Understanding of the context in which forest management practices are framed:
      1. structure of the forestry “community”/profession
      2. forest management strategies/tools
      3. influence of cultural and economic factors
      4. influence of land ownership patterns
      5. regional history (forest industry and social)
  2. Awareness of stand-level silvicultural interventions and how they comply with the context:
      1. silviculture tools
      2. timing, frequency and intensity of interventions
      3. species responses
  3. Knowledge of species native to the region:
      1. identification
      2. natural history
      3. critical silvics
      4. uses
      5. growth and yield
  4. Effective citizenship/Self-awareness:
      1. participation within the community
        • attentiveness
        • formalities
        • engagement/cognition
      2. awareness of self
        • beliefs/prejudices/views of others
        • philosophical view of forestry (What is forestry? How should forestry be practiced?)
     

    Course History: places that have been visited