威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校

Forest ecosystems cover one third of the world’s land area and nearly half of Wisconsin. They provide a range of benefits to society including wood and fiber, wildlife habitat, biological diversity, clean water, carbon storage, recreation, beauty, and cultural values. The Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology trains foresters to sustainably manage forests toward sustainable ecological, social, and economic outcomes. Forest science students also learn how to respond to forest disturbances from insects, diseases, fire, and other changes. Beyond a core of basic science and forestry coursework, students have flexibility to customize their learning experience within one of three tracks: forest conservation, forests and the environment, and forest management. All three tracks meet accreditation standards of the Society of American Foresters, a key credential that employers seek. Students are also well positioned to pursue graduate training in forestry, ecology, remote-sensing, natural resource policy, and related fields.

Students learn through a mix of classroom, laboratory, and field instruction that emphasizes independent thinking and problem-solving. Students make frequent visits to forests to develop and hone their skills, essential for future job opportunities. Students also engage professional and student-led trainings and networking that further build skills. Graduates go on to jobs in private, public, and non-governmental sectors or pursue graduate degrees.

Learning Outcomes

Competencies in Ecology:

Understanding of taxonomy and ability to identify forest and other tree species, their distribution, and associated vegetation and wildlife.
Understanding of soil properties and processes, hydrology, water quality, and watershed functions.
Ability to make ecosystem, forest, and stand assessments.
Understanding of tree physiology and the effects of climate, fire, pollutants, moisture, nutrients, genetics, insects and diseases on tree and forest health and productivity.

Competencies in Forest Resources Measurement and Management:

Ability to identify and measure land areas and conduct spatial analysis.
Ability to design and implement comprehensive inventories that meet specific objectives using appropriate sampling methods and units of measurement.
Ability to analyze inventory data and project future forest, stand, and tree conditions.
Ability to develop management plans with specific multiple objectives and constraints.
Understanding of the valuation procedures, market forces, processing systems, transportation and harvesting activities that translate human demands for timber-based and other consumable forest products into the availability of those products.
Understanding of the valuation procedures, market, and non-­market forces that avail humans the opportunities to enjoy non-­consumptive products and services of forests.

Competencies in Forest Resource Policy, Economics, and Administration:

Understanding of forest policy and the processes by which it is developed.
Understanding of how federal, state, and local laws and regulations govern the practice of forestry.
Ability to understand the integration of technical, financial, human resources, and legal aspects of public and private enterprises.