Time Schedule:
E David Ford
ESRM 490
Seattle Campus
Individual tutorial study of topics or courses under development to address the latest scientific developments in forest resources. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
This class will focus on the analysis of field forestry problems that have a strong silviculture component. Students will work in groups to analyze a forestry problem and individuals will present their solutions verbal to the whole class. The necessary components of analysis of such problems will be compiled in readiness for the silvicultural challenge against UBC foresters towards the end of the quarter.
Silviculture Challenge
The Silviculture Challenge is an annual competition between students from the Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia and the College of Forest Resources, University of Washington. Typically it takes place over a Friday and Saturday towards the end of Winter Quarter alternately in Washington State and British Columbia. An engraved trophy is presented to the winners. Teams of students are given a question concerning the future of some piece of forest. They will be provided with information about the forest in question and other relevant specific aspects of the land, society and economics and will visit the forest to make their own assessments. The task is to develop and present a solution to a panel of judges. This solution must demonstrate an awareness of alternative silvicultural approaches, an awareness of wildlife, conservation and environmental issues and should present reasons why a particular solution is recommended. Questions will usually involve components of multi-purpose land use that may include objectives for wildlife or land restoration and particular constraints and objectives for when yield may be taken. The question is designed to test the comprehensiveness of students’ knowledge of silviculture and its role in forestry as well as ability to work in teams and make an informative presentation. Students with different primary interests are encouraged to participate. A class, ESRM490B is being taught in Winter 2008 to prepare people in how to answer the silviculture challenge. This class will focus on developing skills in analysis and synthesis of practical problems and how to make presentations about them. These are skills that forestry and environmental professionals need to develop. Transport to and from the place where the challenge takes place is provided by the students’ home university and accommodation over the days of the challenge are provided for all students by the host University.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
