Time Schedule:
Jerry F. Franklin
ESRM 491
Seattle Campus
Independent field study or one time organized field courses with emphasis outside the traditional classroom. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
From July 10 to 16, this course will focus on the ecology, disturbance regimes, and management of the forests of the Washington Cascade Range. The course will be based at the Wind River Experimental Forest about 10 miles north of the Columbia River. Students will visit and discuss the entire gradient of forests from low to high elevation and from the western to the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range. This will prime old-growth Douglas-fir--western hemlock--western redcedar forests on the moist western slopes and the dry ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests found on the eastern slopes. The class will spend two days studying plant succession and ecosystem development in the area affected by the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption as well as examining areas affected by extensive wildfires over 100 years ago and one very recent wildfire. The class will also have an opportunity to participate in re-measurement of a permanent sample plot.
Student learning goals
Biota and natural history of productive west-side forests, dry forests of ponderosa pine, and subalpine/timberline forests and meadows
Historic forest structure and composition
Consequence of modern human activities including timber harvest and fire suppression
Effects of intense, large-scale disturbances including wildfire and volcanic eruptions
Modern ecologically-based forest management approaches
Learn about and discuss major forest policy issues on federal and other forest lands in the Cascade Range.
General method of instruction
Required background reading prior to field trip. Lectures in the field, site visits, and discussion and Q&A of reading, lecture materials, and observations from field visits.
Recommended preparation
We will be camping at the same site every night. Students must provide their own personal gear but university transport will be provided. Familiarity with contents of course website, particularly logistics. Required reading and written responses prior to start of course.
Class assignments and grading
Required reading and written responses prior to start of course. Attention and participation in the field and in evening discussion sessions.
Comprehension of required reading as demonstrated through application to written questions prior to field visits and lectures. Thoughtful, insightful participation in field visits and discussion.
