COURSE OF STUDY

FOR 215 - APPLIED SILVICULTURE

Spring 2005

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Lecture - Tuesday & Thursday - 11:00-12:15 p.m. - Room 385 - Scott Hall

Lab - Friday - 9:00 - 11:30 am, Room 371 - Scott Hall

Instructor - Ward Robens – tel., (540) 863-2894; e-mail:wrobens@dl.vccs.edu

Office - Room 354, Scott Hall

Office hours - for course assistance & advisement

Tuesday: 8:00 - 11:00

Wednesday: 8 - 12 noon.

Thursday: 8:00 - 11:00

II. Course Description

Focuses on theories and practices involved in controlling forest establishment, composition and growth. Laboratory emphasizes observation and application of various silvicultural procedures including site preparation, intermediate and regeneration treatments. Prerequisite: FOR 202. Lecture 3 hours and laboratory 3 hours per week. Four (4) credit hours are granted by DSLCC upon satisfactory completion of this course.

This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of silvicultural systems and practices that are needed for practical field application. This course integrates earlier studies of dendrology, forest ecology, forest mensuration and related forestry sciences. Simulated forest management situations are created to set conditions for the proper application of concepts, skills and knowledge gained throughout the Forest Technology Program curriculum for the proper formulation of management decisions.

III. INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS AND OUTCOMES

Upon completion, the student will have the knowledge and skill to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the ecological environment and the influences of human intervention.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for silvicultural practices, including intermediate and regeneration methods, site preparation and reforestation operations in both the field and classroom.

3. Evaluate a potential planting site to determine the appropriate reforestation method, site preparation, species and number of trees per acre.

4. Demonstrate proper planting of tree seedlings and quality control procedures.

5. Recommend appropriate intermediate silvicultural treatments for these forest types:

a. Loblolly pine c. White pine e. Yellow-poplar

b. Virginia pine d. Oak-hickory f. Cove hardwoods

6. Recommend appropriate regeneration methods for these same forest types.

7. Demonstrate an understanding of forestry pesticides, their safe use and

application. Option to qualify for private applicator certification.

8. Identify and describe forest stand treatments that will protect and/or enhance wildlife habitat, esthetics and/or recreational opportunities.

9. Prepare and orally present forest management plans suitable for small private ownerships, applying the skills of ecology, mensuration, silviculture, mapping, soils, and harvesting.

IV. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

Lecture, discussion, audio-visual materials, guest speakers, field observation and application, and oral presentations will be used.

V. TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLIES

Required texts:

Smith, D.M., et.al., 1997. The Practice of Silviculture, 9th Ed., Wiley & Sons, New York.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1995. Forest Pest Control, #456-216.

Optional texts:

Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1995, Applying Pesticides Correctly, #456-210.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1998. Principles of Regeneration Silviculture

in Virginia, #420-405.

Periodic reading assignments from:

Weekly handouts

Supplies: Safety toe boots, approved hardhat, hand compass, clipboard.

Optional: Application fee for pesticide certification, rain gear, gloves.

VI. GRADING POLICY

Grades will be determined as follows:

VII. ATTENDANCE AND ASSIGNMENT POLICY

Each student is expected to attend each class and lab scheduled for this course. For DSLCC attendance policy, see the Academic Catalog. Class attendance will be kept & recorded as a quiz grade in increments of 5%, i.e.: 0 absences = 100%; 1 absence = 95%; 2 absences = 90%, etc. The attendance quiz grade will be averaged along with the other grades for quizzes and class assignments.

Prompt arrival at each lab is necessary since most labs will require leaving the campus. Attendance at labs is considered essential to this course and is therefore expected. Missed labs CANNOT NOR WILL NOT be made up. Graded exercises will be completed during many of the labs. Percentage of lab attendance is equivalent to a lab assignment.

All work assignments will have A DUE DATE. Lab assignments will be DUE PRIOR TO the following lab meeting. Grades for an assignment will be lowered one (1) letter grade for each 24-hour period it is submitted past the DUE DATE up to one (1) week. After one week a "0" will be assigned. One quiz grade will be assigned for attending at least one (1) meeting of the following organizations: Appalachian Forest Management Group (AFMG), Rockbridge Forest & Wildlife Association, Society of American Foresters; or for responding to an appropriate USFS "request for public comment". (Other experiences may qualify if pre-approved by instructor.)

NO MAKE-UP TESTS/EXAMS will be administered without prior notice to the instructor of students' inability to attend the scheduled test/exam. Missed quizzes CANNOT be made-up.

Safety: Many of the lab activities involve a certain amount of risk, such as strenuous walking through thick vegetation, use of hand- and power-tools, working outdoors during inclement weather, and off-campus travel in college vans. Be aware that the instructor cannot control all forms of risk. The student is expected to be prepared for all outdoor laboratory exercises. In the event that the student is not prepared or is physically unable to attend the lab or to participate in the exercise, the student will be asked to remain on campus.

Withdrawal: A student can withdraw from the course without academic penalty within the first eight, (8) weeks of the semester. Otherwise, the student will receive a grade of "F". Merely not attending class DOES NOT constitute withdrawal from the course. Refer to the DSLCC catalog for complete procedures for withdrawal.

Enrollment: VCCS policy prohibits enrolling in a failed or non-completed course more than twice unless mitigating circumstances exist.

Fire Policy: In case the building needs to be evacuated during the class period, exit Room 302, turn right and proceed through the door into the center lawn.

Spring Academic Calendar:

Classes begin: January 10, 2005

Last Day to Add/Drop or receive refund January 24, 2005

Semester Break (No classes) March 7 through 11, 2005

Last Day to Withdraw w/o Academic Penalty March 21, 2005

Last Day of classes April 29, 2005

Final Exams (reading days, snow make-up) May 3 through May 11, 2005

Graduation May 13, 2005

Conduct and Behavior Policy:

Inappropriate conduct and/or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in the classroom or during lab period. As a student in this college course you are a representative of Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and the instructor expects that your conduct will reflect that. Failure to conduct yourself in a mature, responsible manner may result in a grade penalty and/or expulsion from the course.

These rules are in effect each time this course meets for class, lab and during the transportation between the DSLCC campus and the outdoor field sites.

1. You will treat fellow students and staff members courteously, respecting the personal rights of others.

2. You will respect the personal property rights of others. This includes appropriate care of facilities and materials belonging to DSLCC.

3. Possession and/or use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs are prohibited.

4. Walkmans, radios, video games, beepers, cell phones, etc. are not allowed during labs or lectures. If emergency conditions exist, the instructor can make exceptions for communications needs when requested.

5. The instructor recognizes the importance of social interaction between and among groups of students, but this interaction is not to interfere with class (lecture or lab) activities. Please be polite and considerate of others who desire to listen and take notes.