Forest Technology - Diploma
Overview
Located in the beautiful West Kootenays, Selkirk College’s highly regarded Forest Technology Program has been providing forest sector employers with skilled graduates for over fifty years.
This program provides an ideal starting point for learners excited by the combined career challenges of working in BC’s rugged outdoors and finding modern solutions to current forest management issues. Our primary goal is to provide job-ready graduates to potential employers in both private industry and government.
Students spend more than 50 per cent of their class time in the field learning in real-world projects. The program also emphasizes advanced technology, including mobile data collection, geographic information systems and global positioning systems applications. Graduates are benefiting from our training and the recognition by government, industry and communities of the importance of better forest management.
This program focuses on the following principles in order to optimize our students’ learning experience:
- Instruction by practising resource professionals.
- Maximization of outdoor learning opportunities in real forest environments.
- Collaboration with industry professionals to provide exposure to current practices in all aspects of forest management.
- Familiarization with current forest technology used by industry employers.
- Commitment to student success in a fun and close-knit learning environment.
Graduates will gain proficiency in all of the following in the specific context of British Columbia forestry:
- Forest ecology
- Forest road location
- Harvesting techniques
- Wildlife habitat identification
- Silviculture systems
- Surveying
- Timber cruising
- Hydrology
- Forest health
- Wildfire management
- Digital mapping
- Data management
- Forest policy
- Relationship-building with First Nations communities
Nationally Accredited
Students successfully completing our diploma automatically qualify to become a trainee forest technologist (TFT) leading to registered forest technologist (RFT) in the Association of BC Forest Professionals.
To help ensure the program is relevant, the quality of the program has been assessed against industry outcomes. In addition, we meet regularly with a Program Advisory Committee consisting of industry and government representatives. Many of these representatives are past graduates. Advisory committee feedback can result in updates to our curriculum.
Transferability
The Forest Technology Program ladders into the Selkirk College Bachelor in Geographic Information Systems. Alternately, there is a long-standing tradition of our graduates transferring and successfully completing university degrees. Selkirk's Forest Technology graduates have successfully transferred credit towards degrees in universities throughout Canada and the United States. Selkirk College also has formal transfer arrangements with University of Northern BC, Bachelor of Science Forest Ecology and Management; Thompson Rivers University, Bachelor of Natural Resource Management; or Lakehead University, Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry. Please note that students planning to transfer into a degree program at another post-secondary institution must check the transfer requirements of the program they wish to enrol in. It is strongly recommended that students consult with the program advisor of the receiving institution to ensure that they have all of the necessary transfer requirements.
Common Core
The first year of Forest Technology, Recreation, Fish & Wildlife and Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology programs consist of a core of common courses emphasizing resource skills, knowledge and professionalism in fish and wildlife ecology, botany and terrestrial ecology, inventory, measurement, mapping, communications, math and interpretation.
The second year of each program synthesizes the skills, knowledge, and professionalism of first year with applied management, planning, and advanced techniques and principles. Integration of learning in each program is required.
The common core allows students to obtain an additional diploma in Recreation Fish & Wildlife or Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology by completing the relevant third year.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
1. Implement best management practices within the current legal framework to facilitate and communicate ethical, science-based forestry
2. Practice forestry that reflects diverse public values through consultation, collaboration, and communication with a variety of interest groups
3. Use critical thinking, appropriate data collection strategies, and quantitative summaries to focus forestry practices
4. Collect, analyze, and interpret forestry-related data using accepted, industry-relevant technology
5. Access current landscape-level management directives and understand how they influence stand-level management decisions
6. Use geospatial technologies to manage diverse data sources for informing forest practices
7. Interpret ecological disturbance types such as changing climate, wildfire, and others, in ecosystem structure, health, and function as a basis for management prescriptions
8. Apply a personal growth mindset as part of effective teamwork, while respecting workplace diversity, culture, and gender differences
9. Apply learned skills and a problem-solving mindset to facilitate successful employment within the profession of forestry
10. Employ safe work practices across the spectrum of forestry work
11. Model a commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as they relate to forestry and land management in British Columbia
12. Recognize the diversity of Indigenous Nations’ cultures and traditions as distinct knowledge systems that are valid when building respectful engagement, consultation, and collaborative relationships
13. Acknowledging the Calls to Truth and Reconciliation, explore how ecosystem management can include Indigenous perspectives and practices in a reciprocal approach
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of these high-school or equivalent courses:
- Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum of 67% or higher
- Any BC Science Curriculum (with at lab component) at the grade 11 or 12 level with a minimum of 67%
- English Studies 12 with a minimum of 67% or higher
NOTE: Applicants in Grade 12 at the time of application must show proof of registration or completion of the above courses.
Applicants that require upgrading may still gain provisional acceptance for program seats if they can show proof of registration (with time for likely completion) of prerequisite high school courses before Fall Term start dates.
All applicants must be in good health and reasonably good physical condition. A demonstrated interest in, and aptitude for, outdoor work is essential as much of the work is done in the field, often under adverse and arduous weather and topographic conditions. A self-assessment fitness checklist is available on request.
Computer competency is an important element of success in the program. Prior to starting the program, it is strongly recommended that students have entry-level experience with word processor, spreadsheet and web-browsing software. Check out Selkirk College Community Education & Workplace Training computer courses.
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Courses
ENVR150 - Hydrology I
ENVR 150 Hydrology I is an introductory study of water in our environment including its properties, the natural processes which affect it, and climate and weather. Students will gain practical experience in the collection and analysis of field and laboratory data using standard techniques and equipment.
ENVR160 - Surveying and Field Measurements
ENVR 160 Surveying and Field Measurements is an introduction to the practical use of common survey instruments and techniques used by Environmental technicians. As well, the course will introduce the student to various sampling methods used to collect, assess, classify, and evaluate field data. Emphasis is placed on the proper care and use of basic surveying and measurement tools and the skills involved in collecting and interpreting precise and accurate field data.
ENVR162 - Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification
ENVR 162 Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification is an introduction to the principles of Botany and Ecosystem Classification. Botany lectures will focus on plant classification, botanical terms, plant morphology, and plant physiology. Topics include: plant cell structure, plant tissue function and structure, photosynthesis and respiration, transpiration and translocation. Botany labs will focus on learning to identify about 100 native plants commonly found in the West Kootenay Region of B.C., specifically key indicator species. Ecology lectures will focus on ecosystem classification using the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification System (BEC) of B.C. Other key topics include the study of climatic factors, disturbance and succession, landscapes and stand structure. Ecology labs focus on classifying ecosystems (including soils, site and vegetation) to site series using BEC. Labs are mainly field based.
ENVR164 - Soil and Earth Sciences
ENVR 164 Soil and Earth Sciences will cover the identification of common rocks and minerals, landforms and soils of British Columbia. Learners will be introduced to the study of physical geology and geomorphology in relation to management of the forest environment and landscape. Learners will gain skills and knowledge in rock and mineral identification, description of the physical and chemical qualities of soils, and identification and classification of landforms and terrain. Skills will also be developed with respect to interpretation of geology, landforms and soils for environmental management.
ENVR190 - Computer Applications I
ENVR 190 Computer Applications I builds on student’s previously acquired computer skills. Computer applications specific to career opportunities in the environment and geomatics sector will be covered. This will include proper file management techniques for the geomatics environment, Microsoft (MS) Word processing for report writing, MS PowerPoint use for presentations, and MS Excel for data entry, analysis and visualization.
MATH160 - Technical Math Review
MATH 160 Technical Math Review is a mathematical review course for first-year students in the School of Environment and Geomatics (SEG) diploma programs. This course will provide a review of mathematical concepts which you will need for your other SEG courses. Materials to be covered include: unit conversions, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, problem solving, slope calculations, distance and direction calculations.
TWC150 - Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications I
TWC 150 Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications I is an introduction to general principles in written technical communication and their application to environmental concerns and workplace communication. Classroom sessions focus on developing writing skills, the organization and presentation of data, basic report formats, and job search techniques.
ENVR154 - Maps and Navigation
ENVR 154 Maps and Navigation focuses on the navigation skills required of technologists working outdoors to locate oneself, stay ''found'', and return safely from the field. The course includes hands-on use of navigation tools in field settings including map, compass, aerial imagery, altimeter, and Global Positioning System (GPS). Pre-trip planning in a navigation context will also be covered including developing access plans and route plans, and estimating travel times.
ENVR158 - Introduction to Geomatics
ENVR 158 Introduction to Geomatics is an introduction to applied mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) theory and applications. The first half of the course will be focused on introducing basic uses of remotely sensed imagery and exploring applied mapping technologies, including Google Earth and Internet Mapping websites. The second half of the semester will be focused on learning basic Geographic Information System concepts and applying GIS technologies to environmental, renewable resource management, and planning fields. Emphasis will be placed on how geographic data is represented, collected, managed, analyzed, and displayed using GIS tools. Hands-on experience will be developed with desktop GIS software, ESRI's ArcGIS for Desktop.
ENVR163 - Terrestrial Ecology and Biology
ENVR 163 Terrestrial Ecology and Biology builds upon the concepts from ENVR 162 with further studies of local forest ecosystems. Students will identify key forest structural components and study the role that disturbance (such as fire), environmental gradients, and competition play in defining a species' niche. Participants will also examine the role of primary and secondary growth, nutrient uptake, reproduction, and survival mechanisms for plants. Winter plant identification, ecosystem form and function, and plant adaptations to timberline will also be examined. A practical field based assignment will form a major portion of the term assessment. This project includes collecting the data in the field, entering and analyzing the data in the computer lab, and presenting the data in a written scientific report.
MATH190 - Resource Statistics I
MATH 190 Resource Statistics I is an introductory applied statistics course for environment and geomatics students. Topics include: types of data, descriptive statistics, probability and random variables, discrete probability distributions, continuous probability distributions, confidence intervals, sample size, and hypothesis testing.
TWC151 - Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications II
TWC 151 Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications II is an introduction to general principles in written scientific communication, research strategies, and oral presentations. Lectures and in-class writing focus upon research strategies, the formal report, technical style, and graphic illustration. Students practice delivery techniques for oral presentations and learn research skills for research report preparation.
FOR278 - ForestryTechnology Field School
FOR 278 Forest Technology Field School is designed to provide students with experiential, hands on skills and training, prior to the summer work season, and in preparation for the second year of the Forestry Technology program. This is accomplished over nine to ten days of practical field work at the end of the winter semester. Major projects include: S-100 fire suppression certification, Fire Smart Evaluations, Fuel Management Assessments and treatments, Tree planting, Woodlot Orientation.
FOR250 - Silviculture I
FOR 250 Silviculture I is an introduction to Silviculture as it is traditionally viewed; the art and science of establishing and tending forests to meet sustainable environmental, social, and management objectives. It will prepare the student for immediate employment as a forest technologist through instruction in silviculture theory, the application of silvicultural treatments and the use of various sampling strategies to monitor silviculture activities. Emphasis will be on basic silviculture; site preparation, natural and artificial regeneration, various survey procedures from Regen Delay to Free Growing. Field and office case studies are used throughout the course.
FOR260 - Applied Forest Hydrology and Engineering
FOR 260 Applied Forest Hydrology and Engineering. This course covers the planning and establishment of natural resource road access including Total Chance Planning, assessing terrain stability and potential environmental impacts of road construction route reconnaissance, road location, survey, and design techniques and construction costing, road construction methods, bridges and drainage structures, road management strategies, as well as the applicable legislation and permitting requirements. The course also reviews basic forest hydrology principles and the effects that resource road construction and forest harvesting might have on the hydrology of a forested watershed. Additionally, the Skattebo Integrated Project includes elements of project management such as work plan formulation and scheduling. Aspects of a safe work environment are emphasized during each learning activity.
FOR265 - Forest Measurements
FOR 265 Forest Measurements is a study of the policies and procedures used for timber cruising, product valuation, log scaling, and waste and residue assessment in British Columbia. Using timber valuation as a focal point, emphasis is placed on field data collection techniques, sampling methods, statistics and data compilation. The roles of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the forest industry are also explored in class and during onsite tours of local forest products manufacturers.
FOR271 - Applied Ecology and Range Management
FOR 271 Applied Ecology and Range Management provides enhanced and new skills and knowledge related to sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Ecological, operational, social, economic, and legislative considerations will be presented in this course. Emphasis will be on management strategies related to a number of ecological topics including; silvics, natural disturbance types, range management, riparian areas, fish habitat, soils, and soil hazards, fuel management, visual quality, species at risk, biodiversity and resiliency. Field and office case studies are used throughout the course. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to apply knowledge gained about managing for these individual values and resources towards the formation of integrated and comprehensive forest management strategies.
FOR274 - Forest Health
FOR 274 Forest Health consists of an extensive field examination of a wide range of prominent forest health agents and conditions. This includes field recognition, biology, ecological role and forest management implications of various forest insects, fungi and abiotic agents. Other topics include the recognition and management of invasive weed species, assessment of forest health agents in conjunction with silviculture surveys and harvesting prescriptions, management of root diseases and assessment of bark beetle occurrences.
FOR280 - Applied Research Project
FOR 280 Applied Research Project is an introduction to the basic principles and methods of research with an emphasis on forest resources. The objective of this course is to assist each student in completing an applied research project that has both a field-based data collection component, and a literature-based research component. Students will select an approved research topic and complete a number of assignments including writing a research proposal, and producing final report. The research results and recommendations will be presented at the SEG student conference. This course spans the fall and winter semesters.
ENVR250 - Indigenous Rights and Environmental Management
ENVR 250 Indigenous Rights and Environmental Management is an introduction to Indigenous cultures and traditional practices as foundational teachings of sustainability. The overarching focus of the course is recognizing and acknowledging Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge as they relate to environmental management.
With a two-eyed seeing approach, topics associated with environmental management will be viewed through the lens of Indigenous Rights and Truth and Reconciliation. The four main overlapping themes of the course are Indigenous cultures & practices, legislation, treaties, and Indigenous vs. Western approaches to environmental management and protection.
FOR200 - Field Trip Study
FOR 200 Field Trip Study provides an opportunity for students to experience coastal ecosystems, forest management practices, First Nations perspectives, and land management issue in the Coastal Region of the province. Students will be active in trip planning. Students will have the opportunity to develop communications skills, job finding skills and exhibit professionalism. The trip will also broaden student perspectives on forestry and career options in B.C.
FOR251 - Silviculture II
FOR 251 Silviculture II; this course prepares students for employment in the forest industry of British Columbia through instruction in silvicultural theory and the application of silvicultural practices. Biological, ecological, operational and economic considerations will be presented. The emphasis of this course is on reforestation, silviculture systems, stand management and crop planning techniques (spacing, commercial thinning, pruning, fertilization), and developing a defensible Site Plan.
FOR253 - Forest Policy and Resource Management
FOR 253 Forest Policy and Resource Management. This course explores the policies governing forest management in BC, the rights to harvest timber, the tenure system, appraisals and value of timber, elements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and other relevant policy, legislation, and regulation. The course will also investigate contract agreements, economic concepts, financial analysis and allowable cut determination and their applications to forest management activities.
FOR261 - Forest Harvesting
FOR 261 Forest Harvesting is an in depth study of timber harvest systems and supporting technologies including: harvest planning, mapping and GIS analysis, environmental impacts, field engineering considerations and system costing. The course is designed to reinforce foundational skills such as field note taking, measurements and safety. Theoretical emphasis will be given to the phases of timber harvest and the potential role of ground, cable and aerial based harvest systems as well as log transport systems. Health and safety issues surrounding timber harvesting operations will be explored. Through two projects integrated with other courses, project management elements will be learned in an applied setting.
ENVR291 - Computer Applications in Resource Management
ENVR 291 Computer Applications in Resource Management in British Columbia have become more complex and so the need for clear presentation and communication of ideas, plans, and strategies is more important than ever before. The content of ENVR 290 will address software used for the collection, assembly, display and presentation of environmental content specifically related to Forestry. Performing field data collection, importing data into ArcGIS for analysis and preparing suitable cartographic maps using ArcGIS software will be our focus.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic
International
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.
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