FOR 365 -- Issues in Natural Resources Conservation -- OSU Extended Campus

Unit 7-Forests & Rangelands

Objectives

To review the ecology and condition of rangeland ecosystems

To consider the history of rangeland management in the US

To explore management techniques that conserve rangeland resources

To examine the management of forest ecosystems.

To consider the many benefits derived from forests.

To gain a basic understanding of tree harvest and reforestation methods.

To consider approaches to fire management of forests.

To examine the history and politics of wilderness protection.

To examine the causes and ecological effects of tropical deforestation.

Clearcut harvest unit in a PNW conifer forest

Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Assignments

1.Participate in this week class discussion.

2. Research and begin writing your issue paper.

Your completed issue paper is due by 12pm PST Sunday of Week 9, so start researching your topic. Check out some of the research links provided in the instructions.

Supplemental Research

The following are links to sites containing material related to this week’s lecture topics. They are provided for your information only and are not assigned reading.

Grassland Ecosystems

Link opens .pdf file. An environmental assessment of grassland ecosystems world-wide, published by the World Resources Institute.

Forest Ecosystems

Link opens .pdf file. An environmental assessment of forest ecosystems world-wide, published by the World Resources Institute.

State of the World's Forests 2003

Link opens new browser window. An FAO publication providing the most up to date information on the world's forest ecosystems as well as current information on forestry practices and policies.

American Forests

Link opens new browser window. American Forests is nonprofit conservation organization which advocates planting trees for environmental restoration and urban forestry. Click on “Urban Forests” for information on the benefits of urban forestry.

Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics (FSEEE)

Link opens new browser window. FSEEE is non-profit organization that works towards forging a socially responsible value system for the U.S. Forest Service based on a land ethic that ensures ecologically and economically sustainable resource management.