Students should be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental life processes of plants including photosynthesis and transpiration.

2. Understand the function of each part of a tree. 

3. Understand basic ecological concepts including food webs, succession, competition, adaptation, and symbiosis. 

4. Understand how forest management can affect wildlife habitat, water quality, and soil health. 

5.  Understand how forest health and management affect the following issues: biological diversity, forest fragmentation, air quality, fire, and recreation.

6. Understand how forests are managed to yield timber and what products are derived from timber. 

7. Identify key species for the following plant communities common in California:  

· Chaparral
· Mixed Conifer Forest

8. Identify with common and Latin names the following common trees without a key, and know their approximate ranges in California: 
 
· Jeffery Pine
· Ponderosa Pine
· Coulter Pine
· Big Cone Spruce
· Incense Cedar
· White Fir
· Douglas Fir
· Coast Redwood

9. Identify specific species of trees and shrubs through the use of a key.

10. Identify, understand the life cycles, and know common control techniques for the following insect and disease pests of trees in California:

· Western Pine Beetle
· Flat Headed Borers
· Dwarf Mistletoe
· Spruce Budworm
· White Pine Blister Rust
· Heart rot
· Dwarf Mistletoe

11. Understand the role of natural and human caused fires on an ecosystem.

12. Understand basic fire behavior and fire suppression tactics.

13. Determine both diameter and number of logs of a tree using only a Biltmore Stick.

14. Use the following forestry tools: clinometer, diameter tape, and prism.

15. Interpret all aspects of USGS quad maps; understand legal descriptions and associated terms such as section, township, and range.

16.  Understand the cause/effect relationship factors affecting tree growth and forest development - climate, microorganisms, insects, etc.

17. Interpret volume, class, and site index tables using raw data collected through a timber cruise operation.
 
18. Know the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of even and uneven age silvicultural management practices.

19. Describe different types of harvest (logging) methods and understand why each is used for a specific area, species, age class, or habitat type.

20. Know the purpose and general terms of the following laws:

· Organic Act of 1897
· Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act of June 12, 1960
· National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
· California Environmental Quality Act
· National Forest Management Act of 1976

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