FNR-FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES -- 2001-03 Catalog
Natural Resources Management Department

FNR 101 Natural Resources Management and Society (3)

Integrated development, utilization and management of the nation's and world's natural resources for the continuous benefit of humankind and the conservation of the resources. Discussion of natural resources management practices and technologies which may provide a more flexible range of societal benefits for the wise use of our natural resources. 3 lectures.

FNR 112 Parks and Outdoor Recreation (3)

Introduction to national, state, county, city and private park systems. History, philosophy, policy and principles of the formation, administration and functioning of wildland recreational units at the park, county, regional, national, and international levels. 3 lectures.

FNR 140 Career Development and Planning in Natural Resources Management (1) (CR/NC)

Analysis and development of career goals in natural resources. Acquainting students with potential career options and assisting them in planning and implementation phases of an academic career program at Cal Poly. Credit/No Credit grading. 1 activity. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

FNR 201 Introduction to Forest Ecosystem Management (3)

Fundamentals of forestry including basic silviculture, forest protection, measurement and policy. Integrated resource management of forest lands for water production, forage, recreation, wildlife, and timber. 3 lectures.

FNR 202 Environmental Management (3)

Environmental management as a process within functioning societies seeking a harmonious balance between human activities and intrinsic behavior of the natural environment. Major components of the natural environment and the political and social activities that impact that environment. 3 lectures.

FNR 203 Resource Law Enforcement (3) (Also listed as REC 203)

Law enforcement applied to natural resource conservation on public and private lands. Examination of state and federal laws related to fish and wildlife management. Problems associated with implementation of resource laws examined. 3 lectures.

FNR 204 Resource Fire Control (3)

Fire control techniques used on various wildland fuels. Elementary fire physics, fuels, weather, fire behavior, tactics and fire suppression techniques, line construction, “mop-up”, fire line safety, air operations and fire organization. Meets basic wildland fire fighter certification requirements for the USDA Forest Service. Partially meets California Department of Forestry Firefighter I requirements. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

FNR 208 Dendrology (4)

Identification, classification, silvical characteristics, distribution, environmental requirements and economic importance of trees and shrubs in parks, forest and wildlife areas of the United States. Emphasis on Pacific Coast species. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: BOT 121 or BIO 152.

FNR 215 Land and Resource Measurements (1)

Introduction to land and resource measurement technology and methods -- field instruments, property description, map and photograph reconciliation, data accuracy and precision. Course may be offered at Swanton Pacific Ranch during week prior to beginning of fall quarter, or weekend field trips. 1 laboratory.

FNR 220 Forest Resources Enterprise Project (1–4) (CR/NC)

Selection and completion of a forest management/production project under faculty supervision. Project participation is voluntary and subject to approval by the department head and the Cal Poly Foundation. Degree credit limited to 8 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: FNR 201 or equivalent.

FNR 247 Forest Surveying (2) (Also listed as BRAE 247)

Use and care of tapes, staff compass, abney levels, theodolites, and GPS receivers. Keeping field notes, measurements by tape. Closed and open traverse by compass and theodolite. Turning angles and determining directions of lines. Map reading and public land description. GPS measurements. Weekend field trips required. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 119.

FNR 260 Forest Harvesting and Utilization (4)

Relationships between forest ecosystem management, harvesting methods, timber harvest planning, components of forest harvesting, harvesting effects; cost analysis of harvesting methods; safety management; value-added forest utilization; and road location. Miscellaneous course fee may be required-see Class Schedule. Overnight or weekend field trips required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 247.

FNR 290 Intercollegiate Forestry Activities (1) (CR–NC)

Beginning through advanced skills in the event areas of college forestry activities. Instruction in use of specialized equipment and safety. Minimum of 4 hours of laboratory per week. Total credit limited to 8 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to those qualified to compete in intercollegiate forestry activities and consent of instructor.

FNR 300 Computer Applications in Resource
Management (2) (Also listed as REC 300)

Resource management applications of microcomputers. Software programs include forest and natural resource management planning, forecasting, analysis of systems, and resource data base management for multiple use objectives. Forestry and natural resource examples will be used. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

FNR 306 Natural Resource Ecology and Habitat Management (4)

Resource ecology and management implications in the major ecosystems of North America. Importance of maintaining the natural dynamics of energy flow and nutrient cycles at the community and ecosystem level for the benefit of man. Humanity's role as a principal factor of change of the resources in natural systems. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: One course in biological sciences.

FNR 307 Fire Ecology (3)

Effects of wildland fires on shrub, woodland, and forest environments to include fuels, plants, soil, water, wildlife, and air. Emphasis is on western U.S., worldwide forest and shrub ecosystem. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 306 or ecology course, and FNR 204 or consent of instructor.

FNR 308 Fire and Society (4) GE D5
(Also listed as ES 308)

Prehistorical and historical record of human use of and attitude toward fire. Mythology and religion of fire. Traditional, cultural and ethnic variations and their influence on modern U.S. institutions involved in managing fire. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Areas A, D1 and D3.

FNR 311 Environmental Interpretation (4) (Also listed as REC 311)

Interpretation of the biological, physical and aesthetic values of the natural elements of our environment; organization and presentation of interpretive materials by oral, written, and display methods of communication. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: SCOM 101 or SCOM 102.

FNR 312 Technology of Wildland Fire Management (4) GE Area F

Models and technology to solve complex land management problems. Historic, current and future perspectives of wildland fire in California. Sustainability and ecosystem health. Assumptions and limitations of fire behavior and suppression models. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area B, and junior standing (Updated 6/25/02).

FNR 315 Forest Mensuration and Sampling (4)

Principles and methods of sampling and measurement for forest and natural resource quantities and qualities. Modeling and estimation for tree volumes, stand structure and composition, and related forest vegetation. Applications in sampling, statistical and inventory techniques. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Overnight field laboratories required. Prerequisite: MATH 120, STAT 218, BRAE/FNR 247.

FNR 318 Applications in GIS (3) (Also listed as GEOG/LA 318)

ARC/INFO and ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS) computer software to explore natural resources, social and business issues, using spatial data. Develop data base, use software and apply with relevant natural systems. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: Junior standing, computer literacy or consent of instructor.

FNR 319 Natural Resource Ecology, Theories and
Applications (4) GE B5

Scope and nature of "ecology" in modern society, including resource terminology and classifications systems; dynamics of natural systems (energy exchange and cycles); man's role as a principle agent of change; environmental impacts; historical perspective including people (ethnicity); and the future environment. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area B2.

FNR 321 Water Systems Technology, Issues and
Impacts (4) GE Area F

Sustainable strategies and technologies to enhance freshwater supplies and marine habitats. Systems treated include artificial wetlands, stormwater, drinking water, agricultural and industrial waste water. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area B, and junior standing (Updated 6/25/02).

FNR 323 Human Dimensions in Natural Resources
Management (4) GE D5

Social, economic, political and ecological conditions and institutions that influence decisions affecting the environment; examination of human-caused environmental impacts and how they in turn influence social institutions. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A and two courses from Areas D1, D2, D3.

FNR 326 Natural Resources Economics and Valuation (4)

Principles of efficient use of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources, including methods for attaching value to marketable and non-market natural resources. Key resource sectors treated in detail: timber, water resources, wildlife/fisheries, and wildland recreation. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 118, AGB 212, FNR 201.

FNR 335 Human Resources and Conflict Management in Natural Resources (4)

Application of behavioral science principles and techniques in the management of natural resource systems. Management of internal and external human resource issues and concerns in natural resources organizations is emphasized. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 201, PSY 201 or PSY 202.

FNR 339 Internship in Forest and Natural Resources (1–12) (CR/NC)

Selected students will spend up to 12 weeks with an approved firm or agency engaged in forest or natural resources management. Applying and developing managerial skills and abilities. One unit of credit may be allowed for each full week of completed and reported internship. Credit/No Credit grading. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

FNR 340 Resource Fire Management (2)

Wildland fuels, fire weather, fire behavior, and fire danger ratings in the chaparral, grassland, and wooded areas of forests, parks, and wildlands. Management implications, policy and objectives of fire management organizations. Saturday field trips may be required. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: FNR 204 or consent of instructor.

FNR 350 Urban Forestry (3)

Establishment and management of city forests, small forest holdings, shelter belts, and plantings for erosion control, wildlife enhancement, and pollution abatement. Management of forest areas requiring special attention because of heavy recreational use, fire hazard, watershed, and societal values. Weekend or full-day field trips required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 208, FNR 355 or consent of instructor.

FNR 355 Hardwood and Woodlot Management (4)

Regeneration, management and improvement of farm and urban interface forest holdings. Design and production of wood biomass for wood fiber, fuel and Christmas trees, etc. Emphasis on hardwood/oak woodland management, biodiversity, and land ethics. Integration with range, wildlife and recreation values. Weekend or full-day field trips required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 201, FNR 208, FNR 315.

FNR 360 Ethnicity and the Land (4) GE C4 USCP
(Also listed as ES 360)

A comparative study of the ethnic, cultural and gender influences that shape people's perceptions, attitudes and behavior toward terrestrial and aquatic resource values and uses. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A and one course from Area C1,C2, or C3. Junior standing.. Recommended: one lower division Ethnic Studies course and an introductory natural resources course.

FNR 362 Survey and Management of Mediterranean Ecosystems (4)

Woody vegetation found in worldwide Mediterranean ecosystems. Distribution, historical development and uses of these ecosystems. Emphasis on chaparral management techniques and effects of management on fire, water production, biomass potential. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 306 or equivalent.

FNR 365 Silviculture and Vegetation Management (4)

Applied forest ecology and prescriptions for achieving forest ecosystem management; dynamic relations among trees, biological communities, environmental factors, and land use. Vegetation manipulation and reforestation methods. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. Overnight and/or weekend field trips required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 208, FNR 306, FNR 315.

FNR 400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (2–4)

Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

FNR 402 Forest Health (4)

Impact and losses to forested areas caused by physical and biotic agents (such as insects and diseases) other than fire; relation of direct and indirect control practices to forest management. Saturday field trips required. Course offered at Swanton Pacific ranch beginning Fall Quarter 2000 contingent on facilities. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 208, FNR 306 and department head approval.

FNR 404 Environmental Law (3) (Also listed as CRP 404)

Detailed examination of the law governing use and protection of natural resources with focus on the legal institutions entrusted with the public duty of protecting the environment. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: Senior standing, or consent of instructor.

FNR 408 Water Resource Law and Policy (3)
(Also listed as CRP 408)

Detailed examination of the various legal systems of water use, regulation and management in California and the United States. Discussion on the key concepts and principles of state, federal and interstate water quantity and quality control; focusing on issues and problems, why conflicts occur and how solutions evolve. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: FNR 306 or equivalent or instructor approval, senior standing.

FNR 410 Resource Recreation Management (4)
(Also listed as REC 410)

Practices of management of resource recreation on private and public lands. Consideration of the following management systems: biophysical, user/visitor, facilities, equipment, fiscal, personnel will be made in the provision of resource recreation services. Case studies in mass recreation and wilderness areas will be examined. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Some weekend labs necessary. Prerequisite: FNR 112 or consent of instructor.

FNR 412 Forest and Natural Resources Senior Assessment
Project (4)

Principles and practices of integrated sampling and inventory of resource values in forested ecosystems. Comprehensive timber harvest planning to address multiple forest values: silvicultural prescriptions for watershed and wildlife management culminating in a student project report. Course offered at Swanton Pacific ranch beginning Fall 2000 contingent on facilities. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: FNR 326, FNR 365 and department head approval.

FNR 414 Timber Management (4)

Physical, biological, economic, social and political influences on optimal forest management for purposes of producing wood products. Growth and yield modeling; timber investment analysis; sustainable timber production; harvest schedule modeling. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 326, FNR 365, FNR 412.

FNR 416 Environmental Impact Analysis and Management (4)

National Environmental Policy and California Environmental Quality Acts as applied to natural resource management processes. Intent, purpose and history of the laws; differences between laws identified. Request for proposals and preparation of environmental documents covered. Miscellaneous course fee may be required–see Class Schedule. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 306 or equivalent.

FNR 417 Resource Recreation Planning (3) (Also listed as REC 417)

Development and analysis of resource recreation plans. Planning theory, types of plans, scheduling techniques, projecting supply and demand, application of models, and economic evaluations. Basic recreation planning skills examined. Examples emphasize planning for parks and recreation. Miscellaneous course fee may be required–see Class Schedule. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 112 or consent of instructor.

FNR 419 Watershed Management and Restoration (4)

Hydrologic cycle concepts and measurement. Analysis and measurement of watershed processes. Watershed management and protection including rehabilitation, erosion, sedimentation, cumulative watershed effects, stream habitat assessment. Saturday and weekend field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: SS 121, FNR 306, FNR 318.

FNR 420 Advanced Watershed Hydrology (4)

Sources of streamflow and processes by which watersheds undergo change from natural and anthropogenic processes. Fluvial processes, sediment transport and channel restoration techniques. Influences of forest and range management on water resources including water quality and analytical techniques. Weekend field trips required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 419.

FNR 425 Applied Resource Analysis (4)

Environmental impacts in responses to resource management programs and activities. Preparation, implementation, and coordination of environmental activities. Criteria for measurements, interpretation, and evaluation. Resource inventories, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, environmental assessment writing and preparation. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 416 or senior standing.

FNR 434 Wood Properties and Products (5)

Principles of wood properties and efficient use of renewable wood resources including methods for using wood as an energy source. Weekend or full-day field trips required. 3 lectures, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: FNR 201 and FNR 260 or consent of instructor.

FNR 435 Natural Resources Policy Analysis (4)

Policy process approach to understanding the efforts to resolve natural resource problems in the public and private sector. Principles and techniques used to analyze the effects of policy changes on natural resources management. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 326, FNR 335.

FNR 450 Community Forestry (3)

Development and management of the urban/wildland interface. Socio-economic problems related to forest tree establishment, care, and harvest utilization. International implications also covered. Weekend or full-day field trips required. 2 seminars, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 350 or consent of instructor.

FNR 455 Urban-Wildland Interface Fire Protection (3)

Social, economic, political, and technological issues affecting fire management in urbanized landscapes where fire continues its ecological role. Fire risk analysis; needs assessment, legislative codes, standards and policies; liability issues; evacuation; incident response planning. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 204 or FNR 307, FNR 318.

FNR 460 Advanced Applications of GIS (2)

Acquisition, organization and analysis of geographic data from diverse sources to develop coverages using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Advanced GIS modeling applications and validation techniques. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: FNR/LA 318.

FNR 461, 462 Senior Project (3) (3)

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Projects typical of problems which graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. Minimum 180 hours total time.

FNR 463 Undergraduate Seminar (1)

Study and oral presentation of current developments and problems in the subject field. Discussion of recent findings and research and their application. 1 seminar.

FNR 464 Advanced GIS Practicum (1)

Advanced GIS applications and modeling strategies used in projects developed in FNR 460. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 460.

FNR 465 Ecosystem Management (4)

Applied integration of forestry and natural resources management knowledge. Principles, concepts and techniques designed to utilize resources while sustaining forest health and habitat within acceptable limits of change. Ecosystem management planning project. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: FNR 416, FNR 414, FNR 419.

FNR 470 Selected Advanced Topics (1–4)

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1–4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

FNR 471 Selected Advanced Laboratory (1–4)

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1–4 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

FNR 472 Leadership Practice (1) (Also listed as REC 472)

Leadership styles used in the natural resources management and recreation administration professions. Study and practice in setting goals and objectives; developing, evaluating and implementing an entrepreneurial project plan; decision making and problem-solving. Total credit limited to 4 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

FNR 500 Individual Study (1–3)

Advanced independent study planned and completed under the direction of a member of the department faculty. Open only to graduate students who have demonstrated ability to do independent work. Total credit limited to 4 units. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of department head.

FNR 502 Resource Conservation (3)

Conservation, planning and administration for broad treatment of land, water, mineral, forest, range, and wildlife resources. 3 seminars. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

FNR 503 Tropical Forest Ecosystem Management (3)

Tropical forest ecosystem classification, function and limitations. Applied tropical forest management systems; tropical problems, management, and political strategies; over-grazing and desertification; overcutting and fuelwood shortages. 3 seminars. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent or instructor.

FNR 504 Agroforestry Systems (2)

Principles and practical applications of tree crop systems which are managed to provide fuel, fiber, fodder, and food. Tree crop identification and tree product uses. Plantation design, establishment, and cultural practices. Soil management. Integration of forest, and range management practices and values. Special applications to tropical forest ecosystems. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

FNR 521 Natural Resources Management for Educators (3)

Philosophy (theoretical and applied) of natural resource management strategies functioning in today's environment. Ecological principles applicable to specific resource components as they relate to the present perception of today's resource base, use demands and projected utilization. 3 seminars. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

FNR 530 Social Systems in Forest Resources Management (3)

Theories and methods for incorporating community in the management of forest resources. Approaches to conflict resolution between resource owners and community stakeholders using tools such as GIS. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

FNR 532 Forestry Applications in Biometrics and Econometrics (4)

Quantitative methods in modeling biological and economic processes associated with managing forested ecosystems. Biometric modeling of stand growth and inventory. Econometric modeling of market and non-market natural resource values. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and consent of instructor.

FNR 534 Forest Ecosystem Management and Modeling (3)

Methods and modeling approaches used in quantifying ecological processes and conditions associated with forested ecosystems, such as fire behavior, hydrologic processes, terrestrial and aquatic habitat condition using GIS and other models. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and consent of instructor.

FNR 539 Graduate Internship in Forest Resources(1–9)

Application of theory to the solution of problems of forest resources or related businesses in the field. Analyze specific management problems and perform general management assignments detailed in a contract between the student, the firm or organization, and the faculty adviser before the internship commences. Degree credit limited to 6 units. Prerequisite: Consent of internship instructor.

FNR 570 Selected Topics in Forest Resources (1–4)

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1–4 seminars. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

FNR 571 Selected Topics in Forest Resources Laboratory (1–4)

Directed group laboratory of selected topics for advanced students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1–4 laboratories. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

FNR 575 Applications in Advanced Watershed Hydrology (2)

Techniques and applications in watershed hydrology to real-world projects. Projects could include water quality or quantity assessments, water quality or channel morphology monitoring, and structural and non-structural enhancements for channel and upland watersheds, culminating in a final report and presentation. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: FNR 420 and graduate standing, or consent of instructor.

FNR 581 Graduate Seminar in Forest Resources (3)

Group study of selected developments, trends and problems in the field of forest and natural resources. 3 seminars. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

FNR 599 Thesis (1–9)

Individual research in forest or natural resources management under the general supervision of faculty, leading to a graduate thesis. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.