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Printed on 6/30/2025

Forest Management Specialist

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20-057-5 Certificate (C) 15 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Learn the technical skills required to be successful in a career as a forestry technician in both public and private sector employment. With this certificate, you’ll acquire knowledge related to forest and land management, along with wildland fire – both suppression and prescribed burning applications. Intended for Natural Resources Technician students who have completed their first-year program courses.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (15 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Forestry 1
    10-057-132
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10057132
    • Credits: 3.00

    Covers tree and shrub identification (dendrology), forest mapping, stand inventory, basic forest ecology, silvicultural practices and timber types. This course prepares students to perform more specific job-related tasks in Forestry 2.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • NATURE 10057109 - Ecology

    • NATURE 10057143 - Natural Resources Common Topic

    • NATURE 10057183 - Exploring Natural Resources

    • COMMUNIC 10801195 - Written Communication

    • MATH 10804107 - College Mathematics
  • Forestry 2
    10-057-133
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10057133
    • Credits: 3.00

    A continuation of Forestry 1 with studies of aerial photography applications, logging operations, lumber scaling and grading, fire weather and fire suppression, tree planting and seeding operations, forest diseases and insects of the lake states. It culminates with field trips to natural resource agencies to view the practices and principles learned during class.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • NATURE 10057132 - Forestry 1
  • Soil and Water Conservation
    10-057-134
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10057134
    • Credits: 3.00

    Examines the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil in relation to water and wind erosion. The identification, planning and use of soil and water conservation practices are examined, and students study the relationship of soil fertility to conservation and management.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • NATURE 10057109 - Ecology

    • NATURE 10057143 - Natural Resources Common Topic

    • NATURE 10057183 - Exploring Natural Resources

    • COMMUNIC 10801195 - Written Communication

    • MATH 10804107 - College Mathematics

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in Conservation Agronomist (20-057-6) Program of Study
  • Plant Identification
    10-057-140
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10057140
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides a basic study of the trees, grasses, herbs and aquatics of Wisconsin. The class focuses on the principal species of seven major plant communities: forest, bog, agriculture, prairie, marsh, shrub and beach.

  • Wildfire Intro S130/S190/L180
    10-058-160
    2Credit
    45
    63
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 45
    • Outside Effort Hours: 63
    • Course Number: 10058160
    • Credits: 2.00

    Prepares new firefighters in basic firefighting skills and behavior factors that will aid them in the safe and effective control of wildland fires.

  • S212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws
    10-058-162
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10058162
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides introduction to the function, maintenance and use of internal combustion engine-powered chainsaws and their tactical wildland fire application.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • NATURE 10058160 - Wildfire Intro S130/S190/L180

    • EMS 10531105 - EMR with CPR OR current basic First Aid & CPR certification

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Prescribed Fire
    10-058-181
    1Credit
    72
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 10058181
    • Credits: 1.00

    Consists of student participation in prescribed fire application for management and fuel reduction objectives. Emphasis will be on safety, ignition patterns and holding crews.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • NATURE 10058160 - Wildfire Intro S130/S190/L180

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Fire Prep
    10-058-182
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10058182
    • Credits: 1.00

    Prepares the student for fire season. Topics include writing burn plans, burn site checks, equipment inventory, organization and maintenance.

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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.