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Forestry and Natural Resources

Guardians of the Forests

SAF LogoThe Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) program at CR prepares you for a career managing public and/or private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. Extensive fieldwork complements classroom discussions about forest ecology, fire and fuels management, inventory, surveying and wildlife biology.

College of the Redwood's Forestry and Natural Resources Associate of Science Degree is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

The CR Forestry program follows the SAF Code of Ethics outlines the professional responsibilities of foresters. It emphasizes the importance of:

  • Stewardship: Forestland should be managed for both present and future generations.
  • Landowner Rights: Respect for landowners' rights while also acknowledging their responsibility to society.
  • Science: Using sound science as the foundation for forestry practices and policy.
  • Public Policy: Advocating for forest policies based on science and societal values.
  • Communication:Honest and open communication with stakeholders.
  • Professionalism:Maintaining high ethical standards in all aspects of forestry.

Please visit this link for the full statement of Ethics.

medal Icon Forestry Technology Associate of Science Degree
medal Icon Forestry and Natural Resources Technology Certificate of Achievement
medal Icon Geomatics Certificate of Achievement

Program Information

CR is an affordable head start on the path towards a number of 4-year Bachelor of Science degree programs with concentrations like:

  • Natural Resource Management & Conservation
  • Forest Operations and Business
  • Forest Biology
  • Forest Engineering
  • Urban Forestry

Many of our core classes transfer one-for-one with CalPoly Humboldt's Forestry Program. If you’re looking to transfer outside of California, many universities across the country accept CR’s FNR courses.

You will make good use of CR’s 270-acre campus that boasts stands of coast redwood, Douglas fir and other native species, as well as the other forest ecosystems of the national and state parks which are only a short drive away.  These forested environments are our outdoor classrooms where you will learn to apply lecture concepts and master field techniques. Internships are also available with local forestry-based businesses.

  • Forester
  • Conservation and Resource Manager
  • Remote Sensing Technician
  • Wildland Fire Ecologist
  • Park Ranger / Interpreter
  • Forest Road Technician
  • Forestry Aide for CALFIRE

We are surrounded by private, state, and federal employment opportunities. Employers of CR graduates include the U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies, CalFIRE, various forest industry companies, private consultants, and non-governmental organizations. Even more opportunities exist for students who are prepared to move elsewhere in the state or country.

The job outlook for foresters and forest technicians is robust. Fifty percent of current foresters/technicians are projected to retire within the next five years, which will open up new entry-level positions as more experienced foresters move up the promotion ladder.

Forestry Faculty

Maddie Lopez
Maddie Lopez

Forestry and Natural Resources

Professor Lopez is very familiar with the community college system, having started her educational journey at Sierra College in Sacramento, where she received her Associate of Science degree in Natural Resources. She then transferred to Humboldt...

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Professor Valerie Elder
Valerie Elder

Forestry and Natural Resources

"All you need is appreciation for the outdoors and trees, and interest in creative problem solving that help us find solutions to some of our pressing problems like climate change, catastrophic wildfires, forest health, protecting clean water...

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Drone over CR

Geomatics Certificate

The Geomatics Certificate Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the geospatial analysis sector. Students are trained in the concepts and theories of spatial data, spatial data acquisition and analysis, and the practical application of software in importing, rectifying, combining, and analyzing spatial data and the development of maps and reports.

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A summary overview of the Student Complaint process at CR Can be found here. The purpose is to provide a prompt and equitable means of resolving student grievances and is available to any student who reasonably believes a decision or action has adversely affected his or her status, rights, or privileges as a student.

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California Employment Statistics

Forest Technician

$37,180

Median Wage with an Associate’s Degree

Projected Job Growth

+1%

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Outlook 2018-2028