Transcript title

Conservation of Natural Res

Credits

3

Grading mode

Standard letter grades

Total contact hours

50

Lecture hours

20

Lab hours

30

Recommended preparation

WR 121Z.

Course Description

Examines current use and issues surrounding natural resources availability and management as well as the effect of human population on resource use and the environment. Includes critical analysis of sustainable development and resource use concepts, including principles of conservation and management. Emphasizes current issues. Two-day field trip required.

Course learning outcomes

1. Distinguish between natural, renewable, non-renewable, and perpetual resources.
2. Discuss human population growth in developed and less developed countries.
3. Explain human population effects on natural resource use.
4. Discuss conflicts in natural resource management and possible alternatives to traditional sources of these resources.
5. Explain endangered species conservation and management.
6. Discuss issues related to resource conservation in the local area and region.
7. Explain local and global water conservation and management.
8. Sustainability outcome: Explain the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems in the context of forestry and natural resource management.

Content outline

• Introduction, course overview and carrying capacity
• Resource exploitation, conservation and populations
• Global issues and tragedy of the commons
• Resource economics, UGB and oil consumption
• Juniper ecology and dendrochronology
• Dendrochronology: Colorado river compact
• Forest management: restoration and alternatives
• Forest management: conflicts in the Pacific Northwest
• Water: basic hydrology
• Water: conservation and management
• Waste management
• Aspen die-off
• Renewable energy: local resources, wind, solar, issues for the future
• Humans and climate
• Hot topics in climate change

Required materials

Requires textbook, see syllabus for details.