Forest Technology

• How to identify different species of plants

  • Native and Non-Native

  • Winter identification

  • Use a dichotomous key

• Forest Inventory
  

  • Cruising timber

  • Data manipulation

  • Statistical analysis

• Surveying and Mapping
  
  • Compass and pacing

  • Global Positioning System (GPS)

• Computer software applications for forestry
  

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

  • Forest inventory software

  • Drone application

• Communication Skills
  

  • Work independently and in a group

  • Present yourself professionally

• Spend Time Outdoors!

• Conduct forest inventories

• Practice hands-on skills

• Evaluate forest health

• Plant Trees

• Improve wildlife habitats
• Safely operate chainsaws and heavy equipment
• Earn industry-accepted certifications

Our Forest Technology program prepares you to work in a wide variety of natural resource fields from traditional forestry (working in the woods), to urban forestry (working with individual trees in urban areas), land surveying, park service, or even wildlife management! You'll learn to work alone, use equipment, make qualified decisions, and supervise work crews in the field. And you'll be prepared for employment in just four semesters and a seven-week summer field program.

As a forest technology student, you'll experience in-the-field training on conducting a forest inventory, locating and measuring property boundaries, determining the health of a forest stand, and evaluating a fish or animal population. Because forestry has become high-tech, you'll learn and become comfortable using the latest in Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and Drone technology.

You may also choose to join our Forestry Club or Woodsmen's team -- two great opportunities for professional development, networking, and fun. Activities of the Forestry Club include camping and fishing trips, seedling sales, attending a meeting of the Society of American Foresters, and more. The Woodsmen's team participates in an annual lumberjack competition that involves events like cross-cut-sawing, axe throwing, and chopping. The events that the Woodsmen's team performs are much like those in which professional timber sports athletes compete.

The Forest Technology program has been approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) as a Statewide Designated Program. Maryland residents from counties other than Allegany County who register in this eligible program will be charged the out-of-county tuition rate. However, these students may be eligible to receive reimbursement for a portion of the cost difference between the in-county and out-of-county tuition rates. Funding availability for this program is based on funding from the state of Maryland and is thus subject to change each semester. Some restrictions apply. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Additionally, numerous Forest Technology scholarships  are available through our Foundation.