FORESTRY/NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY MEETING
THURSDAY 10/12/23
ROOM 319 TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT WRCC
4:00-5:00PM
AGENDA:
● Curriculum Review
● Tour of Facilities
● Equipment Inventory (BUS/Transportation)
● IRC’s and Duel Enrollment opportunities
● Future of Pleasant Valley Watershed as a Forestry outdoor learning lab
In Attendance: Errold Nelson, Jake Kenney, Andrew Morrison, Matt Stinchfield, Nick Haskell, Sam Schneski
Industry Recognized Credentials were discussed as a main priority. The Forestry program has The Game of Logging, Tractor Safety, First Aid/CPR, LEAP (Logger Education to Advance Professionalism) and OSHA 10. One member spoke up as to his observations in the field. The IRCs, in particular, Game of Logging are great for a Forestry student’s basic knowledge on the job but what seems to be lacking most is 21st Century skills desperately needed in the workplace. Students may know how to cut down a tree but if they cannot talk to the homeowner, make suggestions, plan alternatives, or figure out a budget for the job, then they will still fail, regardless of how many IRCs are in hand. This has been the biggest concern for most of the board members, who have worked alongside Forestry students in the past. Proper communication skills and behaviors needed for the workplace are lacking. Errold realizes this is an “across the board” issue with all students and will address it next school year.
Errold mentioned that the Level 1 Forestry Students have the opportunity to take of advantage of receiving college credit through the University Systems of Vermont. The course offered is Dendrology/AGR2130. Students who complete the requirements will receive 3 college credits.
Board members were asked what the most important piece of equipment they thought was needed in order to enhance the Forestry program. The consensus was the need for reliable transportation. Most importantly a bus or van to transport students to outdoor learning labs and jobs in the community.
Both Sam and Matt offered to be guest speakers on invasive species and new forestry silviculture practices.
Errold was asked if he would be willing to team up with Matt to do some landowner woods training. Nick, a former student at WRCC, thought this would be a great idea to involve the Career Center and Winham Regional Woodlands Assoc., working together in the community.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:15
