Forestry Management Plan Revision
The importance of soils is often underestimated in establishing management or restoration plans. Students examine soils at Echo Valley Park in the field, and use information from the USDA NRCS soil series descriptions in this activity. They review a forestry management plan for the park, revise the soils portion of the plan document, and then revise the recommendations to take the soil conditions into account.
Upper division soil genesis (USDA Soil Taxonomy) course.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
–Knowledge of how to use the NRCS Web Soil Survey to create a soil map for a specific Area of Interest
–Knowledge of how to find and interpret NRCS Soil Series Descriptions
The field portion could be optional:
–Knowledge of use of soil augers to obtain soil core samples
–Knowledge of how to log and describe soil core samples
How the activity is situated in the course
This is a stand-alone activity
Content/concepts goals for this activity
Demonstrate ability to interpret Soil Series Descriptions and use this information to develop recommendations regarding restoration/forestry planning.
Optional - confirm that Soil Series Descriptions and soil maps accurately represent soil conditions in a specific area
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
Critical analysis of a forestry management plan produced by professionals
Revise the plan to include more emphasis on the influence of soils in a restoration plan
Revise the management recommendations to take into account the additional soils information
Other skills goals for this activity
Develop and practice professional writing skill
Description and Teaching Materials
Teaching Notes and Tips
References and Resources