Advanced Silviculture for the Practicing Forester Graduate Certificate

Earn a certificate in advanced silviculture forestry online

The online Graduate Certificate in Advanced Silviculture provides forestry professionals with current, research-based knowledge and hones the skills you need to make strategic, science-based decisions within an adaptive management context. Designed specifically for practicing foresters, this online certificate will prepare you with the in-depth knowledge, methods, theories, and tactics to identify, compare, and apply advanced ecological concepts to diverse forest ecosystems.

Managing forest systems effectively requires a diverse set of skills. Learn to develop, implement, and evaluate silvicultural solutions to help both forests and communities adapt to a changing climate. After completing the program, graduates will be able to:

• Utilize current scientific methodologies to inform management decisions in the field
• Effectively write silviculture prescriptions for specific management objectives that meet the diverse values of landowners
• Develop on-the-ground actions for climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Create a monitoring plan to effectively evaluate and assess management actions, and to inform future management decisions

What is the difference between forestry and silviculture?

Forestry can be generally defined as the practice and science of managing forests. Silviculture is an extension of the forestry discipline focused on sustainably managing the structure and growth processes of forested areas via science-based methods. Silviculture works to control tree and vegetation density, replenish unproductive areas with new trees, monitor forest ecosystems, protect existing trees from invasive insects, diseases, and other destructive agents, and harvests trees when needed. Foresters with in-depth knowledge of silviculture are well-equipped to take on land management projects with greater levels of complexity, scale, and responsibility.

Deepen your knowledge and advance your forestry career

Through online coursework designed by silviculture experts, this certificate program will prepare you to take on forest management roles such as:

• Senior forest silviculturist
• Regional silviculturist
• Forest supervisor
• Forestry consultant

“We as foresters, need to incorporate new ideas and science to the silvicultural best practices we’ve established thus far. Practitioners like me are learning how to become leaders in silvicultural practices to guide our peers in implementing this new certificate.”

– Scott Johnson, CSFS Montrose Field Office

“Helping landowners steward forests that have recently experienced rapid, stand level changes, the certificate program has better prepared me to present a suite of science based silvicultural alternatives that can meet landowner objectives while incorporating climate adaptation into the forest management planning process.”

– Mike Tarantino, CSFS Gunnison Field Office

Courtney Peterson

Courtney.Peterson@colostate.edu
970-491-2280

Courtney Peterson is a Research Associate in the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Department and coordinator and instructor for the Advanced Silviculture Certificate. Her primary role is to serve as the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) Network coordinator where she focuses on disseminating ASCC project findings and translating them into outreach and training opportunities with land managers and scientists working to manage forests for climate change adaptation. Courtney is also a climate adaptation specialist with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) where she supports partners through assistance in climate science communication and adaptation planning, resources, and training.

Wilfred Previant

Wilfred.Previant@colostate.edu
970-491-6303

Wilfred Previant is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University. Drawing upon his extensive field experience in the Great Lakes, Interior West, and Pacific Northwest forests and landscapes, Wilfred builds around case-studies to help connect students to their interests. Wilfred’s research includes forest inventory, monitoring analysis, sampling techniques, silviculture, forest refugia, and carbon management.

Kristen Switzer

Kristen.Switzer@colostate.edu
802-345-7523

Kristen Switzer is an Experiential Learning Specialist at Colorado State Forest Service. She assists in course development and instructing for the Advanced Silviculture Certificate. Kristen serves as an academic liaison between the Colorado State Forest Service and Colorado State University, and as an advisor for the Society of American Foresters Alpha Chapter. Kristen earned her M.S. in Biological Sciences from Montana State University, and her B.S. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Vermont. Her past research focused on climate impacts on ecological communities.

What is silviculture?

According to the US Forest Service, silviculture is the art and science of overseeing the establishment, growth, quality, and health of forests and woodland areas. Effective land managers must balance the needs of landowners and communities while considering the importance of biodiversity, wildlife habitats, water resources, and sustainable outdoor recreation. When carefully planned and implemented, various silvicultural tactics like planting, harvesting, thinning, pruning, and prescribed burning can help create a thriving forest ecosystem over time. The importance of silviculture and its impact can be clearly seen in well-managed forests, resulting in healthier trees, more accessibility for recreation, greater biodiversity, and improved habitats for wildlife.

Do I need forestry field experience to apply to the certificate?

Forestry field experience is highly recommended, but not a requirement to apply. However, the certificate is designed to culminate in a capstone course where you will use data and information from a forest stand of your choice to develop a comprehensive silviculture prescription. It is beneficial to have a forest in mind that you can access and gather data from to successfully complete the capstone course.

Do I need natural resource management experience to apply to the certificate?

This graduate certificate requires that students have a bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or another related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants with a degree in an unrelated field who have significant forestry experience may be considered. Examples of appropriate experience include:

• Worked as a forester or natural resources manager
• Significant volunteer experience in a natural resources-related field
• Field experience as an undergraduate student in forestry/natural resources

Do I need undergraduate coursework in statistics and ecology?

Undergraduate coursework in statistics and ecology is required for several courses within the certificate. You can take these courses prior to or after admission.

If I’m receiving a CSU employee tuition benefit for the Silviculture Certificate, will it be taxed?

Employees taking graduate courses or post-bachelor undergraduate courses are limited to $5,250 of tax-free tuition. Any amounts over that limitation will be included in taxable wages.

What happens if I miss course content because I’m on a fire assignment or working in the field without internet access?

Every instructor will have a policy on missed assignments, so it is very important to initiate good communication and work closely with course instructors.

Can I earn Continuing Forestry Education credits for coursework?

Yes. Please let the Silviculture Certificate Coordinator or faculty member know you are interested, and they can apply for Society of American Foresters continuing education credits.

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Silviculture requires the completion of six courses.

Required Courses

• F 571 – Applied Forest Ecology (2 cr.)
• F 572 – Advanced Silviculture Practices (3 cr.)
• F 574 – Climate Adaptive Forest Management (1 cr.)
• F 575 – Monitoring for Advanced Silviculture (2 cr.)
• F 576 – Advanced Silviculture Capstone (3 cr.)
• NR 693 – Natural Resources Stewardship Seminar (2 cr.)

Note: You must be admitted to this program for the certificate to appear on your official University transcript.

Application Deadlines