Natural Resource Management in Wilderness: Evaluating Proposals for Scientific Activity
Self-paced
Full course description
Course summary:
This course discusses the process of evaluating proposals to conduct scientific activity in wilderness and the decisions wilderness managers must make in order to preserve wilderness character while such activity occurs. The content of this course builds on theories introduced in the Minimum Requirements Analysis courses and expands to include four protection filters you can use to determine the appropriateness of proposed scientific research in wilderness.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Discuss the appropriateness and compatibility of scientific activity in wilderness.
- Identify any compliance requirements necessary to allow scientific activity in wilderness.
- Employ a suitable process to evaluate scientific proposals for monitoring and research projects specific to your wilderness area.
Recommended background:
It is strongly recommended that you complete the free The Wilderness Act of 1964 and the Minimum Requirements Analysis courses before beginning this course. It is recommended that you also complete Natural Resource Management in Wilderness: Fundamentals before beginning the course. Without foundational knowledge of the Wilderness Act, you will not be able to get the most out of this course and could find the content confusing.
Course topics include:
- Scientific Activities in Wilderness
- Evaluation Framework
- Step 1: Initial Review Filter
- Step 2: Quality of Proposal Filter
- Step 3: Legal and Policy Filter
- Step 4: Benefits and Impacts Filter
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Final assessment
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Course creators:
This course was designed and developed jointly by the Arthur Carhart Wilderness Training Center and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.