Full course description
Course summary:
Management must continually guard the balance between natural progression and encroaching nonnative, invasive species. This course defines the vegetation component of wilderness, describes its value to wilderness, and examines mandated management policies, including threats and strategies for balancing wilderness character. This is the tenth course in the Natural Resource Management in Wilderness course of study.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Define the vegetation component of wilderness.
- Explain vegetation's value in wilderness.
- Explain the basis for vegetation management in wilderness as provided by the Wilderness Act and agency policy.
- Recognize potential threats to vegetation resources in wilderness.
- Identify strategies for managing vegetation resources in wilderness.
Recommended background:
It is strongly recommended that you complete the free The Wilderness Act of 1964 e-course before beginning this 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. It is also recommended that you complete the Minimum Requirements Analysis courses.
Course topics include:
- Key Terms
- Wilderness Character
- Stewardship Goal
- Stewardship Model
- Step 1: Identify Goal
- Step 2: Inventory
- Step 3: Is Action Necessary?
- Step 4: Action Alternatives
- Step 5: Evaluate Actions
- Step 6: Monitor and Adapt
- Case Study
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.