Full course description
Program summary:
The Wilderness Stewardship Basics Certificate Program includes four online courses that explore the history, philosophy, and application of wilderness law, regulation, and policy in the United States. The assignments focus on scenario-based problem-solving and application to real-world wilderness management issues.
This course of study provides a solid understanding of the importance of wilderness protection and the unique application resource protection practices in our National Wilderness Preservation System. The program is designed for seasonal wilderness rangers, federal personnel working near or with an interest in wilderness stewardship.
Program objectives:
After completing this certificate program, learners should be able to:
- Identify and describe wilderness character.
- State prohibited uses of wilderness and exceptions to these prohibitions.
- Describe the special provisions made by the Wilderness Act.
- Distinguish between wild/untrammeled and natural conditions.
- Identify and describe how to protect wilderness benefits.
- Define and explain the concept of minimum requirements, and the process used for determining whether action is necessary and the minimum activity used to achieve that action.
- Describe the approach of managing wilderness as a whole.
Recommended background:
This certificate program is ideal for those working in public lands near or adjacent to wilderness areas who would like to better understand the unique management strategies and challenges of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Program topics:
- Course 1: The Wilderness Act of 1964
- Course 2: Deciding to Keep Wilderness Wild: Four Cornerstones for Wilderness Management
- Course 3: Writing a Minimum Requirements Analysis
- Course 4: Wilderness Stewardship Planning Framework
The certificate program includes the following elements:
- Four self-paced, self-study e-courses
- Companion assignments, which allow you to apply what you have learned in the courses and are reviewed by course instructors, with substantive feedback provided
- Informational text
- Interactive activities
- "Learn More" opportunities
- Engaging videos
- Supplemental reference materials
- Informal assessment quizzes
- Final assessments
These courses are self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the courses as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing the content and activities in each course module, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of all course module quizzes and assignments, you will be awarded a program certificate of completion.
Creators:
This certificate program was designed and developed by 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.