Forestry - FORE
12 courses · Bakersfield College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
FORE B1 Introduction to Forestry
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides an overview of the multiple uses of the forest as well as the forest products industry. Fundamental concepts include ecology, history, uses (products, recreation, water, wildlife, aesthetics), and management of the different forest communities.
FORE B3 Wildlife Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The practice of wildlife management. Foundations of wildlife production. The identification, life histories and ecology of selected important wildlife species - mammals, water fowl and fish.
FORE B4 Wildlife Law Enforcement
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction into a specialized field of law enforcement, specifically, Wildlife Law Enforcement. This course will present a brief history of the development of wildlife laws and their enforcement. Instruction will include jurisdictional issues regarding Federal versus State wildlife laws, the United States Constitution, citizens’ rights; the role of the wildlife officer, enforcement philosophies, and enforcement practices. The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the basic fundamentals of the wildlife law enforcement field as a career. It is designed to provide students, as citizens, with an insight and understanding of the need for conservation and the wise use of our wildlife resources.
FORE B5 California Flora and Fauna
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a survey of flora and fauna in California and the western United States with particular focus on the local area. Characteristics and identification of native and non-native species and habitats will be studied. Field identification of various species in their environment will be an essential part of the class.
FORE B6 Forestry Skills
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces students to the theories and concepts of skills necessary in the forestry and natural resources industry. This class will focus on basic navigational skills, standing tree measurements, and fuel reduction techniques. The students will gain hands-on learning using multiple pieces of equipment as well as in-class activities, all designed towards building a foundation of knowledge to be used in their future natural resources career. This will be a math intensive course. This course is focused on forest and natural resource management as a profession and the skills necessary for employment.
FORE B7 Wildland Fire Ecology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides detail into fire as an integral part of the natural process of the landscape and the interaction between fire and the environment. Focus will be given to fire behavior, the history and role of fire in nature, and issues relating to the dynamics of managing of fire. Particular attention will be given to California and the western United States.
FORE B8 Ecology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Ecology is the study of the interactions of organisms and their environment. This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and theories of ecology with a focus on forest and rangeland ecosystems. The practice of ecosystem science will analyze the structure and function of ecosystems at different biological scales from individual organisms and populations to communities and up to biomes and ecosystems.
FORE B9 Conservation of Natural Resources
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines the use and protection of natural resources, including soil, water, forest, mineral, plants, and animal life, with particular attention to Central California conditions. Course will delve into ecological principles, history of the conservation movement, modern problems in resource management, and the citizen's role in conservation.
FORE B10 Natural Resources Career Exploration and Preparation
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will cover the development of goals and skills required to secure a job in the natural resources field including job search, resume/cover letter development, mock interview, and motivation. This course is also a seminar on workplace issues within natural resources addressing elements of leadership, communication skills, work ethic, human behavior of individuals and groups, team building and dynamics, supervision of skills of controlling workforce, and conflict resolution. This course will include research on careers within the natural resources industry and will feature guest speakers (e.g. Forest Service) presenting to and recruiting students for job placement.
FORE B11 Geographic Information Systems in Natural Resources
- Units
- 3.5
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 81 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will be an introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with particular focus on use in the management of natural resources. Course emphasis is on GIS in a land management context. Hands-on experience is provided through laboratory exercises employing GIS software to gain a basic understanding of the GIS system. In this course, students will learn how to visualize data spatially and statistically. Students will also become skilled in cartography. The course will focus on the use of ArcGIS.
FORE B12 Silviculture
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on the practical management of the forest through silvicultural applications. Principles and concepts associated with multi-purpose management of western forests will be addressed. This course will build upon knowledge gained in forest ecology.
FORE B48WE Work Experience Education
- Units
- 1-14
- Hours
- 54-432 activity hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
College credit for forestry-related learning experiences obtained on the job in accordance with a training plan developed cooperatively between the employer, college, and student. One credit hour of community college work shall require a minimum of 54 hours of total student work. Work experience credit may accrue at the rate of 1 to 14 credits per enrollment term for a total of 14 credits. Repetition allowed per Title 5 55253.