Ag – Natural Resources
25 courses · Shasta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
AGNR-1 Introduction to Natural Resources
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Formerly
- NR 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the integrated management of forests, soil, watersheds, fish, and wildlife in the context of protection and restoration of watersheds and ecosystems. An emphasis will be placed on natural resources careers, policy and law, tools, techniques and practices, and management philosophies of public and private lands. Basic biological and ecological processes will be introduced along with discussion of the scientific method and preparing reports. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-6 Native Plant Identification
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108 for the lecture portion of the class and an additional 54 hours of lab, totaling 162 hours for this course)
- Formerly
- NR 6
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the study of botanical characteristics, taxonomy morphology, and community relationships of the major tree and shrub associations in California and Western United States. Includes discussion of commercial uses and geographic ranges of these plants. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-11 Environmental Ethics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Formerly
- ENVR 11, INTR 11
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines the influence of cultural values on the relationships between humans, plants, animals, and the land. The course is focused on the philosophy and ethics of resource management. Sources of Western society’s historical and current attitudes toward nature, as well as alternative cultural perspectives, will be explored. Students will emerge from this class with a greater understanding of their individual moral responsibilities toward the environment. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-12 Environmental Policy and Law
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will introduce students to various aspects of environmental laws, policies, and agencies responsible for the management and regulation of our natural resources. Topics of the course will include the origins and importance of environmental law, legal principles, property rights, international, federal, state, and local environmental legislation, and regulatory authorities. The course will include discussions on the Legislative and Regulatory history and current implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Students will gain an understanding of the interactions between federal, state, and local environmental regulations, and how they pertain to environmental compliance and protection, and enforcement for illegal activities. Examples of legislation and regulations to be covered will include aspects of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), Clean Air Act (CAA), California Water Code, Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), waste management laws, and other pertinent federal, state, and local environmental laws. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-50 Natural Resources Measurements
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 lecture/108 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108 for the lecture portion of the class and an additional 108 hours of lab, totaling 216 hours for this course)
- Formerly
- NR 50
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will help students develop an understanding of the sampling methods and equipment used to inventory forest resources on Private, State, and Federal lands. Measurements of timber stand growth, quantity and quality, and other natural resources including water, range, and wildlife will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-51 Silviculture
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54 for the lecture portion of the class and an additional 54 hours of lab, totaling 108 hours for this course)
- Formerly
- NR 51
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines forestry practices and systems used to grow trees and manage forests for the sustained production of timber products. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-52 Computers in Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Formerly
- ENVR 52, AGRI 52
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AG-AB 108
This course introduces students to basic computer applications in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, and related Career Technical Education majors. Students will gain basic computer literacy skills while learning to use examples of industry-specific software. Other topics will include file management, data manipulation, and use of software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students will also be exposed to basic concepts and software related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-53 Forest Protection and Health
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108 for the lecture portion of the class and an additional 54 hours of lab, totaling 162 hours for this course)
- Formerly
- NR 53
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will discuss the biotic and abiotic stress factors that influence forest resource values. Direct and indirect management practices, in addition to silvicultural principles that maintain and enhance biotic balance, biological diversity, and ecosystem health and productivity, will be covered. Issues related to fuels management and prescribed fire will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-55 Introduction to Forest Operations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108 for the lecture portion of the class and an additional 54 hours of lab, totaling 162 hours for this course)
- Formerly
- NR 55
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces information and skills needed to recognize the capabilities and limitations of timber harvesting equipment and systems operating in a broad range of forest resource management situations. After completing the course, students will be able to identify harvest systems that are best matched with the characteristics of the physical, environmental, economic, and social operating environments. Harvest process evaluations and decisions are aided with various forest engineering analysis and tools. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-57 Introduction to Wildland Fire
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers an introduction to wildland fire science, ecology, and management. Students will explore the ecological role of fire, the fundamental concepts of fuels, weather, and fire behavior, management techniques, and current issues related to wildfire impacts. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-60 Environmental Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Advisory
- Students who wish to add a lab component to this class should co-enroll in AGNR 61
- Formerly
- ENVR 60, NR 60
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENVS 100
This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources—such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils—as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-61 Environmental Science Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Corequisite
- AGNR 60, or previous completion of AGNR 60 with a grade of C or higher
- Formerly
- ENVR 61
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a laboratory course designed to complement AGNR 60 and to acquaint the students with some common procedures utilized in environmental science and perform data analysis. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-64 Watershed Management and Ecology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108 for the lecture portion of the class and an additional 54 hours of lab, totaling 162 hours for this course)
- Formerly
- NR 64
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course addresses a variety of topics concerned with the quality and quantity of water resources and watershed management, ecology, and restoration. Emphasis will be on the State of California. Coverage will include the hydrologic cycle, water quality, water use and conservation, and watershed health and function. Sources, measurements, quality (pollution and treatment), usage, and conservation of water will be addressed. Environmental impacts of dam construction and hydroplant operation will be discussed. Laboratory work will involve measurements and interpretations of data collected or distributed and watershed restoration project planning and implementation. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-65 Forest Ecology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108 for the lecture portion of the class and an additional 54 hours of lab, totaling 162 hours for this course)
- Formerly
- NR 65, NR 165
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course, the forest community is used as a model to discuss ecological principles as they apply to forest management. Students will gain a better understanding of biological organization and community classification, biotic and abiotic environmental factors, population and community ecology, and the role of disturbance in forested ecosystems. In addition, biogeochemical cycling, forest succession, and the role of natural selection will be discussed. Students will be expected to apply scientific principles and critical thinking skills to all lab activities and research papers. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-66 Watershed Restoration Practicum
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 27 for the lecture portion of the class and an additional 27 hours of lab, totaling 54 hours for this course)
- Formerly
- AGNR 66A, AGNR 66, NR 66
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will use the hydrologic watershed unit as the focus, which will provide a hands-on approach to ecosystem management, erosion control, sediment control, and stream restoration. Students will determine best management practices for erosion and sediment control. Laws and requirements for the management of storm water pollution will be discussed. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-70 Wildlife Conservation and Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108 for the lecture portion of the class and an additional 54 hours of lab, totaling 162 hours for this course)
- Formerly
- NR 70
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the study of plant and animal ecology in relation to principles of wildlife management. An emphasis will be placed on identification of common western birds and mammals, sexing and aging criteria, wildlife population dynamics, wildlife habitat management, and a review of trapping and marking techniques. Ecological concepts such as biotic communities, succession, limiting factors, and predator-prey relationships will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-94 Natural Resources Work Experience Education
- Units
- 1-14
- Hours
- 54-756 Work Experience Education hours
- Formerly
- NR 94
- Transfers to
- CSU
The Natural Resources Work Experience Education course allows the student to gain on-the-job experience through employment/volunteerism at an approved natural resources job site that is acquired by the student and related to the student’s major. A faculty member supervises the course to ensure that the work experience is of educational value. The course stresses good work habits and meeting of competencies through actual on-the-job performance. A student may repeat this course since course content varies and skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice. A maximum of 14 units may be earned in a single semester.
AGNR-101 Beginning Forestry
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture/54 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 108 for the lecture portion of the class and an additional 54 hours of lab, totaling 162 hours for this course)
This course examines the use and protection of natural resources, including vegetation, soil, watercourses, and animal life in the forest ecosystem. It is intended for those who wish to work as a heavy equipment operator on logging sites. History of resource management, governmental and private land management entity structure, plant identification, wood characteristics, forest health, environmental protection, and basic forest measurements will be introduced. Field trips may be required. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR-102 Basic Logging Equipment Operations
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Corequisite
- AGNR 103 and AGNR 104
This class covers basic skill-level operation and maintenance heavy equipment used on logging sites. Operational equipment used may include the following: skidders, feller-bunchers, log loaders, and processors. This course is subject to the special admissions requirements of the Shasta College Heavy Equipment Program, which includes regular drug and alcohol testing.
AGNR-103 Intermediate Logging Equipment Operations
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 216 lab total
- Corequisite
- AGNR 102 and AGNR 104
This class will advance basic skill-level operation of logging equipment. Students will be operating equipment at an active logging site. Equipment used will include skidders, feller-bunchers, log loaders, and processors. This lab requires enrollment in a federal-level drug testing program.
AGNR-104 Production Logging Equipment Operations
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Corequisite
- AGNR 102 and AGNR 103
This class covers the practical application of advanced skills needed to be a successful logging equipment operator. Students will be harvesting and processing trees at an active logging site for delivery to a sawmill. Equipment used will include skidders, feller-bunchers, log loaders, processors and log trucks.
AGNR-105 Wood Products
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture/54 lab total
- Corequisite
- AGNR 102
This class covers the production of wood products and the operation of equipment used to produce those products. Subjects covered will include species identification, wood and lumber classifications, defect identification, milling and log breakdown, product calculations and measurements, and the operation of portable sawmills, re-sawmills, dry kilns, plainers, chainsaws, wood splitters, firewood processors, and other small heavy equipment used to maneuver logs.
AGNR-318 Logging and Forest Operation Powersaws
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab total
This course provides an introduction to the function, maintenance, and use of internal combustion engine-powered chain saws and their logging and forestry application. Field exercises support entry-level training for loggers, heavy equipment, and forestry students with little or no previous experience in operating a chain saw by providing hands-on cutting experience in surroundings similar to a logging/forestry situation. This course will follow standards outlined by OSHA and Sawyer Training (fs.usda.gov.).
AGNR-323 Fire Patrol
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 lecture/4 lab total
This course is useful for heavy equipment operators, drivers, and fire patrolmen in forestry careers. The course covers training and compliance with the State of California's fire prevention laws and additional fire prevention measures. The Project Activity Levels (PALs) fire weather forecasting system will be covered as well as the responsibilities of the Designated Patrolman. The use of Fire Plans will be taught and practiced. The course will provide hands-on training with chainsaws, firefighting hand tools and heavy equipment commonly used in fire suppression.
AGNR-333 Licensed Timber Operator
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 16 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 16)
This course is required by CAL FIRE under the Forest Practice Act to become a Licensed Timber Operator (LTO) in the State of California in order to conduct Timber Operations on Timberlands. This course is approved by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. This course may be offered in a distance education format.