Welcome to CAMP. For two solid weeks you will be studying natural resource measurements in a field setting. This is a vigorous academic exercise. It is not a walk in the woods!

Briefly, the objective is to introduce you to natural resource measurements in the field in support of future scientific and professional work. In a perfect world, camp should be taken immediately following your freshman year. Upon completion of the program you will have acquired a broad working knowledge of skills and techniques with which resource managers do their work. Your experiences will enrich your formal classroom studies on campus, increase your employability, assist you in determining areas of future academic emphasis and solidify career goals.

The Program:

The program provides a broad exposure to relevant natural resources field skills. Emphasis is placed on aspects of the subjects that are best taught in a field environment. The program is presented in seven interrelated modules:

1. Orienteering: Includes use of compass, pacing, contour maps, aerial photos, Global Positioning Systems and an introduction to the land survey system.
2. Plant ID: Includes basic tree and understory indicator species identification.
3. Insects and disease ID: Includes field identification of common insects and biotic and abiotic forest diseases. Their role in the forest and their management will be a major focus.
4. Vegetation measurements: Includes measurement techniques for common trees and understory and an introduction to fixed area and variable plot sampling.
5. Physical site measurements: Includes basic soil, water and climate measurements.
6. Recreation management and social interactions: Includes measurement related to visitor management and recreational opportunities. Group and leadership skills plus exercises on integrative skills will be included.
7. Wildlife habitat and ecological interactions: Includes a working knowledge of wildlife population sampling, field techniques, and analysis. The sampling techniques vary by season of the year.

Important Information

Dates and Registration
Camp Schedule and Living Arrangements
Medical Care
Equipment Needed

FORMS

The Northern Rockies may be cold, wet and muddy any time of year. Please come prepared for such conditions. With your help and cooperation the Natural Resources Measurements Camp will be an extremely worthwhile and rewarding experience. See you there!