Turn your military experience into skills that lead to a career in forestry.
Forest Management Certificate / 16 Credits
The Troops to Timber Forest Management Certificate gives veterans and transitioning service members a practical foundation in forest management, forestry operations, and natural resource work. Through online coursework, hands-on skills training at Fort Drum, and an intensive six-week field camp at Paul Smith’s College, you’ll learn the tools and techniques used by professionals.
This is forestry education built around doing. You’ll study forest systems and tree identification online, then put that knowledge to work with equipment, field measurements, surveying, timber production, and other applied skills.
Upon completion of the certificate, you can pursue employment in forest operations, arboriculture, wildland firefighting, and similar professions. Alternatively, you can matriculate into AAS/BS Forestry and Natural Resource programs at Paul Smith’s College to continue their education.
Program Details
Core Courses (10 credits):
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
| FOR1XX | Careers in Forestry & Natural Resources | 1 |
| FOR101 | Introduction to Forestry | 3 |
| FOR110 | Dendrology | 3 |
| Elective – Business/Quantitative Skills | 3 |
Troops to Timber Field Camp (6 credits):
| Course Code | Title |
| FOR206 | Forest Production & Processes |
| FOR240 | Forest Menstruation |
| SRV201 | Field Surveying |
| FOR2XX | Wildland Firefighting |
| FOR2XX | Arboriculture Field Skills |
Business/Quantitative Skills Electives:
| Course Code | Title |
| MGT110 | Business Systems |
| MGT200 | Principles of Management |
| PSY110 | Organizational Psychology |
| MKT200 | Principles of Marketing |
| MAT125 | College Algebra |
The Troops to Timber Forest Management Certificate earns 16 college credits, that can be transferred into two or four year degree programs. More than a credential, this is a stepping stone to entering a field that values experience, independence, and a deep connection to the outdoors.
Troops to Timber Forest Management Certificate credits transfer into degree programs at Paul Smith’s College, including:
- A.A.S. Forestry (60 credits)
- B.S. Forestry (120
credits) - B.S. Natural Resources Conservation & Management (120 credits)
In addition to offering a 16-credit forest management certificate, this program will also deliver a minimum of six, one to two-day micro credential trainings per year at Fort Drum’s Natural Resources Center.
Micro credential topics could include:
- Arboriculture Skillset (Tree Climbing, Pruning & Chipper Safety)
- Chainsaw Basics & Maintenance
- Intermediate Chainsaw Operations
- Wildland Firefighting 1 (S130/S190 Exam Prep)
- Tree Harvesting Basics (Felling)
Where the Learning Happens
See It For Yourself
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Veteran Services
Troops to Timber Coordinator