https://www.uwplatt.edu/department/reclamation-environment-conservation
Contact: Christopher Baxter
Program Office: 307 Pioneer Tower
Phone: 608.342.1388
Email: baxterch@uwplatt.edu
Program Description
Ecological Restoration and Resource Management is an applied environmental science, which addresses the restoration and management of natural resources by the practical application of science, design, and technology. Its basis lies in an understanding of ecological principles and technical aspects of restoration practices. The program focuses on the rehabilitation and ecological restoration of lands disturbed or degraded by various human activities such as mining, timber management, construction, and agriculture; and includes the preservation, conservation, and restoration of our natural and cultural heritage.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Ecological Restoration and Resource Management program is to promote environmental awareness and actions through interdisciplinary instruction and outreach. Its goal is to help protect, restore, and conserve the environment for future generations.
Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- Describe resource management and ecological restoration activities and outcomes and explain their importance to a wide range of audiences
- Characterize and apply interdisciplinary knowledge, skills, and ethics necessary to restore and manage cultural and natural landscapes
- Apply site analysis techniques to predict and assess difficulties and challenges unique to a given ecological restoration site
- Compare and evaluate the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders such as agencies, groups, and organizations engaged in land management and ecological restoration
- Apply the skills to plan, design, and implement ecological restoration projects
- Analyze and evaluate the reclamation and restoration results, as well as the efficacy of methods and materials used in ecological restoration project management
- Demonstrate knowledge of and perform administrative and technical tasks in ecological restoration project management
Within the major, a student may elect to focus upon an emphasis or choose a minor. The emphasis areas reflect the primary professional divisions within the industry. The Technical/Physical emphasis is closely allied with physical geography, geology, and civil engineering, whereas the Biological emphasis is rooted in ecology, soils, agriculture, and natural sciences. It is possible to obtain a double major in one of the closely related fields while completing requirements for the major. Students who elect this major should have an aptitude for the natural and physical sciences, technology and design, and a strong commitment to the environment.
Major
- Ecological Restoration and Resource Management Major, B.S.
- Biological Emphasis
- Technical/Physical Emphasis