2019-20 Unit Plan
Natural Resources

Mission Statement

The Butte College Natural Resources Management Program prepares students for employment in the areas of forestry, wildlife, range, environment, and park/recreational-land management, including ecological restoration, or transfer to a higher institution. The Program also meets the needs of community residents and industry employees (government and/or private sector) requiring vocational enhancement, updating and/or training in the areas mentioned above.

Program Description

This program currently serves approximately 97 full-time students in an AS degree program and a number of others moving through one of four, one-year certificate programs with full and part-time faculty. Students not transferring to universities move into paid employment immediately following the completion of our program. 

The Program currently has one primary full-time instructor to meet the instructional needs for students to obtain classes. However, there is a need for additional sections and part-time instructors to meet future needs. As always, the Farm Technician plays an integral part in helping Natural Resources Management Program students in utilizing the Main Campus� Wildlife Refuge as an outdoor classroom and for laboratory activities as well as NR 99 work experience. The Nursery Technician also plays an important part in the Program by caring for plants to be used in the restoration class and by helping students with science projects involving plants for the environmental management class.

The Program�s Advisory Committee will meet this spring due to the Camp Fire last fall and will be brought up to date on all previous recommendations with recent progress towards their implementation. The importance of communication skills (written and oral), proficiency in using digital technology, a good understanding of work-place safety, proficiency in the use of hand tools, and GPS/GIS skills have been and will continue to be part of the Program and Certificate curriculum. R�sum� writing, interview, and other job attainment skills have been implemented as well. Job experience such as seasonal employment, internships, ride-along, and job shadowing are ongoing parts of the curriculum.
A dendrology/native plant identification course and a forestry technician certificate of achievement has be added to the Program.


Accountability for Previously Funded Items


Accountability Item 1

The new computers installed in LRC 121 are a dream come true. 


Amount: 30000.00
Used For Intended Purpose: Yes
Benefit

The NR 70, Geospatial Data Applications, class achieved all SLOs in the fall 2018 semester even though there was a break in instruction due to the Camp Fire.


Student Learning/Administrative Unit Outcomes (Optional)


        

        
        
        
Standards/Goals for Student Achievement (Instruction Departments) (Optional)

        
            

        

        
        
        
Standards/Goals for Student Achievement (All Other Departments) (Optional)

        

        

        
        
        
Strategic Direction (Optional)

        

        

        
        
        
Program Review (Optional)

        
Natural Resources Management program review was completed during the 2013-14 academic year with the following outcomes. Past Advisory Committee recommendations and recommendations from the Curriculum Committee and Technical Review Committee have been implemented in the past few years with the creation of NR 70, Geospatial Data Applications, NR 40, Watershed Ecology and Habitat Restoration, and now NR 12, Dendrology and Native Plant Identification, along with supplements to the curriculum of previously existing courses.


Also, the program now has only one degree, an AS in Natural Resources Management, to avoid student confusion and to increase or decrease the amount of units required from the old degrees in Natural Resources or Natural Resources/Parks and Recreation, respectively. With this new degree there are four new certificates of achievement; Parks and Recreation, Wildlife Technician, Ecological Restoration, and (NEW)Forestry Technician. New certificate requirements will published for the first time in the 2018-2019 catalog.


 


 

        

        
        
        
Department Goals

        

        



        
Future Development Strategies

        

                    
Strategy 1 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 1

                    

                        



    

  • Equip students with the skill sets and encourage them to complete their degrees and certificates and move on to employment or a four year institution.
    • 

  • However, students are reporting that the Counseling Office is recommending that they either choose another major or are recommending that they transfer without completing their A.S. degree. This will hamper future funding for the Program with the new formula coming in from the State. Also, I wonder how many students have been turned away from this Program and others that are leading to employment when counselors are recommending they obtain a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I’m sure the 531 students that obtained a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences in 2018 have all found jobs.
    • 



 




 






                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Modeling Sustainability
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        
    

  • Above strategies support the most recent program review recommendations as well as those recommendation of the Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee.
    • 

  • Student success in this program relies on teaching the skills and knowledge base to meet employer needs in the broad field of natural resources management.
    • 


                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    

                    
Strategy 2 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 2

                    

                        




    

  • Use data to revise teaching and classroom assignments to improve success rates of SLO's, PLO's, and GELO's.
    • 


                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Modeling Sustainability
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        




    

  • Student Learning Outcomes have been assessed and assignments and teaching methods have either been revised or reaffirmed according to the data collected.
    • 

  • Student success in this program relies on teaching the skills and knowledge base to meet employer needs in the broad field of natural resources management.
    • 


                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: Yes

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    

                    
Strategy 3 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 3

                    

                        




    

  • Development of on-campus Agriculture/Natural Resources training facility for students.
    • 


                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Modeling Sustainability
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        




    

  • Above strategies support the most recent program review recommendations as well as those recommendation of the Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee.
    • 

  • Student success in this program relies on teaching the skills and knowledge base to meet employer needs in the broad field of natural resources management.
    • 

  • Since a new facility is a long way off, perhaps an update on antiquated facilities in the classroom is in order.
    • 


                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    

                    
Strategy 4 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 4

                    

                        




    

  • Continued collaboration with governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations (i.e., CDFW, DWR, State Parks, USF&WS, USFS, BLM, NRCS, River Partners, the Nature Conservancy, et cetera).
    • 


                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Modeling Sustainability
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        




    

  • Above strategies support the most recent program review recommendations as well as those recommendation of the Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee.
    • 

  • Student success in this program relies on teaching the skills and knowledge base to meet employer needs in the broad field of natural resources management.
    • 


                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    

                    
Strategy 5 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 5

                    

                        




    

  • Continued implementation of recommendations by Program's Advisory Committee.
    • 


                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Modeling Sustainability
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        




    

  • Above strategies support the most recent program review recommendations as well as those recommendation of the Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee.
    • 

  • Student success in this program relies on teaching the skills and knowledge base to meet employer needs in the broad field of natural resources management.
    • 


                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    

                    
Strategy 6 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 6

                    

                        




    

  • Expand Natural Resource Program to cover all aspects of natural resources and keep up with technological advancements to meet the needs for employees by government agencies and the private sector.
    • 


                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Modeling Sustainability
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        




    

  • Above strategies support the most recent program review recommendations as well as those recommendation of the Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee.
    • 

  • Student Learning Outcomes have been assessed and assignments and teaching methods have either been revised or reaffirmed according to the data collected.
    • 

  • Student success in this program relies on teaching the skills and knowledge base to meet employer needs in the broad field of natural resources management.
    • 



    

  • Butte College fosters community by actively promoting an environment that celebrates the uniqueness of each individual. The Campus climate is characterized by diversity, understanding, mutual respect, and inclusiveness.
    • 



 

                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: Yes

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    

                    
Strategy 7 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 7

                    

                        




    

  • Expand outreach and recruitment to underserved demographics at the high school level.
    • 


                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Modeling Sustainability
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        




    

  • Butte College fosters community by actively promoting an environment that celebrates the uniqueness of each individual. The Campus climate is characterized by diversity, understanding, mutual respect, and inclusiveness.
    • 



 

                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    

                    
Strategy 8 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 8

                    

                        




    

  • Articulate Program's courses with four year institutions that have not yet been articulated (still in progress).
    • 


                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Modeling Sustainability
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        




    

  • Above strategies support the most recent program review recommendations as well as those recommendation of the Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee.
    • 

  • Student Learning Outcomes have been assessed and assignments and teaching methods have either been revised or reaffirmed according to the data collected.
    • 

  • Student success in this program relies on teaching the skills and knowledge base to meet employer needs in the broad field of natural resources management.
    • 



    

  • Butte College fosters community by actively promoting an environment that celebrates the uniqueness of each individual. The Campus climate is characterized by diversity, understanding, mutual respect, and inclusiveness.
    • 



 

                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: Yes

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    

                    
Strategy 9 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 9

                    

                        




    

  • Continue to emphasize sustainable development and conservation in all Natural Resources Management coursework.  
    • 


                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Modeling Sustainability
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Using Data-Informed Processes for Continuous Improvement
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        




    

  • Above strategies support the most recent program review recommendations as well as those recommendation of the Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee.
    • 

  • Student success in this program relies on teaching the skills and knowledge base to meet employer needs in the broad field of natural resources management.
    • 


                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: Yes

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    

                    
Strategy 10 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 10

                    

                        
    

  • Provide transportation accomodations to all students, including disabled and economically disadvantaged students, both temporary and permanent, so they can reach laboratory activities on our 928 acre outdoor classroom.
    • 


                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Equity and Inclusiveness
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        
    

  • Students have the right to request reasonable modifications to college requirements, services, facilities or programs if their documented disability imposes an educational limitation or impedes access to such requirements, services, facilities or programs. Health and safety should also be a top priority here.
    • 


                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    

                    
Strategy 11 - Natural Resources Management Program Strategy 11

                    

                        
Bring Ag techs and mechanics back to full time for the enhanced support of student learning.

                        

                   
                            Initiatives
                            

                            
    
                                    
  • Modeling Sustainability
    • 
                                    
  • Enhancing a Culture of Completion and Goal Achievement
    • 
                                    
  • Supporting Student, Faculty and Staff Success
    • 
                                    
  • Maximizing Resources to Support Student Learning
    • 
                            

                            


                        Supporting Rationale

                        
Student learning depends on support from our Ag Techs and Mechanics. There have been several instances where we needed them to do something for class suport and they were off due to their reduced contracts. It has come to our attention that all other support position contracts that were cut back in 2008 have all been reinstated. The only ones that haven't are our Ag Techs and Mechanics. 

                        

                    
                    
                        Supporting Rationale Alignment

                        Supports Previous Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supports Changes from Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: No

                        
                        
                        Supports Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement: Yes

                        Improving Student Achievement: No

                        Addressing Strategies Identified by the Department Learning Outcomes Reports: No

                        Addressing Outstanding Program Review Recommendations: No

                        Supporting the College's Strategic Direction and Priorities: No

                        

                        
                        
                    


        
    
    
    
        
Requested Non-Financial Resources

        

            
Space (5-7 acres) on Campus to plant an educational forest for the NR 12, Dendrology and Native Plant Identification course and Forestry Technician certificate to be availablefor the first time in spring 2020.

            
        

    


        
Current Financial Resources

        

            
The Natural Resources Management program’s modest budget of $16,070 per year is not sufficient to alow replacement of outdated equipment and increase capabilities, including buses for travel on field trips, and  travel/conferences for faculty. Some of the items requested in augumentation may be funded by outside sources such as Perkins but it seems these funds are impossible to get. The department requests an increase of the department budget to $20,000 for equipment replacement, increase in capabilities, and for student bus travel, and faculty travel and conferences.

        
    
    
    
    
    
            
Augmentation Requests

            

                
                    
                    

                        Original Priority
                        Program, Unit, Area
                        Resource Type
                        Account Number
                        Object Code
                        One Time Augment
                        Ongoing Augment        
                    

                    

                        Description
                        Supporting Rationale
                        Potential Alternative Funding Sources
                        Prioritization Criteria
                    

                    
                    
                    
                    

                
                
                
                        

                            1
                            NRM, Ag/Env.Sci., CTE
                            Personnel
                            11.000.514.1.011500.
                            5200
                            $35,000.00
                            $0.00
            
            
                        

                        

                            Restore Ag/EH/NRM Supporting Staff to 100% Contract
                            Most staff on Campus have been restored to the pre-2008 budget crunch 100% contract from the 10% reduction of the time. Our programs suffer due to the staffing shortfalls which means our students are missing out on potential educational opportunities. Those affected are the Ag Mechanics (also sharing time with Auto and Welding), the Farm Technician, and the Greenhouse Technician, all critical to the Natural Resources Management program.
                            
                                
    
                                        
  • Strong Workforce
    • 
                                

                            		
                            
                                
    
                                        
  • Addressing Health/Life/Safety issues
    • 
                                        
  • Maintaining ongoing operations at current levels (excludes grants)
    • 
                                        
  • Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement
    • 
                                        
  • Addressing Program Review Recommendations
    • 
                                        
  • Implementing improvements identified during Outcomes Assessment
    • 
                                

                            		

                        

                        

                            2
                            NRM, Ag/Env.Sci., CTE
                            Personnel
                            11.000.514.1.011500.
                            5200
                            $0.00
                            $85,000.00
            
            
                        

                        

                            Hire a mechanic or additional technician to replace the retirement of an Ag Mechanic in the spring of 2018
                            Last year one of the Ag Mechanics retired, and that position has yet to be replaced. This has left the remaining two with the responsibility of covering Automotive, Heavy Equipment, Agriculture, and Welding. All of these programs are expanding, and other programs such as HVAC, Construction, and Advanced Manufacturing are being added. This has resulted in an incredible amount of work for the remaining employees. The remaining mechanics have worked very hard to adequately support the programs they support, but there are not enough hours in the day to keep the aging equipment in these programs up and going without additional support.
                            
                                
    
                                        
  • Career and Technical Education - Perkins
    • 
                                

                            		
                            
                                
    
                                        
  • Addressing Health/Life/Safety issues
    • 
                                        
  • Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement
    • 
                                        
  • Addressing Program Review Recommendations
    • 
                                        
  • Maintaining ongoing operations at current levels (excludes grants)
    • 
                                        
  • Implementing improvements identified during Outcomes Assessment
    • 
                                        
  • Meeting student achievement goals
    • 
                                

                            		

                        

                        

                            3
                            NRM, Ag/Env.Sci, CTE
                            Equipment
                            11.000.514.1.011500.
                            56410
                            $20,000.00
                            $0.00
            
            
                        

                        

                            1-2019 Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXT EPS LE
                            The NR program needs its' own dedicated "Mule". Frequently, the other quads and mules on campus are unavailable.  We have many classes that need accessibility to the over 900 acres for laboratory work on our campus that cannot be reached by standard pickup truck (plus accessibility for disabled students). Also, due to the lack of restroom facilities at the far reaches of Campus, we need a transportation vehicle to move students to and from facilities throughout the duration of laboratory activities.
                            
                                
    
                                        
  • Career and Technical Education - Perkins
    • 
                                

                            		
                            
                                
    
                                        
  • Addressing Health/Life/Safety issues
    • 
                                        
  • Meeting Standards and Goals for Student Achievement
    • 
                                        
  • Addressing Program Review Recommendations
    • 
                                

                            		

                        

            
                
            


    

    
    





 8/2/23