Meets the following requirements: HS   

This seminar looks at the legal, ecological, and policy issues surrounding land protection.  Using the Union River watershed as a case study, students will learn the theoretical and applied tools necessary to evaluate, plan, and implement a land protection program for significant cultural and ecological features.  Students will gain familiarity with conservation easements, zoning laws, wildlife management, industrial forestry, planning, and watershed management principles.  The course will entail significant field work in the watershed as we inventory ecological, recreational, and cultural features of the river and its environs.  We will work extensively with local citizens, businesses, farmers, activists groups, and other stakeholders on a term-long class project.  Part of this project will entail planning a multi-year human ecological baseline study of the Union River watershed.  Students will be evaluate on both their individual and group work.  Environmental Law, Conservation of Endangered Species, or Land Use Planning strongly recommended.

Level:  Intermediate/Advanced.  Lab fee $20.    *HS*