Forestry

This topic explores the biotic and abiotic components of forest ecosystems, the flow of energy and nutrient cycling within them, and the interconnected roles of plant communities and wildlife in maintaining ecological balance and habitat diversity.

• LO 1.1: List the biotic and abiotic components of a forest ecosystem.
• LO 1.2: Explain the structure of a forest ecosystem and identify different crown classes.
• LO 1.3: Diagram the energy flow in a forest ecosystem and describe the relationships between trophic levels.
• LO 1.4: Describe the role that plant communities play in nutrient cycling, including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles.
• LO 1.5: Describe how plant communities provide important habitat types for wildlife.
• LO 1.6: Identify how wildlife can impact a forest ecosystem both positively and negatively.

This topic examines the ecological role of fire in shaping ecosystems, including its influence on succession, the adaptations of plants and animals to fire, and the importance of features like snags and downed logs in supporting wildlife habitats.

• LO 2.1: Describe the role of fire in ecosystems (including fire-dependent and non-fire-dependent systems)
• LO 2.2: List the benefits of snags and downed logs to wildlife species
• LO 2.3: Identify stages of plant succession within the context of a given ecosystem. 
• LO 2.4: Identify adaptive features of plants and animals that have evolved in response to fire.

This topic focuses on developing practical field skills in forestry, including plant and tree identification, the use of common forestry tools for measurement and data collection, and the recognition of plant pests and diseases, all essential for managing and conserving forest ecosystems.

• LO 3.1: Identify common local trees and plants by leaves, bark, branching patterns, buds, fruit, and other characteristics.
• LO 3.2: Use common forestry tools, such as a Biltmore Stick, Merritt Hypsometer, D-tape, Wedge Prism, Tree Caliper, Clinometer, Increment Borer, GPS, Topographic Maps, etc. 
• LO 3.3: Identify common plant pests and diseases 
• LO 3.4: Produce common forestry measurements, such as diameter at breast height (DBH), chain, cord, total tree height, merchantable height, board feet, log, and basal area.

This topic focuses on forest management practices that promote ecological health and sustainability, Best Management Practices (BMPs) in forestry, management recommendations tailored to forest conditions and goals, and the human uses of forest resources such as timber, recreation, and plant products.

• LO 4.1: Identify biotic and abiotic factors that impact water quality
• LO 4.2: Explain how human activities upstream can impact downstream water quality
• LO 4.3: Outline the various impacts humans have had on New Mexico's aquatic ecosystems historically.
• LO 4.4: Interpret the results of peer-reviewed scientific papers on aquatic ecology.
• LO 4.5: Identify how State and Federal legislation protects water resources.
• LO 4.6: Identify key stakeholders, agencies, and organizations that oversee water resource protection and management in New Mexico.
• LO 4.7: Recommend best management practices for improving water quality and enhancing aquatic habitat, such as riparian buffers.