Forestry and Heavy Equipment

Biography

From a young age I have always had a love and passion for the outdoors. Hiking, hunting, fishing, mountain biking - basically any excuse to get me outside! I attended Monroe Technology Center when I was in high school for welding and went on to graduate from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in Forestry in 2016. From there I managed a 750 acre nature preserve in my hometown of Leesburg, Virginia for six years. I needed a way to grow and advance both me as a person and my career. I started looking around to see what other jobs were out there and ran across the forestry and heavy equipment teaching opportunity in Bennington, Vermont! I decided to take the leap of faith and am starting my fourth year this fall. Between my background as a CTE student and my passion for the outdoors, I am proud to be able to give back what I was given and look forward to making a difference in my students lives!

Students in action! — Students in action

Forestry & Heavy Equipment Syllabus

Instructor: Eric Bishop

Email: [email protected]

7:50am – 10:08am (Forestry 2)

10:36am – 11:16am (Intro)

11:47am – 1:47pm (Forestry 1)

Course Description:

This program introduces students to forest management as well as safe operation of chainsaws and heavy equipment. First year students will learn safe operation and maintenance of the program's chainsaws, backhoe, bulldozer, sawmill, trailers and dump trucks. Second year students will build on their skills and knowledge by applying them in class projects and the community. Third year students will be expected to enroll in a work based learning program. The Intro to Forestry course will build a foundation for succeeding in the full year program. We will build basic skills and knowledge in all of the units mentioned below.

Units we will cover throughout the year:

Unit 1 – Preventative Maintenance

Unit 2 – Dendrology (Tree ID)

Unit 3 – Intro to Heavy Equipment

Unit 4 – Chainsaw Operation

Unit 5 – Sawmill Operation

Unit 6 – Maple Syrup Production

Unit 7 – Welding, Cutting, Fabrication

Unit 8 – Basic Forester Skills

Unit 9 – Arboriculture

Unit 10 – Survey

Unit 11 – Environmental Conservation and Recreation

Unit 12 – Career Pathways

Certifications Offered:

Commercial Driver’s License (Class B)
OSHA 10
Game of Logging (Levels 1-4)
First Aid/ CPR

Embedded High School Credits:

0.5 elective credit (Intro)

3.0 Elective Credits (Forestry 1)

3.0 elective credits, 1.0 science credit (Forestry 2/3)

College Credit:

Articulation agreements with Paul Smith’s College and University of New Hampshire.

Assignments and Assessments:

All assignments are designed to show whether students have met the standards for this course. Students are assessed on career ready (transferable) skills and written/practical exams. Students can find their grades in Infinite Campus. Parents/Guardians can also check Infinite Campus for grades, they are updated throughout each quarter.

Grading Policy:

Practical Exams – 50%

Written Exams – 25%

Career Ready (Transferable) Skills – 25%

Parent Communication:

I will be sending out an email and making phone calls to introduce myself at the beginning of the school year and following up throughout the year to update you on your students progress. Please provide me with an email and phone number, indicating the best way to reach you. Feel free to schedule an in person meeting or contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to providing every student with the best possible education and a successful school year!