Forests are the dominant feature of West Virginia's landscape. They are the habitat for wildlife, and from their depths arise the mountain streams and rivers that are the home to fishes.

West Virginia University has had educational and research programs focusing on the resources of the forest since the 1890s. The present Division of Forestry was established in 1935. Its degree programs include Forest Resources Management, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, Wood Industries, and Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management. WVU's Division of Forestry is one of the leading programs of its kind in the United States.

Research by faculty and graduate students is an important component of the mission of the Division of Forestry. Wildlife habitat research, forest harvesting methods, recreational uses and patterns, wood utilization, stream and fisheries habitat, forest pest management, and forest ecology are some of the areas being actively researched at West Virginia University's Division of Forestry.

Forest Resources Management deals with the management of the forest to produce goods and services obtained from the land and trees. This course of study prepares students for careers with forest industries, government agencies, and other organizations concerned with the value of forest ecosystems. The program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. For additional information, please contact Dr. Linda S. Gribko.

Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management prepares students for increasing responsibilities in public agencies (Park Service, Forest Service, state park systems, etc.) and in the commercial sector (tourism attractions). The Natural Resources Recreation Option focuses on outdoor recreation and the Leisure Services Delivery Option prepares for general entry into the park and recreation career field. The program is accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association. For additional information, please contact Dr. Steven W. Selin.

Wildlife and Fisheries Management prepares students for many careers, such as wildlife and fish biology, wildlife and fish management, consulting, and planning of wildlife and fisheries programs. Available options are: Communications, Fisheries Science, Planning, Wildlife Management, and Wildlife Sciences. For additional information, please contact Dr. Robert Whitmore .

Wood Industries focuses on wood as a material, including its properties, harvesting, processing, and utilization. The Utilization Option prepares students for careers in harvesting, timber procurement, harvest planning, logging management, and environmental protection during harvest operations. The Processing Option prepares students for careers in management, production, and marketing in the lumber, treating, composite materials, architectural woodwork, and related industries. The program is accredited by the Society of Wood Science and Technology. For additional information, please contact Dr. James P. Armstrong.

A variety of graduate programs are offered in the Division of Forestry. Students may choose between master of science degrees in forestry or recreation and parks management. Persons wishing to further their education can seek admission to the doctor of philosophy in forest resource science program. Once admitted, they may choose a major field of study as forest science, wood science, or wildlife and fisheries management.

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