FOR 321. FOREST MENSURATION (5).

Theory and practice of sampling and cruising techniques; stratified and nonstratified sampling systems with fixed plots, variable plots, and 3-P designs. The course provides students with fundamental skills in the measurement of trees and forest stands, focusing on inventory design, data collection, and volume estimation. It includes both classroom instruction and weekly field labs in OSU’s McDonald-Dunn Research Forest. Students use professional tools such as calipers, clinometers, laser hypsometers, and GPS units, and process data using MS Excel.

Prerequisites: (FOR 141, FES 141, FOR 241 or FES 241) and FE 208 and 209 and (MTH 241, 245, 251 or 251H) and (ST 201, 314, 314H, 351 or 351H).
A minimum grade of C is required in FOR 141, FES 141, FOR 241, FES 241, FE 208, FE 209, MTH 241, MTH 245, MTH 251, MTH 251H, ST 201, ST 314, ST 314H, ST 351 and ST 351H.

Preferred Skillset

• Proficiency in forest measurement tools (DBH tape, relascope, clinometer, etc.)
• Experience with forest inventory design and statistical sampling
• Familiarity with MS EXCEL
• Strong fieldwork capability and leadership in outdoor settings
• Ability to assist in grading, supervising field labs, and managing student safety
• Background in forestry, forest engineering, natural resources, or related fields