Thursday, October 30, 2025
48.1 F
Beckley
More

    Glenville, state partnership creates forestry certification programs

    Glenville State College in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Forestry is offering forestry certifications as part of the school's expanding Forest Technology program.

    Aside from earning an Associate of Science in Forest Technology or a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management with a major in Forest Technology, students in those programs are also earning certifications in wildland fire-fighting, timber harvesting, and herbicide application.

    The specific certifications students can earn include the WV Certified Logger Program, which includes instruction on Best Management Practices for Loggers and Tree Felling Safety and Personal Safety Equipment, and Fire Fighting Certifications, including Western Wildland Fire Fighting Certification (S130/S190), Pack Test or Red Card Certification, and Certification in Wildland Observation, and Origin Scene Protection for First Responders (F-110).

    Jesse King, a forester with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, leads the certifications and has an office within the Department of Land Resources at the college's Waco Center.

    The partnership was first formalized in 2016, and since then both institutions have successfully carried out internships, training, and seminars involving Glenville faculty, students, and state foresters.

    Dr. Rico Gazal, head of the Department of Land Resources, praised the partnership.

    Advertisement

    “The Land Resources Department, particularly its faculty, staff, and students, are fortunate to have a W.Va. Division of Forestry presence right in our department office suite," Gazal said.

    "The partnerships between GSC and the WVDOF have created significant impact in enhancing the field learning experience of our students through various forms of certifications, training, lectures, and field demonstrations in forestry operations."

    Regional Forester WVDOF Vern Stephens underscored the importance of having an experienced forester in place.

    “Having a service forester helping set curriculum requirements is an asset to all state agencies who hire GSC graduates," Stephens said.

    "Individuals pursuing a degree in forestry have the benefit of a professional forester on site to ask questions and get advice.”

    Students in the Forest Technology program also have the option to take the WV Pesticide Applicator Exam as part of the Silviculture and Vegetation Management (FRST 209) course.

    After passing the exam, students receive a Registered Pesticide Technician license that is limited to Right-of-Way/Industrial Weed – Hardwood Tree Release and under direct supervision of a Certified Applicator. The Pesticide Applicator License exam is administered by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

    Advertisement

    “Nothing is more important to our future and the preservation of needed ecosystems – including forests – than education. The West Virginia Division of Forestry is very happy to have Glenville State College as a partner in educating the future of forestry,” said King.

    For more information about WVDOF programs in Gilmer and Calhoun Counties, contact King at  or 304-488-9157. For information about the Land Resource academic programs at Glenville State College, contact the Department of Land Resources at or 304-462-6370.


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Clyde Craig
    Clyde Craighttp://wvexplorer.com
    Clyde Craig is a writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Hatfield–McCoy trails system now connected to Virginia’s Spearhead trails

    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground...

    Don’t ignore the winter blues: Seasonal affective disorder is a serious form of depression

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As the days grow shorter and...

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    At 50 years, West Virginia University celebrates its ground-breaking PRT system

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The familiar hum of the gold...

    Topics

    Hatfield–McCoy trails system now connected to Virginia’s Spearhead trails

    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground...

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    The Pumpkin—a West Virginia tradition steeped in lore

    FLAT TOP, W.Va. — With the exception of corn,...

    Here are 20 things that make wild, wonderful West Virginia famous

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From the peaks of the Allegheny...

    West Virginia University insect tracker says light pollution threatens rare fireflies

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While rare “synchronous fireflies” are becoming...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories