STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Land Management Project

Academic Standards 7E2a.6: Identify topics, ask and evaluate questions, and develop ideas leading to inquiry, investigation, and research 7E2b.7: Gather information, determine credibility, and report findings

What is Land Management? Land management is the process of managing the use and development of land resources. Land resources are used for a variety of purposes which may include organic agriculture, reforestation, recreation, water resource management and eco-tourism projects.

Cross-Curricular Project Task You and your classmates will be managing a 400-acre parcel of forest land for a landowner. An acre is 43,560 square feet (208.7’ x 208.7’). 400 acres is a little less than one square mile.

Forest Managers: Factors to Consider 1) What effect will your plan have in terms of money? Can you pay for it? How much would it cost? 2) What effect will your plan have on the forest environment? How will it affect the number and types of trees and other plants? 3) What effect will your plan have on animal populations in the area? 4) What effect will your plan have on visitors? Would certain land-use decisions enable or restrict recreational use of the forest?

Landowner: James Herriott Objectives of Landowner 1) I want to create a Wildlife Preserve for my family and the surrounding community 2) I want a place where people can come to see all different types of native wildlife, so the land will need to have everything that the plants and animals need to survive and thrive. 3) I want to sell land passes to eco-tourists, photographers, etc. 4) I want some areas to be accessible to the handicapped, so everyone in the community will feel included. 5) I want trails for hiking and getting around to the different wildlife viewing areas. 6) I want a few primitive campsites. 7) I want periodic income from timber sales.

Writing a Plan: Issues to Consider Timber Wildlife Aesthetics Soil and Water Recreation