AQUATIC      

	Identify the processes and phases for each part of the water cycle
	Describe the chemical and physical properties of water and explain their importance for freshwater and saltwater ecosystems
	Discuss methods of conserving water and reducing point and non-point source pollution
	Analyze the interaction of competing uses of water supply, hydropower, navigation, wildlife, recreation, waste assimilation, irrigation, industry, and others
	Identify common aquatic organisms through the use of a key
	Delineate the watershed boundary for a small water body
	Be able to explain the different types of aquifers and how each type relates to water quality and quantity
	Briefly describe the benefits of wetlands, both function and value
	Describe the changes to the aquatic ecosystem based on alteration to the aquatic habitat
	Know methods used to assess and manage aquatic environments and utilize water quality information to assess the general water quality of a given body of water (includes sampling techniques, water quality parameters used to monitor point and non-point source pollution)
	Be familiar with major methods and laws used to protect water quality (surface and ground water) and utilize this information to make management decisions to improve the quality of water in a given situation

FORESTRY    

	Identify common trees without a key and identify specific or unusual species of trees or shrubs through the use of a key
	Understand forest ecology concepts and factors affecting them, including the relationship between soil and forest types, tree communities, regeneration, competition, and succession
	Understand the cause/effect relationship of factors affecting tree growth and forest development (climate, insects, microorganisms, etc.)
	Understand how wildlife habitat relates to forest communities, forest species, forest age structure, snags and den trees, availability of food, and riparian zones
	Understand the value of trees in urban and suburban settings and factors affecting their health and survival
	Understand how the following issues are affected by forest health and management: biological diversity, forest fragmentation, air quality, fire, and recreation
	Understand basic forest management concepts and tools such as: how various silvicultural practices are utilized, the use of tree measuring devices, and best management practices
	Identify complex factors which influences forest management decisions (economics, social, and ecological)
	Apply silviculture concepts and methods to develop general management recommendations for a particular situation and management goals

SOIL     

	Recognize soil as an important resource
	Describe basic soil properties and formation factors
	Understand soil drainage classes and know how wetlands are defined
	Determine basic soil properties and limitations, such as mottling and permeability, by observing a soil pit or soil profile
	Identify types of soil erosion and discuss methods for reducing erosion
	Utilize soil information, including soil surveys, in land use planning
	Discuss how soil is a factor in, or impacted by non-point source pollution

WILDLIFE    

	Identify common wildlife species and wildlife signs (keys will be used for more extensive identification)
	Identify basic wildlife survival needs
	Describe specific adaptations of wildlife to their environment and role in the ecosystem
	Describe predator/prey relationships and examples
	Describe the potential impact of the introduction of non-native species
	Describe the major factors affecting threatened and endangered species and methods used to improve the populations of these species
	Describe ways habitat can be improved for specific species by knowing their requirements
	Discuss the concepts of carrying capacity and limiting factors
	Discuss various ways the public and wildlife managers can help in the protection, conservation, management, and enhancement of wildlife populations
	Describe food chains/webs and cite examples
	Describe factors that limit or enhance population growth
	Evaluate a given habitat for its suitability for designated species, given a description of their habitat needs