A partnership between Oregon Institute of Technology, “Oregon Tech,” and the Fremont-Winema National Forest has been launched to provide students with real-world experience in natural resource management in the classroom and field.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Oregon Tech president, Dr. Nagi Naganathan, and Fremont-Winema N.F. Supervisor Barry Imler, recognizes Oregon Tech’s reputation for providing hands-on, applied education. It also expands the capacity of the university by utilizing the knowledge and field experience of U.S. Forest Service employees to foster the next generation of federal land managers.
U.S. Forest Service employees have been involved with Oregon Tech environmental sciences, civil engineering, surveying and geomatics programs for more than 25 years. The Fremont-Winema N.F. and the agency’s Pacific Northwest Regional Office have hired a number of Oregon Tech graduates over the years. Many more are also working in Southern Oregon for the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a variety of professional positions.
The partnership will also improve recruitment of local students to the Fremont-Winema N.F., and aid in retention of future employees who perhaps grew up in southeastern Oregon, and value a rural lifestyle.
The MOU will document the cooperation between the parties to collaboratively educate Oregon Tech students and instill an interest in natural resource management careers. This cooperation can include providing training, conducting assessments, monitoring restoration and working to restore ecosystems.
Oregon Tech plans to use the MOU to explore scholarship, internship and cooperative education opportunities within the Fremont-Winema N.F. for its students. It will also encourage students to complete senior projects related to Fremont-Winema N.F. natural resource management issues, including multidisciplinary projects involving students from various academic program areas.
Fremont-Winema N.F. managers will make the national forest available for field studies and provide time for U.S. Forest Service personnel to work with Oregon Tech students in classrooms, labs and in the national forest. The managers will also provide students seasonal and permanent employment information, and participate in Oregon Tech career fairs and other recruitment activities.
For more information on the MOU, contact Oregon Tech Director of Academic Agreements Marla Edge at 541-885-1034 or marla.edge@oit.edu.
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About Oregon Institute of Technology
Founded in Klamath Falls in 1947, Oregon Institute of Technology is the premier polytechnic institution in Oregon. Oregon Tech provides bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in engineering, health technologies, business, technology, communication, and applied sciences that prepare students to be effective participants in their professional, public and international communities through applied, relevant learning and professional practice. Oregon Tech has a central, residential campus in Klamath Falls; an urban, industry-focused campus in Portland-Metro (Wilsonville); an Online campus; and offers degrees at Boeing Seattle and at other sites. Visit www.oit.edu to learn more about Oregon Institute of Technology.
About Fremont-Winema National Forest
The Fremont and Winema National Forests were administratively combined in 2002 and cover 2.3 million acres. It offers a setting of classic western beauty derived from the land’s volcanic legacy. The ecosystem ranges from towering snow-capped peaks to wide-open sage basins.
Its heavily-timbered forests extend to the west and border Crater Lake National Park and the Cascade Range. The national forest’s eastern side is in the semi-arid highland belt commonly known as “Oregon’s Outback” and includes part of the Warner Mountain Range. The Oregon-California border marks the national forest’s southern border.
