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Students Aspiring To Environmental Careers Encouraged To Apply For Free Summer Program
Natural Resources Careers Conference set for last week in July in Garrett County; College Credit Possible
(Annapolis, MD) – High school students who are interested in learning more about careers in natural resource management are encouraged to apply for the 34th Annual Natural Resources Career Conference, to be held July 24-30, 2005 in Garrett County. Applications for the co-educational overnight camp at the Hickory Environmental Center in Accident, Md., are due by June 10, 2005. Selected students attend the conference free and are sponsored by local forestry boards.
David Keane of the Howard County Department of Parks & Recreation Environmental Program and an alum of Camp Hickory, as the week is nicknamed, attended the Maryland Forestry Conservation Workshop in 1986.
“When I was a high school senior, I was a little confused about what to study in college. After a week in the mountains of Garrett County learning about forest ecology, fisheries and wildlife management, I decided to apply to Allegany College of Maryland and study Forestry,” said Keane. “The experience profoundly impacted my decision to pursue a career in forestry. I would encourage any student interested in forestry or natural resources to apply for this conference. Just as it was for me, it may be an important first step to a very rewarding career.”
Students will learn first hand from a team of dedicated industry professionals and federal, state and county officials. The conference committee has planned an intense seven-day camp featuring:Students may also choose to earn two college credits from Allegany College of Maryland. To earn the credits, the student must attend the entire week, complete a short exam, and present a management plan. The credits will transfer to most community colleges in Maryland and several four year colleges and universities.
- Hands-on field and classroom exercises to learn more about forestry, wildlife, ecology, fisheries and watershed management, natural resources management, and conservation.
- Visits to local sawmill industry and state parks and forests.
- Professional instruction and review of the latest technology including GIS, GPS, computer simulation, and other field tools.
- Opportunities to talk with natural resource professionals and learn about college programs offered in these fields.
- Introduction to forest fire prevention and suppression.
- A chance to meet industry professionals and develop contacts that could lead to future employment.
- Overnight accommodations in rustic cabins in the scenic mountains of Garrett County.
- Hearty meals and snacks each day.
The Natural Resources Careers Conference is presented by the Maryland Association of Forestry Conservancy, District Forestry Boards and the Maryland Forestry Board Foundation, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service and Allegany College of Maryland. Additional financial and technical support is provided by private companies and individuals. Since 1971, more than 1,200 students have participated in the conference. Each Forestry Board recommends and pays the fees for local high school students to attend.
HOW TO APPLY
Please follow these steps to apply by June 10, 2005:
- Determine if you are available to attend the entire conference from July 24-30 in Western Maryland and visit www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/careersconf05 to download the application.
- Contact your local Forestry Board to show your interest in applying and for more information. For a contact list for all 24 Forestry Boards, visit: www.mdforestsailorsite.net
- Mail the completed application with two letters of reference to:
Pam Kelly
Maryland DNR Forest Service
Tawes State Office Building, E-1
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401- Prepare for a brief interview with representatives of your local Forestry Board, which approves each applicant.
- Selected participants will be notified by mid June.
May 5, 2005The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov