Forestry in Action
For a small team of CSU interns, this summer looked different than most, and it wasn’t just a change of scenery.
Spending long, hot days in ponderosa pine forests collecting data, the group embraced the challenges of hauling heavy vests and equipment, slinging paint canisters and scrambling steep terrain. They found patience and teamwork amidst sunburns and bug bites. Most importantly, it was a chance to step into the boots of a forester to experience natural resources management in action.
The group formed the core of a Timber Strike Team to support forestry field work for the Cherokee Park stewardship project in northern Colorado, working alongside foresters and forestry technicians. The project covers 600 acres across state, federal and private lands east of Red Feather Lakes, in northern Larimer County.
There are four intern positions available to students in the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University for the next five years, thanks to an agreement between the U.S. Forest Service the Colorado State Forest Service.
Making an Impact
This summer, four interns blazed the trail for this team, gaining hands-on field experience to supplement concepts they’ve learned in the classroom. Using a range of tools and tactics, the group marked unit boundaries and helped determine the forest composition and sizes of trees. They also gained experience referencing environmental assessments and learned how to implement a management plan, harvest system and contractor work.
The interns’ hard work is already making a difference — early stages of the Cherokee Park stewardship project have progressed quickly, with the expanded capacity helping reduce the expected field work time by half. This increased efficiency is helping to address the pace and scale of forest management across Colorado.
A summer immersed in the life of a forester, with all its challenges and rewards, could be exactly what students need to channel their passion into a fulfilling career in forestry.
Summer 2024 Positions
Summer 2024 internship positions with the Colorado State Forest Service will be posted this November on Handshake and the CSFS Employment Page. Warner College students are eligible to apply and applications will be due in February 2024.
Contact Kristen Switzer (Kristen.switzer@colostate.edu) for more information.