This 10-week program combines a course in natural resource management with a career-building internship. The two-week course will be based in Durango and Silverton, Colorado and be taught by the Mountain Studies Institute. It will combine lecture, discussion, and field exercises. Each student will be placed with a natural resource scientist or manager for an 8 week field experience/internship. Students will learn methods used by natural resource professionals in the field and office and be responsible for contributing to real-world projects. About 30% of past interns have been offered employment by mentoring agencies as a result of their field experience. Due to the many logistics and planning requirements of this program, participation requires cooperation and a spirit of adventure.

The program is made possible by the San Juan Collaboratory, which partners MSI with San Juan Public Lands Center (USFS/BLM), Fort Lewis College, and University of Colorado at Boulder. Students may sign up for the course via either Fort Lewis College or CU Boulder. The FLC version is offered for 6 or 9 credits and includes housing for 1 week in Silverton only (other housing costs are out-of-pocket). The CU version is offered for 6 credits and includes housing for the full 10 weeks. Please see specific information for FLC or CU below.

Natural Resource Management Course (3 credits)
Course dates:  June 7-11, July 5-9, and Aug 11
This class will explore science, management, and policy of natural resource challenges, with a focus on SW Colorado. Topics include water resources, wetlands, forests, and high altitude ecosystems and issues such as oil and gas development, air and water pollution, and climate change. The course will occur at the start, middle, and end of the Natural Resource Challenge Program.  Students will receive grades based on meaningful participation, field reports, quizzes, and a written paper.

Natural Resource Internship (3 or 6 credits)
Course dates:  June 6 – Aug 13 (except contact hours do not include course dates for ENVS Natural Resource Management indicated above)
Each student will be placed with a natural resource scientist or manager for a 8 week field experience/internship. Students will learn methods used by these professionals in the field and office and be responsible for contributing to the success of real-world projects. Students may be based in multiple locations, including Durango and Silverton, depending on their assignment. Students will receive grades based on meaningful participation, quality of performance, journal entries, and an oral “Powerpoint-type” presentation.

TO APPLY/REGISTER:

Links:

Examples of Past Internships: 2009 Intern Report (PDF)
2008 Intern Report (PDF)

MSI APPICATION/REGISTRATION FORMS

MSI Program Application Form - Word Doc or PDF

Some funding (up to $2,000 per student) will be available to help defray costs for qualified students who have financial need. MSI Stipend Application for Financial Assistance - Word Doc or PDF

Fort Lewis College Information
Program Poster (PDF)
Syllabus (PDF)
Link to Continuing Education Registration Forms

CU Boulder Information
Program Poster (PDF)
Syllabus (PDF)
Link to Continuing Education Registration Forms

For Intern Mentors
Information (PDF)
Intern Request Form - Word Doc or PDF