Forest Technology

SAF Award

Current Forest Technology student William (Billy) MacMartin wins the Society of American Foresters Student of the Year Award.  Learn more about Billy and his outstanding achievement here >>>
Sawmill

At the UNH Sawmill, students mill logs sustainably harvested from University lands, using remarkably low energy inputs with our state-of-the-art thin-kerf bandsaw.
50th Anniversary Forest Tech

The Forest Technology program is celebrating 50 years of deep rooted tradition, training foresters since 1961.  You too can become a part of our long standing tradition, getting hands-on in the classroom, gaining the skills to help sustainably manage our important forest resources.
Course Highlight: Forest Industry Tour

At the end of their last semester, our Forest Tech second year students spend an entire week on the road visiting forestry related industries.  It's a great way for them to end their time here, learning, having fun together and meeting experts who are working in the forestry field.  Learn More>>>
Nicholas Haskell

Forest Technology second year student Nicholas Haskell wins the Student of the Year Award from the Granite State Division of the Society of American Foresters.  Click here to read more about Nick and this prestigious award. 

Current Forest Tech Student Keenan

Putting the Pieces Together

Current Forest Technology student, Erik Keenan, talks about his current course work, being a commuter student at UNH, why he likes the Thompson School and his plans for the future.  Learn More>>
Bears

Students in the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation course took a field trip to visit local bear expert Ben Kilham.  Ben is a wildlife rehabilitator and is world renowned for his research on the social behavior of Black Bears.  The highlight of the trip was when students were able to see 2 bear cubs and entered a bear den that is often used by local bears for winter hibernation.
Plant new trees

Forest Technology students maintain a Christmas Tree plantation as part of several different courses.  In the fall they test the soil to make sure it is right for the fir trees.  Then in the spring, new balsam fir trees are planted.  The trees are fertilized based on information gained from the previous year's soil test and after 4 years of growth the trees are sheared every year to maintain the desired shape and fullness.
gis/gps technology

Our students practice both contemporary and traditional methods of forestry.  Your class tools will include not only chainsaws and chippers, but also state-of-the-art GIS equipment and sophisticated forestry comptuer software.  In addition to the extensive University woodlands, students have access to the newly remodeled sawmill at the University's Forest Industries Training Center.

Welcome!

Live and learn both the contemporary and traditional methods of forestry in the Forest Technology Program.  You'll study forest habitats, learn how to manage sustainable forests, and take a tree from woodland to product - learning to harvest, mill and sell forest products.  You'll also gain skills in surveying and mapping, forest inventory, forest pest control and forest products recovery. 

As a graduate and Forest Technician, you will be a steward of the forest, one of our most valuable natural resources. Trees are an important part of the New Hampshire landscape and bring many tourists to the Granite state. They provide lumber for building construction, heat to fuel our homes and other important wood products. Forest Technicians are proud to play a vital role in managing and sustaining our important forest resources.


Forest Technician

As a Forest Technology student you can:

  • Develop valuable jobs skills in just 2 years
  • Be challenged both mentally and physically
  • Learn to manage and sustain New England's important forest resource in UNH's 3000 acres of certified Tree Farm
  • Become a steward of the forest, a very valuable and beautiful natural resource
  • Balance forest conservation with wise use
  • Study a broad range of topics from urban tree care to forest fire control and use
  • Use GIS and GPS technologies (Geographic Information Systems & Global Positioning Systems)
  • Participate in a summer internship where you can enjoy great opportunities for jobs in forestry after your first year in school
  • Be on a first name basis with your faculty members
  • Spend a week at the end of each academic year on a road trip visiting a variety of forestry related operations
  • Have the opportunity to become a licensed forester in New Hampshire
  • Study two hours outside for every hour spent in an inside lecture
  • Consider continuing study at UNH to earn a 4-year degree
  • Explore primary processing of forest products in the new UNH Sawmill
  • Share the same life and college experiences with other UNH students

The Thompson School Forest Technology Program is:

  • Part of a small 2-year school located on a 4-year land grant University campus
  • Accredited by the Society of American Foresters
  • Located in New Hampshire, the second most forested state in the country
  • Well connected to the forest industries of the region

Admissions Requirements:

Students interested in the Forest Technology Program must have at least 2 years each of satisfactory work in college preparatory mathematics and sciences.  One of the science courses should be Biology with a lab.