General Overview

Today's forest recreation specialists are expected to be naturalists who are familiar with plants, animals and their habitats. They are also expected to be managers able to plan and operate specially designed parks or other recreational areas, and also educators capable of communicating the ecological and cultural uniqueness of their areas to visitors. They are also expected to plan, manage and protect the natural resources so they remain unspoiled for future generations.

The Forest Recreation Management major in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry at Stephen F. Austin State University prepares students for an active role in the field of Forest Recreation. Job opportunities in this field can be divided into three primary areas. Interpretive Naturalists' job responsibilities may include preparing and presenting educational programs, designing exhibits, guiding hiking trips or trail walks and public relations for the park. Park and recreation facility managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations in parks and recreation areas. They must be trained not only in natural resources, but also in the management of the developed facilities and personnel of the park. Park planners are concerned with the overall planning, design and development of park and recreation resources to meet the needs of society while protecting the resources of the park.