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College of Natural Resources Timber Marking Certificate

Undergraduate Certificate

Hands-On Training for the Future of Forest Management

The Timber Marking Certificate at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point is designed for students pursuing careers in forestry, timber management, logging, mill operations, or land stewardship. This 30-credit certificate delivers applied, field-based training in timber marking techniques, a critical skill in sustainable forest and land management.

Why Timber Marking?

  • Timber marking is a foundational forestry skill used to select and mark trees for harvest based on landowner objectives, forest health, habitat improvement, and restoration goals.
  • Through this certificate, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience to make informed decisions that impact forest composition, wildlife habitat, timber quality, and ecological integrity.

Who Should Pursue this Certificate?

This certificate is ideal for students who:

  • Plan to work in forestry, logging, timber procurement, or mill operations
  • Want to manage landscapes with trees—even outside a forest management major
  • Are studying wildlife, resource management, or natural resources
  • Intend to work in public or private land management, consulting, or resource planning
  • Want a practical and employer-valued skill set that enhances their hireability

You don’t need to be in a Forest Management major; this certificate is designed for students across natural resource disciplines who will interact with forested landscapes in their careers.

What You Will Learn

You will develop skills in:

  • Northern hardwood timber marking
  • Timber stand improvement and thinning strategies
  • Habitat enhancement through marking for wildlife goals
  • Restoration-oriented marking to support ecosystem processes
  • Field techniques for inventory, stand assessment, and decision-making

Through a combination of coursework and applied experiences, you will become proficient in marking timber to meet a wide variety of management objectives.

Program Details

  • Credits: Minimum of 30
  • Administered by: Forestry Discipline, College of Natural Resources
  • Focus Areas:
    • Timber quality improvement
    • Habitat enhancement
    • Restoration forestry
    • Forest inventory and operations
  • Format: In-person with significant field-based learning and technical skill development

Career Opportunities

Employers across the forestry and timber industries are looking for candidates with practical timber marking expertise. This certificate can lead to or enhance careers in:

  • Timber Marker
  • Procurement Forester
  • Logging Operations Manager
  • Forest Technician
  • Land Manager
  • Mill Procurement Agent
  • Natural Resource Consultant

It’s also an excellent stepping stone for students seeking to enter state or federal agencies, forest product companies, or private consulting firms.

Learn More

Whether you’re headed into timber harvesting, habitat restoration, or land management, the Timber Marking Certificate gives you the tools to make confident, field-based decisions in a forested landscape.

Ready to learn more? Contact your academic adviser or visit the UWSP Catalog page to get started.