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College of Natural Resources Forest Recreation Minor

Minor

Turn Your Passion for Nature into a Career

The Forest Recreation Minor at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP) prepares students to plan, manage, and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in forests and parks. This in-person, hands-on minor equips you with the skills needed to design trails, create recreation plans, manage visitor experiences, and partner with agencies that protect and manage public lands.

Why Choose the Forest Recreation Minor

  • Work directly with public lands and community recreation projects
  • Learn trail-building, site design, and recreation planning
  • Contribute to outdoor recreation that balances human use and environmental health
  • Partner with public agencies, nonprofits, and private recreation groups

Whether you’re passionate about sustainable tourism, outdoor leadership, or recreation planning, this minor helps you turn your interests into real-world impact.

Who Should Consider This Minor?

This minor is perfect for students majoring in:

  • Environmental Education and Interpretation
  • Conservation Law Enforcement
  • Forestry – Urban and Community Forestry
  • Forestry – Forest Management
  • Conservation and Community Planning
  • Wildlife Ecology
  • Environmental Science and Management

No matter your background, if you are interested in the non-timber benefits of forests, like recreation, wellness, and community engagement, this minor is for you.

What You Will Learn

Through core courses and flexible electives, students build expertise in:

  • Forest recreation planning and site design
  • Visitor use management and tourism
  • Trail design and maintenance
  • Public lands stewardship
  • Community-based recreation and environmental education

Students also gain hands-on experience through applied projects and partnerships with local outdoor recreation providers and land management agencies.

Career Paths

This minor supports a variety of outdoor and natural resource careers, including:

  • Park Ranger
  • Outdoor Recreation Planner
  • Community Recreation Coordinator
  • Trail Development Specialist
  • Ecotourism Guide or Consultant
  • Forest or Park Manager
  • Public Lands Outreach Specialist

Graduates are equipped to make a real difference by designing and managing recreational experiences that benefit both people and the planet.

Program Overview

  • Credits Required: Varies (13 credits of core courses + flexible electives)
  • Format: In-person, applied learning
  • Eligibility: Open to all UWSP students

Learn More

Explore the Forest Recreation Minor through the UWSP Catalog page or connect with your academic adviser to learn more.