Public Lands and Natural Resources Policy - Graduate Certificate

With over 640 million acres of land in the United States owned by the federal government, and significant holdings by both state and local governments, public lands are a venue ripe for opportunity and conflict.

This certificate examines critical and emerging issues on public lands and natural resources management across the U.S. Following an overview of the structure of public lands management, including federal land management designations, agencies and major laws and policies relevant to public lands management, the certificate transitions into issue-based discussions of challenges facing public lands management as well as potential opportunities for resolution. The certificate also explores the role of federal, state, tribal, and local government, business, non-governmental organizations, and the general public in the environmental policy process.

Requirements

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the program, students will be able to:

• Summarize significant public lands and natural resources policy as well as how public lands and natural resources are managed.
• Describe the roles that government, businesses, non-governmental organizations and interested parties play in crafting and influencing public lands and natural resources policy.
• Explain the importance of policy processes in addressing conflicts over natural resources and public lands conflicts.
• Analyze the role of environmental movements in shaping policy related to public lands and natural resource management.
• Examine how environmental justice frameworks intersect with the outdoor recreation economy.