Natural Resources and Forest Technology
Diploma
| Type | Full Time |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 years |
| Campus | Prince George |
| Delivery | In Class |
| Fees* |
Estimated at $12,846.70
International Check fee schedule
*All fees are an estimate. |
| Starting Semesters | Fall 2026 |
Overview
CNC puts you in Technology – Naturally
Enjoy a mix of classroom and in-field learning with skilled instructors and personalized instruction. The Natural Resources and Forest Technology (NRFT) Program prepares you for an exciting and fulfilling career in the natural resources sector.
The NRFT Program is well suited for students who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle and excel in technology and science.
Why NRFT?
- Challenge current environmental issues
- Spend your days outdoors
- Make a difference in how human activities impact natural resources
- Expand technological applications in land use and land stewardship
What you will learn
In the NRFT program, you'll gain valuable theoretical knowledge of forest technology while focusing on First Nations communities and contributions, outdoor recreation and tourism, and Earth science. You'll develop a fundamental understanding of ecology, plant biology, soils, math, English, digital mapping, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Combining classroom and laboratory work with field exercises and team projects provides our students with enhanced problem solving and critical thinking skills valued by employers.
Research Forest
Acquire real-life experience as you participate in economically and environmentally sustainable projects in the CNC research forest.
Travel and International Opportunities
Extended field activities may take you outside of Prince George to further your practical knowledge. Previous students have conducted research around BC including in the Robson and Fraser Valleys.
Immerse yourself in new cultures and geography while comparing global land management approaches with that of BC with CNC’s International Field School. Previous destinations have included China, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.
Careers
Combining the practical and technical aspects of the program with leadership skills, teamwork, creativity and innovation – NRFT graduates can be found in:- Forestry and Forest Management
- BC Wildfire Services
- Environmental management for mine operations
- Parks, Recreation and Tourism
- Land Management and Conservation
- Policy and Planning
- Road Building
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Mapping
Other Related Links
Courses
In this nationally accredited program students study a core of forest technology courses enhanced by studies of wildlife and fish habitats, bird identification, indigenous plants, First Nations issues, outdoor recreation/tourism, and Earth sciences. The core of traditional, forestbased courses includes technical skills such as measurements, forest protection/health, forest operations and silviculture. All of these studies build on a fundamental understanding of ecology, plant biology, soils, math, English, digital mapping, and GIS. As well, you will learn writing and presentation skills, including conducting research, completing data analysis, writing and presenting scientific reports. Students may also take the opportunity to travel for a three-week field school (past destinations have included China, Costa Rica and Ecuador) where students compare approaches to land management with that of BC.
Required courses
NRFT-101
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
The purpose of this course is to identify key indigenous plants and native trees in British Columbia and understand the autecology and the cultural uses for plants associated with various First Nations and other groups. Students also learn the indicator role these indigenous plants play in the classification of forest sites and other land management activities.ENGL-103
Typical Offerings
| Timing | All Terms, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
A study of grammar, composition, and style. A vigorous program of essay-writing plus a variety of writing assignments or exercises dealing with specific problems in essay-writing. Strongly recommended for students who wish to improve their writing skills.NRFT-103
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
The course is basic to an understanding of forest productivity and the side effects resulting from various forestry practices, with applications in silviculture, watershed management, and engineering. Topics covered are landforms and soil formation, physical and chemical properties of soils, description of profiles, the Canadian System of Soil Classification, site productivity and soil disturbance. Field exercise will emphasize sampling description and classification of soils.NRFT-105
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
NRFT 105 is focused on studying birds and mammals that live in British Columbia and the habitat that is required to sustain them. Besides studying anatomy, physiology, reproductive, and behavioural characteristics the course will focus on learning how to correctly identify the birds and mammals by their sound, their appearance, colouration, and the type of habitat they are found in. Students will also study the population status and current health of the environment in which these birds and mammals live.NRFT-108
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
An introductory course focusing on the applications of maps and spatial data in natural resource management. Topics include: mapping systems, topographic and thematic maps, measurements from maps and aerial photographs, image interpretation, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), and Global Positioning System (GPS). The applications of satellite remote sensing will also be explored.NRFT-111
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
A field-oriented course that introduces the theory and practice of all aspects of forest measurements and surveying. Students will receive a thorough exposure to timber cruising and basic forest surveying instruments.NRFT-121
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
The purpose of this course is to learn the autecology, silvical, and physiological characteristics of coniferous and broad-leaved trees native to British Columbia.NRFT-123
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Wildfire is an ever-present component of the coniferous forests of Canada and represents a significant danger to effective forest management and community protection. The principal emphasis in this course is on forest wildfire management with an emphasis on prevention and control. Successful participants will know their responsibilities under the current Wildfire Act and related regulations, will understand wildfire management, and will be prepared to take basic steps in wildland fire suppression. Wildfire related safety will be stressed throughout the course.NRFT-125
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
An introductory course to the physical geology with emphasis on the geologic processes that have shaped the Earth. Topics include minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanic activities, various geological processes and landforms, natural hazards, mineral and energy resources. Labs and field trip are used to enhance the learning in the lecture.NRFT-128
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Geomatics involves the gathering, storing, processing and delivering of geographic information and Cartography is the art and science of graphically representing a geographical area. This course provides students with knowledge and skills in field data collection, data evaluation, map design and editing, and map production. Topics include cartographic principles, map projections, coordinate systems, data sources, thematic mapping, evaluation and interpretation of maps. The field data sets and resource management activities in other program studies will be used for mapping project.NRFT-131
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
NRFT 131 is a continuation of NRFT 111. The intent is to provide the student with sufficient knowledge and field training to be able to sample the forest resource to the standards established by the B.C. Forest Service. Forest statistics and its applications in analysing sample data and controlling sampling error is studied in detail throughout the semester.MATH-195
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Burns Lake, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This is a course is an introduction to the basic theory, techniques, and applications of algebra and geometry as used in various technologies. Topics include number systems and their algebra, synthetic and analytic geometry, functions and graphs, and trigonometry. The course will emphasize applications to environmental and forest technologies.NRFT-201
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course covers the history and legal basis for natural resource management of Crown forest land in British Columbia. Emphasis is placed on the Forest Act and Forest and Range Practices Act, Land Act, Oil and Gas Activities Act, Mines Act and related Provincial and Federal Acts and their associated regulations. Inventory, biodiversity, and planning concepts are introduced.NRFT-202
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course will provide an introduction to global ecosytems and climatic controls, energy flow, productivity, biogechemical cycling, climate and the physical environment, ecosystem stability, disturbance, and succession. It will also introduce the Biogeoclimatic Classification System of BC and consider indigenous perspectives.NRFT-205
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
A course designed to give natural resource students an understanding of the diversity of native fish and wildlife in North Central B.C. and the range of habitats used. The course will focus on forest biodiversity, with emphasis on the role of fish and wildlife in a healthy forest. Students will also study forest practices and management techniques that seek to harmonize biodiversity objectives with forest activities.NRFT-207
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Silviculture is the application of basic tree biology and forest ecology to the growing, harvesting, and regeneration of trees. The participants in this course will apply their knowledge of forest soils, forest ecology, photo interpretation, silvics, and forest measurements with an aim to developing strategies for forest regeneration success. Studies focus on the application of ecological description and classification, determination of site potential and limitation, and management of forest cover to meet a defined objective.NRFT-210
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Early in the course, students will focus on laying the groundwork for planning and collecting field data in support of an applied research report that will complete in the following NRFT 251 Applied Research course. Later in the course, the focus will turn to topics focused on safety systems and organizations associated with the resource sector.NRFT-211
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course is a continuation of NRFT 131 and covers the practical application of timber cruising in compliance with the government Cruising Manual. Students use class field data taken from NRFT 131 and compile the data into a comprehensive cruise report to provide an understanding of the compilation procedures. The course will also cover decay, waste, and breakage. Introduction of the BC Metric Log Scaling and grading system, and weight scaling procedures will also be covered.NRFT-213
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course provides the student with a basic knowledge of forest engineering practice in the field of forest road design, construction, maintenance, and deactivation. Other topics include soil classification, watershed assessment, survey and design of drainage structure, and Forest and Range Practices Act and associated regulations. Emphasis is placed on field procedures and microcomputer design applications.NRFT-221
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course introduces the students to the fundamentals of business and finance related to natural resource land management. Topics include business ownership, methods of financing businesses, financial statements and analysis, loans and interest calculations, break-even analysis, resource valuation and contract administration.NRFT-223
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course examines the role of forest health factors in ecosystem structure and function and their impacts on forest resources and values. Identification, recognition, impacts, ecological role, economic importance and evaluation/management techniques for provincially significant diseases, insects, mammal damage, and abiotic injuries are studied.NRFT-225
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
A computer based course exploring the principles and practices of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Emphasis is given to the processes involved in the digital mapping and spatial analysis with GIS. Topics include georeferencing, data acquisition and input, data analysis and processing, digital terrain model, and data output. Laboratory exercises will complement the theory presented in the lectures.NRFT-227
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
A continuation of the study of silviculture. This course starts with a focus on building silviculture prescriptions based on an understanding of management objectives. Considerations of each step in prescribing basic silviculture activities are covered. Silviculture surveys used to determine basic free growing outcomes to a provincial government standard will be studied. Standards of due diligence and ethical practice will be emphasized.ENGL-229
Typical Offerings
| Timing | All Terms, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course includes both the theory and practice of writing for the workplace. Students will first learn the rules and guidelines of professional communication and then will move beyond them, investigating the underlying theory, ethics and social factors that contribute to the challenges of work writing. This course introduces strategies for communicating effectively to a variety of audiences in a variety of workplace genres. Students work both individually and in collaboration, completing both written and oral projects that are relevant to their professional goals and the requirements of the business, technical, and professional communities. Prerequisites: ENGL 103 Note: Natural Resource and Environmental Technology (NRES) students will be admitted with successful completion of ENGL 103 and completion of all first-year courses.NRFT-230
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
Description
This course consists of a series of seminars covering a wide range of topics dealing with the role various groups and organizations have in regard to natural resource management in BC. The course will explore how these groups and organizations approach and address natural resource management in BC. Participants will learn about their options for continuing educational and professional organization membership. Professional organizations will be reviewed and the obligations for professional practice will be outlined.NRFT-233
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course provides the student with an introduction to the common harvesting systems and methods used in British Columbia. The topics include the principles of sustainable development in forest practice, evaluation of site and recommendation of harvesting system, harvesting planning, harvesting budget, log transportation, and safety management.NRFT-251L
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
A capstone course focusing on applied research and communication, showcasing skills that are developed across the program curriculum. Students will undertake an exercise in basic applied research, developing a hypothesis, collecting data to test a hypothesis, completing an analysis and finally drawing conclusions. Real world situations will be explored with a focus on natural resources.ENGL-252
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course builds on the skills learned in ENGL 229. Students will plan and write a progress report and a formal report for an industry-sponsored project, as well as any related documentation for the project as needed. Students will also design and create a static display and present the project orally with professional visuals. Students will also prepare a professional resume and letter of application.NRFT-261
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course is an intensive one-week (including weekends) field exercise in which students are exposed to a range of forestry practices and activities in different parts of BC from the interior to the BC lower coast. Field activities will involve exercises, observation, and analysis of research facilities, forestry operations and manufacturing facilities.Required course
NRFT-109L
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
Description
This course provides an introduction to computing using Windows-based computer applications. Natural resource industry applications including professional word-processing, database management, spreadsheets and presentation software tools will be the primary focus of this course. A foundation for NRFT program writing standards will be established.Entry Requirements
Fall 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Fall 2027 intake (September start), you must meet the following requirements:
- Standard Admission Requirements
- A minimum standing of "C" grade in the following courses or their equivalent:
- Foundations of Mathematics 11, or equivalent
- One of Chemistry 11, Life Sciences 11, or Physics 11, or equivalent
- Earth Science 11, or equivalent
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Note 1: An NRFT diploma will allow you to be eligible to register with Forest Professionals BC and/or the College of Applied Biology.
Note 2: Courses must be completed in no more than 10 years prior to the date of graduation in order to count toward the Natural Resources and Forest Technology Diploma. This policy applies to CNC courses and to all courses transferred from other post-secondary institutions for credit at CNC. For the complete policy, see Ten Year Timeline for Program Completion Policy #E-1.37 available on the CNC Policy web page.
Note 3: Students who have completed PreCalculus 12, MATH 050, MATH 100, or a higher-level math course with a minimum “C” grade may take MATH 195 or substitute it with any 3.0 credit UT course.
Note 4: Students who have extensive wildfire training and experience may consider applying for credit for NRFT 123 through a College prior learning assessment process.
Additional Information
1. Students must be prepared for and able to participate in strenuous physical activity in all types of terrain and weather.
Limited admission
A program with a limited number of seats per intake and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
Acceptance process
If there’s room in the program, you’ll be accepted once you’ve met all admission requirements. This is called “first qualified, first accepted.” If you qualify after the program is full, you’ll be put on a waitlist.
Transferability
The two-year NRFT diploma is recognized by programs at universities such as Thompson Rivers University, UNBC, UBC and the University of Alberta, where students can continue their studies in forestry, fish and wildlife, and natural resource sciences. Graduates can even go on to complete a post-diploma in Geographic Information Systems either at Selkirk College, BCIT or other institutions. Specific transfer agreements vary by institution. Contact a CNC advisor for further information.
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| Type | Campus | Starts | Status |
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Open for Applications |
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $12,846.70.
These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
To ease the financial burden of attending CNC, more than $15,000 in direct scholarships are available to first and second year NRFT students.
Visit Financial Aid to learn about and apply for scholarships, bursaries, and awards.
Student Awards & Financial Assistance
To ease the financial burden of attending CNC, more than $15,000 in direct scholarships is available to first and second-year NRFT students. However, students who get summer jobs in related NRFT fields in between their first and second year of study can earn between $10,000 - $15,000 in four months.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities.
Students who obtain summer jobs in related NRFT fields in between their first and second year of study can earn between $10,000 - $15,000 in four months.
