LASAF honors Tech program The Louisiana Society of American Foresters recognized the outstanding contributions of the Forest Technology program at Louisiana Technical College - Oakdale with a Certificate of Recognition on December 18, 2008. Holly Morgan, LASAF State Chair, presented the award to Dean Darrell Rodriguez and Forest Technology Instructor, Finis Prendergast at the annual Advisory Committee Meeting held on the campus in Oakdale, Louisiana. "This program has produced graduates who are knowledgeable and proficient in the application of forestry practices in Louisiana", said Buck Vandersteen, Executive Director of the Louisiana Forestry Association. All forestry work cannot be accomplished using only professional foresters. Forest technicians assist the foresters in data collection, fire prevention and control, reforestation, and timber harvesting. "A highly qualified technician is a valuable asset to any forestry organization", said Ms. Morgan, a forester with the Kisatchie National Forest. Graduates of the program have been placed with many Louisiana organizations and companies, doing a variety of jobs. According to Mr. Prendergast, the majority of his students have gone to work in a forestry related occupation upon graduation. "Many of the employers are repeat clients of the program, and are very satisfied with the quality of work and exceptional knowledge of the graduates", he says. Currently, the Forest Technology program is only offered at the Oakdale campus. Tuition is $24.60 per credit hour, plus fees. |