ACM forestry program cited

CUMBERLAND — Forest technology at Allegany College of Maryland, an associate-degree program whose graduates are in strong demand, is among the first to be granted accreditation by the Society of American Foresters.

The SAF commended ACM for its dedication to excellence in forest technology education and its support of the valuable accreditation process.

ACM, the only college in Maryland and the surrounding region to be granted the newly established status, was granted accreditation of its career program in forestry through 2018.

The move follows an extensive independent review based on a two-day visit last year by three forestry professionals from across the nation and a staff member from SAF headquarters in Bethesda as well as the approval of an extensive self-study document.

Steve Resh, ACM professor and program coordinator, believes that accreditation is a status that was well worth the effort taken by the entire forest technology faculty.

“To be among the first six schools in North America to become accredited by the Society of American Foresters is a unique honor,” he said.

The process carefully examined all aspects of the forest technology program, including its objectives and curriculum, as well as the faculty who teach it and the students who enroll in it.

The review also looked at physical resources and facilities available to the program as well as other forms of institutional support.

SAF concluded that, without qualification, the community college had met all seven of its standards for accreditation.

ACM has graduated more than 500 forestry students since 1971, the bulk of these in forest technology. The program, which prepares students for entry-level careers in the profession, has seen 476 men and women earn the degree.

For more information about ACM forestry programs call Professors Steve Resh at (301) 784-5307 or John Jastrzembski at (301) 784-5309. Information is also available on the Web site for ACM forestry programs, www.acmforestry.com