About the Course  It is a five day course covering silvicultural systems used in Ontario for Ontario tree species.  Guidelines for obtaining satisfactory regeneration after harvest cutting and for regulating stand density, composition, and structure during partial cuttings are described, demonstrated, and practiced in the context of a systematic procedure for determining the appropriate trees to remove and/or leave as residuals.  Upon completing the course and field audit(s) successfully, the marker is certified for a 5 year period. Refresher courses are offered for re-certification. Who Should Take This Course? Primary:  This course is mandatory for all tree markers on Crown land in Ontario.  Experience with forestry terminology, tools, species and silvicultural operations would be an asset. This course is a prerequisite for the Tree Mark Auditor Course. Secondary:  Individuals that want to increase their awareness of forest ecology and forest management practices used in Ontario.   Course Outline   Monday       Introduction to tree marking, silvicultural and wildlife values. Field visit to a forest operation and field exercise in stand analysis. Tuesday       Hardwood silvics, silvicultural systems, and wildlife values.  Field exercises in hardwood tree evaluation and tree marking. Wednesday       Pine silvics, silvicultural systems and wildlife values.  Field exercise in pine shelterwood marking. Thursday       Tree marking prescriptions and tree marking crew organisation. Testing in hardwood tree classification.  Field exercise in hardwood marking. Friday       Testing in single tree selection marking in tolerant hardwoods, uniform shelterwood marking in white pine and a written exam. Passing the Course A combined score of the 4 exams of not less than 80% with no field test score less than 70% is required to pass this course. Final "Certification" is dependent on field audits of operational marking projects in hardwood and conifer forests.