Inyo National Forest and Cerro Coso Community College team up to offer Recreation Courses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BISHOP, Calif., March 13, 2025 – Registration is now open at Cerro Coso Community College for two different spring courses preparing students for careers in public lands.

For those already employed in these fields, there is also an opportunity for “Credit for Prior Learning” which earns the student college credit toward a degree.

“The Wildland Fire course provides an entry point in gaining official certifications for careers wildland fire by earning a Firefighter II qualification,” said Peter Fulks, professor at Cerro Coso Community College and coordinator of these courses. “Normally you would get hired first and then trained, but this helps fast-track your firefighting career in only a month while also earning college credit.”

Additionally, students will learn from the local professionals, some with decades of experience. This includes those leading the new Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Leadership course. Professor Josh Pighetti is teaching and coordinating with local leaders in recreation across several agencies and organizations in the Eastern Sierra region.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the college to offer this new course,” said Adam Barnett, Public Services Staff Officer for the Inyo National Forest. “Recreation is core to life here in the Eastern Sierra, and we are excited to offer internships this summer that will undoubtedly support the Inyo National Forest.”

Wildland Fire Training (NWCG* certified Type 2 Firefighter)

www.cerrocoso.edu/news/2025/late-start-classes-spring-2025.html

Members of the Inyo National Forest Hotshots and other forest wildland firefighters will instruct this course, which includes all five classes to earn Firefighter Type 2, and potential for job placement. Equipment and tools provided by the College. Challenge yourself with fieldwork and prepare for summer work experience.

Dates: March 15 – April 15 (Tuesdays from 6 – 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Deadlines: Register by March 14 for the FFT 50-54 sequence of courses. This is a late start course.
Location: Eastern Sierra Campus Center Bishop: 4090 W Line Street
Contact: Patricia.Morland@cerrocoso.edu

Image

Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Leadership

Webpage coming soon! Search for the course number below when registering.

There are 10 classes within this new pathway, including field-based courses and experiences, internship opportunities, career selection guidance, and work toward a capstone project. This is a spring course. The summer course includes a congruent internship opportunity with several public land agencies.

Dates: March 17 – May 16 (summer semester announcement coming soon, which will include internship opportunity)
Deadlines: Register by March 14, CRN #33250
Location: Online
Contact: Peter.fulks@cerrocoso.edu

Image

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.