Who qualifies as a professional forester?
The qualifications of professional forester change from state to state. Many states have licensing or accreditation programs. The basic qualifications should include a degree from an accredited four-year forestry college, 2 years of acceptable forestry experience, and some continuing education requirement. There are three types of professional foresters. State foresters work for a state forestry agency and may develop forest stewardship plans, but do not handle commercial timber sales. Consulting foresters are private foresters who work for landowners as their agent on a commission basis. They will develop forest stewardship plans, market timber products and perform other services. Industrial foresters work for the interests of a specific company or mill. Locate a professional forester for your state or area Several national professional associations of foresters exist, such as the Society of American Foresters (www.safnet.org ), the Association of Consulting Foresters of America (www.
