Have you heard of a forester before? Who is a forester? It is not someone that lives in the forest. This is someone who has gone through the training for the management of the natural resources that are found in the woodlands. Usually, they have a wide range of work such as ecological restoration, the protection of reserves and parks, and their organization and the harvesting of timber. These professionals have various specializations that are all aimed at handling the scope of their work. In the end, their responsibilities and duties are aimed at the care of the woods. For the individuals who might be interested in earning this profession, they have to get a bachelor’s degree in any field that has biology as a major as well as the analysis of the cultural and economic value of woodlands. Usually, they don’t need to have a degree with this particular major.
The following are some of the different types of foresters.
Industrial- these are the professionals that have been hired by a private firm. Their work involves the management of the woodlands that are owned by companies for the sake of their logging businesses. Additionally, they might as well get in touch with the private owners to purchase the products for the firm or the other way round. Before they do timber cruising, they have to talk to the private owners and get their permission. They do this to estimate and know the location, amount, and type of standing timber inside the property of the proprietor.
District- they are people who have been professionally trained in the management of the woodlands. Usually, their major role is visiting areas that are privately owned which provide wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and watershed. It is their work to help a lot of the owners in making management decisions for the maintenance of a healthy and sustainable environment. They are mandated with the implementation of federal and state programs for the achievement of sustainable woodland management.
Consulting- this is normally a professional that is self-employed and who receives a contract in helping the private landowners with the practices of management. They have to oversee the planting and the growth of the new trees. They are individuals that will have the site prepared and then choose the formation, number, and type of the trees that have to be planted. They also must handle the legal requirements like licensing and registration.
Conservation- they are individuals that are responsible for the purchase of timber for a wood product manufacturer. They could also be responsible for conduct appraisals and timber cruising and negotiation of prices. They also write down the contracts paying attention to the conditions and terms that have been agreed upon.
Simply put, foresters have the responsibility of maintaining and managing the woodlands of the nation. They have to control the usage of the woods and ensure that they remain in the right condition. They do so by supervising the tree planting and harvesting and also oversee the controlled burning.