WHAT IS A FORESTER ANYWAYS ?
FORESTER
"Not a Park Ranger"
So what exactly is a Forester anyways? And what do they do all day? When many people hear the word Forester they immediately think of a PARK RANGER, and while the two jobs certainly have some similarities, the role of a professional forester is in fact much more comprehensive.
Simply put: a Forester is someone who is trained to take care of Forestland. This includes everything from harvesting timber and supplying wood procucts, to protecting water quality and providing habitat for wildlife. Foresters also help landowners to decide what to do with their Forestland, and how best to manage it. I like to think of a Forester as a consultant for any forest related work or services. The Forester, after speaking with the landowner to determine their goals, connects property owners with companies who can help them to accomplish their desired management objectives in a safe, efficient and eco conscious manner.
SC FORESTRY COMISSION
The South Carolina Forestry Commission is a state agency responsible for helping forest landowners manage their woodlands and also fighting wildfires, among other duties. Its mission is “to protect, promote and enhance South Carolina’s forests for the benefit of all.”
FORESTRY RELATED JOBS
– Management/Stewardship Foresters
– Urban Foresters
– Water Quality Foresters
– Wildland Firefighters
– Law Enforcement Officers/Investigators
– Forest Technicians
3 AREAS OF EXPERTISE
One of the primary objectives of the SC Forestry comission is to provide resources ( for both landowners and working professionals in the industry) to assist with proper managment of their forestland. These resources cover a broad range of topics; from stewardship, to conservation, to forest health and even urban forestry
The land protection division helps to protect and preserve SC’s forestland reources through items such as:
-Wildfire Suppression
-Wildfire Prevention
-Law Enforcement
-Water Quality and other environmental regulations
The Forestry industry is a big economic driver for many communities in SC, therefore it’s important to maximize the impact of Forestry related products and services in the state
One of the best ways to do that is to understand what we have through the SCFC’s Forest Inventory & Analysis (FIA) program.
The FIA program gathers existing conditions data about timber volume and other key metrics on the state’s forestland so that we can beter understand the resources available to us, and how best to utilize them.
BE PRO BE PROUD
Be Pro Be Proud is a program in South Carolina and four other states to provide simulators and instruction of technical skills to help a new generation of pride and progress for young professionals. This moving classroom can be scheduled to be near you. To book a tour stop. You must register online. Come see it. Very Exciting!
PROFESSIONS
- Automation & Robotics
- CAD / CAM Drafter
- Commercial Truck Driver
- Computer Programmer
- Construction Services
- Diesel Technician
- Electrician
- Welder
- Tool & Die Maker
- Plumber
- Machinist
- Lineman
There are 59 colleges throughout the country that provide professional forestry accreditation. Clemson University in South Carolina is an example.
There are also many career opportunities to learn about agriculture and forestry without needing a four year college degree.
EXAMPLES
- Forest Technician
- Fire Management officers
- Plumber Technician
- Machine Technician
- Computer Technician
- Welder Technician