The Forestry Lifecycle

Caring for the Environment

In forestry, we’re on the frontlines of caring for the environment. We plant and nurture the trees that do so much good for the world, like sequestering carbon and filtering groundwater. Forests are also home to about 70 percent of the world’s species. We take our responsibility to care for their ecosystems very seriously.

The Environment

PROTECTING WILDLIFE

Foresters know a lot about wildlife and are trained to protect the habitats of threatened and endangered species. For example, if they find an eagle’s nest, they will make a perimeter around it and stop all nearby forestry activities. Foresters also protect waterways to ensure aquatic species are safe.

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THE ENVIRONMENT

AIR QUALITY

Trees are a critical solution to the world’s air quality issues. They not only capture harmful Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere, but also produce oxygen. And, in forestry, trees that are harvested will continue to store carbon dioxide for the lifetime of the product they become, too!

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THE ENVIRONMENT

WATER QUALITY

Trees naturally help our nation’s water supply by providing porous ground for water to seep into. The roots of the tree, among other things, help filter the water as it makes its way into underground aquifers and water sources. Foresters take special care of waterways in the forest. Sometimes, they participate in projects to improve water supply and quality.

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GREEN JOBS IN SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY

Forest Engineer

Forest engineers design, negotiate and supervise major projects in the forest, including road construction, bridge installations, harvest unit designs, and the development of rock quarries. All this work must be done with the least possible impact on the environment.
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Forester

Foresters guide decisions and policies for land management. Among job responsibilities, they plant and care for forests, look out for vulnerable wildlife species and protect water quality.
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Forestry Firefighter

This job is focused on preventing and fighting fires in the forest. As a trained wildfire firefighter, this individual will be prepared to fight wildfire at a moment's notice during dry seasons. Prevention is also key, with active work done to eliminate fire risk.
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Geologist

Forest geologists study landforms, soil types, rock structures and groundwater flows that contribute to the forest ecosystem and develop proper management strategies to promote a healthy and sustainable forest.
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Geomorphologist

A geomorphologist is a research scientist who studies the earth's surface and our impact on it. In the forestry industry, this individual helps ensure the working forest aligns with sustainability practices that protect the earth.
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GIS Manager

A GIS Manager oversees geographic information systems in support of forestry activities. Geographic information is added to software and used to analyze data, make calculations, create maps and more.
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Government Forester

Government foresters manage land owned by the government. They assess forest health, set up timber sales, lead recovery efforts after storms and fires, and more.
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Hydrologist

A forestry hydrologist monitors water quality and works with forestry employees to help plan projects to ensure there is no impact on water quality. Hydrologists also may guide in fish habitat restoration.
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Land Management Forester

A land management forester, also known as a resource land forester manages planting, inventory, and overseeing the overall health of the forest. This forester determines how to protect wildlife habitats, streams, water quality and soil stability too.
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Senior Environmental Engineer

Senior Environmental Engineers utilize their engineering skills to implement projects and plans that help to preserve and enhance the forest ecosystem. They use environmental analysis to create plans to preserve the forest ecosystem.
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Soil Scientist

A soil scientist studies the soils of the forest and determines what their impact will be on tree growth. Different trees will thrive in different soil types, so this information is critical in planting. Soil type will also help determine the need or lack of need for fertilization.
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Sustainability Manager

A sustainability manager oversees a company or entity's compliance with best management practices. This person serves as a guide to the company's employees and also may offer training and policies to ensure the company protects the environment and protected wildlife.
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Wildlife Biologist

In forestry, a wildlife biologist helps monitor, protect and enhance forest wildlife and their habitats through a focus on sustainable and responsible forest management. 
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The Sustainability Story

Everything we do in forestry is built around sustainability, which in our case means we manage a steady amount of active forests, wood supply and habitats year after year. That takes very careful planning! 

Foresters carefully choose what they harvest each year, taking only a small percentage of the trees they care for in a given area. That creates what we call a mosaic of tree ages across the forest. That ensures the wildlife within the forests have a variety of healthy habitats: younger forests have berry bushes and other plants animals like to eat. Older forests provide shade, shelter and the tall trees where many animals live.