The Forestry Lifecycle

Maintaining the Forest

Commercial forests grow for more than 20 years in some parts of the United States, and more than 40 years in others. During the long life of the forest, there are important jobs to do, including monitoring the growth and health of trees, protecting the environment and the forest ecosystem, and preventing disasters like disease, insect infestation and fire.

MANAGEMENT

MAPPING AND IMAGERY

One forester may be responsible for 1000s of acres of land. Drones help to cover a large amount of ground quickly, for example, when assessing the forest’s health. Other high-tech mapping tools, like GIS and LiDAR, can give us all kinds of information about the health and needs of the forest.

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MANAGEMENT

TAKING INVENTORY AND ASSESSING THE FOREST'S NEEDS

It would be impossible to count every tree in the forest, but foresters need to have an accurate idea of how each stand of trees is performing. See the tools used in the field to determine just how much wood is in the forest, and what the potential of those trees may be.

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MANAGEMENT

FOREST MANAGEMENT

A forester has a lot to take care of in forest management. It’s the forester’s job to ensure a long, healthy life for the trees within the forest. The forester may need to take action to ensure the trees grow to their greatest potential. There are roads to maintain and waterways to protect. There is also important work to be done to prevent wildfires.

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GREEN JOBS IN MANAGING THE FOREST

Forest Biometrician

Forest Biometricians use research, mathematics and statistics to help their company make decisions about the future. They may write papers for their company or for trade publications to share their findings.
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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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Forest Technician

A Forest Technician manages the forest. Typical responsibilities include monitoring for harmful insects and tree diseases, coordinating reforestation efforts, and calculating sustainable yields of forest trees.
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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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GIS Specialist

Forestry GIS Specialists help support sustainable forestry management practices through the use of geographic information systems, which is a powerful digital mapping tool.
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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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Heavy Equipment Operator

A heavy equipment operator drives or controls a variety of equipment used in harvesting, reforestation, fertilization, forest release spray, or road maintenance.
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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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The Sustainability Story

Whether it’s a commercial timber forest or a national park, each forest has an important role to play in protecting the environment. Trees sequester carbon and release oxygen, improving our air quality. They provide a porous surface for water to slowly go into the ground, replenishing important drinking water sources. And they provide a home for countless plants and animals.

Learn more about sustainable forestry and the many ways forests contribute to a strong, healthy environment worldwide.

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