The Responsibities of a Forester
A young person who enjoys science and nature, and is interested in ecology, could be a good candidate for becoming a forester. There are many different specialties a student can pursue when preparing for a career in forestry. When you hear the term “forester” you may think first of a “Smokey the Bear” type of forest ranger, but there is much more to the job of caring for forests than just watching out for forest fires!
Some foresters are employed by private industries, such as paper producers or companies that make wood products. These foresters use their knowledge of the forest to plan how and where the timber can best be harvested in order to make the most profit without harming the ecology of the forest or its wildlife. Sometimes they have to work in the laboratory. They must have a good understanding of the chemistry involved in making trees into paper or wood products.
Other foresters are employed by state and government agencies to look after public lands, state parks, and national forests. They may be involved in watching for fires or enforcing hunting and fishing regulations.
The responsibilities of a forester depends on the specialty they pursue. For instance, a forester can specialize in recreational uses of the outdoors. This type of forester may be responsible for educating people who visit state parks about the wildlife and plants found there. They may lead guided hikes to groups of adults or school children. Some foresters even lead outdoor activities as therapy for troubled youths.
Forest conservationists are more directly interested in the trees and wildlife than in the people who use the forests. They may specialize in conserving habitat for various endangered species of plants or animals. They may specialize in diseases of trees and how to combat them so that the trees remain healthy. Tree health specialists would also learn about the various insects that can be a problem in a forest, and how they can be controlled.
Urban foresters help keep trees in urban areas safe and healthy. They may oversee the trimming of trees in city parks and public areas. They may also do educational work, helping homeowners choose the types of trees that would work well in their area.
To prepare for a career in forestry, a student should take courses in math, biology, and agriculture. A forester has the opportunity to spend their life doing something that is beneficial to the well-being of people and wildlife, while being outdoors in the woods they love. What better occupation for someone who enjoys the forest?
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