FORESTRY CONSULTING First some definitions might assist in clarifying what this profession is and why it is beneficial to utilize the services of a consultant forester. Definitions: Forestry - "The science, the art and the practice of managing and using for human benefit the natural resources that occur on and in association with forest lands" (Society of American Foresters, 1967). Forester - "Foresters are dedicated to sound forest management and conservation, and serve landowners and society by providing sound knowledge and professional management skills." (SAF) Registered Forester - In Arkansas this status is given to an individual who has obtained a forestry degree, has 3 or more years experience in the field of forestry, is recommended by 5 or more peers, and has passed a written certification exam administered by the Board of Registration for Foresters. To retain registration the forester needs to complete at least 6 hours of continuing education each year following certification. Arkansas Statute 17-31-301 (a) states that "Any person ... tending to convey the impression that the person is a forester engaged in the practice of forestry on private lands shall be registered.." (For more information contact the AR Board of Registration for Foresters, P.O. Box 7424, Little Rock, AR 72217, Phone 501-296-1998.) Society of American Foresters - A professional society of foresters which establishes standards for membership, certifies forestry schools meeting cirriculum and teacher standards, and enforce conduct and ethics in its membership. Consultant Forester - An independent professional forester providing forestry services to landowners for a fee. A consultant who is registered by the State has met standards approved by a registration board. A consultant who maintains membership in professional societies such as the Society of American Foresters and other forestry organizations is generally more respected by their peers. Experience in a locality with the timber types on the property is also desired - the more experience the better. WHY EMPLOY THE SERVICES OF A CONSULTANT FORESTER? Each landowner has the option of making their own choices regarding how their forest land is managed. In a free and democratic society, private lands can be managed in a variety of ways ranging from preservation to total exploitation of the resources with no thought of the future as long as they are in compliance with state and local laws. Hiring a consultant forester to assist in meeting the landowner's objectives should assure that laws are complied with, science is applied to the methods of treatment of the resource, and most importantly, economic gain without thought of resource conservation will not be the highest priority. Statistics show that timber sales prepared by consultants and advertised to a larger bidding audience can average as much as 20% higher in bid value when compared to the negotiation of an uninformed landowner directly with a timber buyer. Also with the timber being managed with the concept of forest conservation and forest sustainability in mind, less damage to the natural resources will occur and landowners will benefit financially in the long term. FEE SCHEDULE: Available upon request. More information about the forestry profession and consulting forestry can be found at: Society of American Foresters: www.safnet.org Univ. of AR at Monticello: www.afrc.uamont.edu/sfr/index.htm Contact Arkansas Highlands Forest Works At: Arkansas Highlands Forest Works, Inc.