Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia:

The Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia (RPFANS) was formed by the passage of Bill 11 on November 23, 1999 by the Legislature of Nova Scotia, and was proclaimed into law on February 1, 2001. The Bill provides for the exclusive use of the title “Registered Professional Forester”, or the abbreviation “RPF” by members of the Association; and for the Association to discipline it’s members who do not comply with the code of ethics and practice forestry within their scope of competence. The public has assurance that those persons who are using either title are capable of providing sound advice on the management of the full range of values that may be found in their woodland.

The Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia (RPFANS) is a non-profit association, incorporated under the Societies Act, March 14, 2000, for professional foresters who’s objective is to improve the holistic management of all the forest resources in the Province of Nova Scotia. While membership is not restricted to only those who have graduated from a Bachelor of Science Program in Forestry; all members must demonstrate that they have obtained the equivalent qualifications. (see membership application) This will ensure that they have received both theoretical and practical training in all subjects, which should be considered when management recommendations are being made for a parcel of forested land. More information on the core course requirements can be found under core subjects. The content requirements for the core subject areas have been developed by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board, which reviews the material being taught in Canadian forestry university programs, on behalf of the professional forestry associations in Canada.

The main objectives of RPFANS are to:

1. Ensure that members of the public receive forest management advice that is based on local forest conditions and a comprehensive knowledge of the science related to the management of all the resources found in the forest; and
   
2. Ensure that members continue to further their level of education and understanding of all matters relating to the forest and it’s dynamics, throughout their careers.