What's a Forest Professional?

There are two types of Forest Professionals: Registered Professional Foresters and  Forest Technicians & Technologists. The skill sets required for both professions include a current knowledge of a variety of aspects of environmental forest management, but significantly different when it comes tothe education and depth of knowledge required. Becoming a  Forest Technician requires a technical diploma in Forest Management whereas becoming a Register Professional Forester normally requires a Bachelors Degree in Forest Management.

There are approximately 100 Registered Professional Foresters and 200  Forest Technicians in Nova Scotia today. Today's forest professionals pursue careers to ensure a healthy future forest for both people and the environment. Careers range from practical day to day management of our forests to conducting cutting-edge scientific research in a variety of forestry related disciplines. Traditional forestry careers have included forest management for the production of timber, pulp and paper and other wood products and overseeing timber harvesting operations.

Advances in forestry and our understanding of ecology mean that the modern forester must have a holistic view of the forest. Professional Foresters  consider wildlife, fires, insect and disease reduction, aesthetics, recreation, water protection and the environment when they undertake their work. Professional Foresters have always worked to breed the healthiest seeds and planting stock.

Today we face the challenge of creating trees that will adapt to the new environmental conditions expected from climate change.