What is a Consulting Forester?
My Mother still doesn’t know exactly what I do for a living. I was born and raised in farm country in west-central Minnesota, and as a young forester when I tried to explain my profession, friends and family would say something along the lines of, “So you’re a Park Ranger?” After a while I stopped trying too hard to explain, and they quit trying too hard to understand! And really, I can’t blame them. Unlike mechanics, plumbers, or electricians, not everybody is going to need a consulting forester in their lifetime.
So, what exactly is a Consulting Forester? Attempting to answer this question is a bit of a challenge, but for the purposes of this post, I want to narrow my definition to the one which is generally understood in our industry, and which will be most helpful to those who actually need a Consulting Forester. There are many Foresters that do great work for people, yet they will not fit neatly into my definition because there can be some overlap between Foresters in general and Consulting Foresters in particular. For instance, there are a lot of different kinds of birds, but a ruffed grouse is more specifically a non-migratory game bird. I’ll be narrowing my definition of a Consulting Forester in a similar manner.
In one sense, a Consulting Forester could be loosely defined as; A person who has education and training in forestry, and to whom you go to for advice and/or services. But I will more narrowly define a Consulting Forester as a person who:
Owns or works for a business whose primary purpose is to serve private, non-industrial woodland owners.
Has formal, post-secondary education as well as ongoing training and education in the forestry profession.
Does not, in the regular course of their employment duties and responsibilities, have potential conflicts of interest - whether real or perceived - when serving their clients. The National Association of Consulting Foresters’ “Code of Ethics” says it this way; “(ACF) Consulting Foresters will not, for the same service, accept compensation of any kind other than from their clients, principals, or employers, without full disclosure, knowledge, and written consent of all parties concerned.”
The bottom line is that a Consulting Forester is working for you, the landowner, and you alone. Don’t be afraid to ask pointed questions of a Forester you are considering hiring before contracting with him or her. You should know where their loyalties lie, who they are beholden to, and how they are getting paid for their services. If you know that a Forester is working for and getting paid by you alone, it brings an enhanced level of peace and assurance to your working relationship, and you can know that your Forester’s primary concern is going to be your best interests.
Now that we have a definition, what are some of the practical services that a Consulting Forester can provide? Well, there are many, but here are just a few:
Woodland Management Planning. In Minnesota, this is most often accomplished through a Woodland Stewardship Plan. These are personalized woodland management plans that are customized to your property and your goals. Having a Woodland Stewardship Plan makes you eligible for one of two different and quite significant financial incentive programs in Minnesota; the 2c Managed Forest Land tax class and the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act, or SFIA. (More on these in a later article.) In addition and perhaps more importantly, having a written plan for managing your woodlands will greatly increase your knowledge and appreciation of your woods, help clarify your vision for your property, and provide an action plan for accomplishing your goals in a responsible, sustainable manner.
Tree Planting. A Consulting Forester can recommend the species best suited to your property and your goals and steer you away from species that may end up being a disappointment or waste of time. In some cases they can also plant the trees, or otherwise assist you in the process.
Timber Stand Improvement (TSI). TSI covers a broad range of management activities, including such things as removing overhead competition from around desirable tree seedlings, pruning to promote good form and vigor, and thinning overcrowded plantations. In general, TSI is the effort to promote the establishment, growth, and health of the tree species most desirable to you and most suitable to the site.
Invasive Species Control. Do you know which invasive species are most troublesome in your area? Can you identify them readily, and are you capable of controlling them? A Consulting Forester can be of immense help in early detection and control, helping to prevent a problem that becomes more difficult and expensive to control in the future.
Timber Harvest Administration. This is probably one of the most valuable services that a Consulting Forester can provide! A good Consulting Forester will listen to your ideas and concerns, input their expertise and knowledge, and then design the timber harvest in a manner that is best for your woods, accomplishes your goals, and enhances wildlife habitat. Your Forester should then monitor the harvest, communicate with the logger on your behalf as needed, and generally watch out for your interests throughout the entire process. For many landowners, a timber harvest may only occur one or two times on their property under their ownership, and it can be a daunting task to undertake on their own. A Consulting Forester is familiar with the process and has the knowledge and expertise to ensure a successful harvest.
So now you know what a Consulting Forester is! If you own woods in Minnesota, you cherish that land and the memories you make there with your family and friends. You want to do right by the land and care for it well. If that describes you, a Consulting Forester will be an invaluable asset! They will enhance your appreciation of the land, help maximize its financial potential, and provide practical assistance in making desired improvements. Once you find one, you’ll be glad you did!
Written by Stan Grossman - CEO & Forester
