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What is Forestry Education?

N. Phipps
N. Phipps

Forestry education is the study and management of the natural resources that are associated with forest environments. This can include water resources, timber, fish and wildlife, plants, and soil. Forests have numerous benefits within the environment. Not only do they provide year-round beauty and recreation, but they also provide economic production through timber and wildlife habitats. Maintaining these resources is important.

Conservation has become a big part of forestry education. Issues within the field of conservation include deforestation, biological diversity, and the effects of human interactions within forests. Forestry training helps ensure that forests are managed in an ecologically sound manner. Future foresters learn ways to improve and protect forest environments. They also learn how to improve and maintain favorable water conditions.

Felled trees.
Felled trees.

In addition, forestry training allows students to learn how to find better ways to obtain timber for home and building construction. Forestry education also teaches about climate change and how it affects forests. Forest management education covers all aspects of environmental protection and restoration. It also includes health maintenance, research and product development, and fire hazard reduction.

Forestry involves managing and developing forests.
Forestry involves managing and developing forests.

Careers in this field include professional foresters, forest conservation, forest biologists, forest technicians, forest business administration, and forestry engineers. Forestry careers not only require a love for nature and commitment, but often require at least a four-year degree in forestry education from an accredited forestry program. Forest technicians require a two-year degree from an accredited forestry technical program. There are also forestry conservation degrees that can open doors to careers such as a park ranger.

A park ranger might have earned a degree in forestry conservation.
A park ranger might have earned a degree in forestry conservation.

Online forestry training is also available. This type of forestry education program allows people to pursue and adapt their studies to fit their needs and lifestyle. Again, this must be obtained by an accredited training program. For those merely seeking general information, libraries can be helpful resources. Forests are a vital resource to our environment and our economy. Therefore, it is imperative that forestry management and conservation be practiced.

A forestry technician might maintain hiking trails.
A forestry technician might maintain hiking trails.

Anything from fire and disease to changes in climate can affect the livelihood of forests. In addition, wildlife and plants depend on good forest management and proper harvesting techniques help maintain the ecological balance within forests. The recreational and aesthetic values of forests must also be correctly managed to ensure continued enjoyment. Depending on a person’s individual interests and abilities, locating a forestry education program to suit these needs should be easy.

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    • Felled trees.
      By: Kacpura
      Felled trees.
    • Forestry involves managing and developing forests.
      By: Lars Johansson
      Forestry involves managing and developing forests.
    • A park ranger might have earned a degree in forestry conservation.
      By: Stephen Coburn
      A park ranger might have earned a degree in forestry conservation.
    • A forestry technician might maintain hiking trails.
      By: Mark Rasmussen
      A forestry technician might maintain hiking trails.