Foresters are well educated and technically trained. Expertise include, but are not limited to, forest ecology, ecological succession, stand development, wildlife biology, soil science, wetland science, climate science, entomology & pathology as they pertain to tree and forest health, dendrology, silviculture, statistics, economics, and communication. 

This means that foresters working throughout our landscape are making scientifically informed decisions.

Foresters in Southern New England understand the influence of spacing and site characteristics on the growth of the regions 100+ native tree and shrub species, and how these dynamics relate to wildlife biodiversity and other ecological services. Foresters asses forest health and develop comprehensive management plans that guide woodland owners to achieve their goals. This planning achieves multiple goals and sustainable uses of the forest. 

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Sustaining long-term forest health is the primary goal of forest management. Management prescriptions may include timber harvesting when it fits with landowner objectives and woodlot conditions. 

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A forester can work in the public or private sector. Public sector foresters can work at the federal, state, or county level in a variety of roles. Some provide the public and landowners with education, outreach, and connect them to cost sharing and conservation programs. Some manage large tracts of public lands for multiple uses.  

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Private sector foresters can be consultants working as agents for forest landowners. They can also be procurement foresters, representing sawmills, timber buyers, and others. 

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Both public and private foresters may work for utility companies like those tasked with protecting watershed lands and clean water, or work for universities conducting research, education, and outreach.

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Meet a forester & learn what they do: