Professional foresters work in all regions of British Columbia. Ninety-five per cent of BC's forests are publicly owned, so it's obvious why they're very important to all British Columbians. Since forestry is the backbone of the economy and the province's number one employer, our quality of life depends on BC's forest lands being expertly managed. A fast-growing population is increasing the demand for wood products, recreation opportunities, forest preservation and urban development. Now more than ever, it's important to ensure that BC's forest resources are in good hands.
Professional foresters are the province's forest managers.
They assess the impact of every action on the forests and are responsible for planning and approving all activities. Becoming a forester requires several years of study and experience. Each candidate must meet formal education requirements and then gain vital work experience while under the supervision of a professional forester. As a final step, every candidate must write a challenging registration exam to prove they're able to properly manage BC's forests. There are many specialties within forestry, and RPFs are experts in areas like entomology, ecology, hydrology, silviculture, road planning and numerous other fields.