careers in forestry

[SwampDonkey]

I think the thorn in the side for some is that the work is being subsidized through a government agency. It can make it tough for a self employed consultant when he has to compete with the numbers $$. I think both can do equally well as far as quality of work. But one guy is under more pressure based on production and the other is getting paid a salary even though the landowner may be billed based on production. But, for a lot of small woodlot owners on small acreages and harvesting relatively small volumes it isn't feasible, due to costs for owner and consultant, to do the job without a government agency involved.

Just my thoughts.

[Phorester]

I agree, JoeZ and Swamp, up to a point.  I think the best thing that State Service Foresters can offer private landowners is objectivity in forest/wildlife management recommendations.  My salary does not depend on what I recommend to a landowner.

Not saying that all consultants recommend a timber sale just so they will make more money, or that all will high grade to increase their commission, but that incentive is there and unfortunately has been used repeatedly.

There are pluses and minuses to all Foresters, - consultants, government, industry.  I think a landowner is better off taking advantage of all those when possible.