Society of American
Foresters
The forestry major is accredited by the Society of American Foresters
(SAF) and meets standards for objectives, curriculum, faculty, students,
administration, parent-institution support, and physical resources and
facilities that lead to a professional degree in forestry of bachelor of
science. SAF is the national scientific and educational organization
representing the forestry profession in the United States. Founded in 1900
by Gifford Pinchot, it is the largest professional society for foresters in
the world. The mission of the Society of American Foresters is to advance
the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the
competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and, to use
the knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure
the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future
availability of forest resources to benefit society. SAF is a nonprofit
organization meeting the requirements of 501 (c) (3). SAF members include
natural resource professionals in public and private settings, researchers,
CEOs, administrators, educators, and students.
To learn more about the Society of American Foresters, their mission and
their role in accreditation follow the links below:
Learn more about the
Society of
American Foresters
Learn more about
SAF's
Mission
Learn more about
SAF Accreditation
Role of the Forestry
Professional
Service to society is the cornerstone of any profession. The profession
of forestry serves society by fostering stewardship of the world's forests.
Because forests provide valuable resources and perform critical ecological
functions, they are vital to the well-being of both society and the
biosphere.
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) has develop a Code of Ethics for
forestry professionals designed to protect and serve society by inspiring,
guiding, and governing members in the conduct of their professional lives.
Principles and Pledges SAF members are expect to adhere to:
- Foresters have a responsibility to manage land for both current and
future generations. We pledge to practice and advocate management that
will maintain the long-term capacity of the land to provide the variety
of materials, uses, and values desired by landowners and society.
- Society must respect forest landowners' rights and correspondingly,
landowners have a land stewardship responsibility to society. We pledge
to practice and advocate forest management in accordance with landowner
objectives and professional standards, and to advise landowners of the
consequences of deviating from such standards.
- Sound science is the foundation of the forestry profession. We
pledge to strive for continuous improvement of our methods and our
personal knowledge and skills; to perform only those services for which
we are qualified; and in the biological, physical, and social sciences
to use the most appropriate data, methods, and technology.
- Public policy related to forests must be based on both scientific
principles and societal values. We pledge to use our knowledge and
skills to help formulate sound forest policies and laws; to challenge
and correct untrue statements about forestry; and to foster dialogue
among foresters, other professionals, landowners, and the public
regarding forest policies.
- Honest and open communication, coupled with respect for information
given in confidence, is essential to good service. We pledge to always
present, to the best of our ability, accurate and complete information;
to indicate on whose behalf any public statements are made; to fully
disclose and resolve any existing or potential conflicts of interest;
and to keep proprietary information confidential unless the appropriate
person authorizes its disclosure.
- Professional and civic behavior must be based on honesty, fairness,
good will, and respect for the law. We pledge to conduct ourselves in a
civil and dignified manner; to respect the needs, contributions, and
viewpoints of others; and to give due credit to others for their
methods, ideas, or assistance.
To learn more about the Society of American Forester's Code of Ethics
follow this
link
General Overview
A comprehensive educational experience is provided by combining classroom
theory with field-oriented laboratory exercises. General degree requirements
have been established to ensure a well-rounded graduate who appreciates the
importance of the humanities, social sciences, history, and English to the
forestry profession. This includes either a six-week summer camp or European
field experience where the integration of resource management disciplines is
emphasized through hands-on field exercises in natural environments. Student
organizations offer you the opportunity to learn more about the forestry
profession, become involved with professional organizations and talk with
representatives of various agencies. Paid internships, cooperative education
positions and seasonal positions provide an opportunity to apply your
education and clarify your career goals before you enter the job market. The
College of Natural Resources Forestry Program is fully accredited by the
Society of American Foresters.
Undergraduate Program
The undergraduate forestry curriculum is built on a core of selected
forestry courses that meet the requirements of the Society of American
Foresters, and the need of the student to understand the application of
forestry to a broad range of resource management situations. Natural and
physical sciences, mathematics, wildlife, water, and soils courses are
prerequisites for advanced forestry courses. The integration and application
of these courses to forestry is an educational concept supported by the
forestry faculty. The five emphases within the forestry curriculum allow you
to select course options that match your career goals.
Many forestry students supplement their major emphasis with a minor.
There are many minors to select from, and you should work closely with your
professor/advisor to select the one that would be the most appropriate for
your career goals. For example, the growing demand for forestry consultants
in the Third World recently prompted the development of a minor in
International Resource Management which includes significant forestry
components. The same need is being served by the new "Masters
Internationalist" program, which combines graduate training with Peace Corps
service in a three year program. This minor supplements many majors
campus-wide.
Facilities
The Forestry Program within the College of Natural Resources has modern
state-of-the-art facilities including the use of quantitative laboratory
facilities, computer facilities, Schmeeckle Reserve (a Nature Conservancy
Property), Treehaven Field Station, Central Wisconsin Environmental Station,
and other private and public natural areas.
Internships
and Cooperative Programs
Through cooperative arrangements developed with industry, private firms,
and public agencies, students have the opportunity to gain on-the-job
experience in career areas related to their chosen forestry major prior to
graduation. Emphasis is placed on the application of curriculum to field
situations. Each student is assigned a supervisor. These programs quite
often help graduates gain permanent employment.
Student Activities
The emphasis is on professional development while enjoying the fellowship
of other students in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Faculty advisors take an
active part in assisting student members and officers in planning events and
activities. Many organizations are officially recognized as student chapters
of professional conservation associations and groups. Members of
professional associations are often guest speakers, and students have the
opportunity to attend reguIarly scheduled events of the parent
organizations. Everyone can become involved as an active member. Examples of
specific student organizations include:
Society of American Foresters
UWSP Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association
Student Society of Arboriculture
Xi Sigma Pi-Honorary Society
Alliance for a Sustainable Earth
Women in Natural Resources
Fire Crew
Involvement of students in the governance of the college and the campus is
encouraged and, abundant opportunities exist to serve on committees and as
an elected student representative.
Faculty
The forestry faculty combine different areas of interest and academic
background providing pedagogic strength through diversity. Both outstanding
academic credentials and significant professional field experience are
represented in the backgrounds of the faculty. Emphasis is placed on
excellence in the classroom, scholarly activities, and participation in
student extracurricular activities.
Admission Standards
After completion of forty-five or more credits, with at least a 2.50
average grade point in designated preliminary courses, the student may
officially declare a major in forestry with the permission of the forestry
faculty. A 2.50 or greater grade point in the forestry major is required for
graduation.
Career Opportunities
A wide variety of opportunities exist for graduates of the forestry
program. The past several years have shown a marked increase in the
diversity and number of career opportunities available. Opportunities exist
as a timber manager, forest ranger, procurement officer, park
superintendent, urban forester, arborist, landscape designer and maintenance
supervisor, naturalist, park ranger, public relations officer, environmental
advocate, international consultant, and many others too numerous to mention
here.
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