Sponsor Statement for HB 182

Sponsor Statement SCS CS HB 182 (RES)

An Act Relating to the Qualifications of the State Forester

This bill would require the state forester (director of the Division of Forestry) to have a bachelor’s or higher degree in a forestry-related program and have three years of field experience in forestry. A person without the aforementioned degree(s) but with at least eight years of professional work experience as a forester would also qualify for the position. It would also require the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources to solicit and consider the recommendations of the state Fire Chief’s Association or successor organization while reviewing the list of candidates for the state forester position forwarded by the board of forestry.

The state forester heads a division comprised of mostly professional foresters and forestry technicians. I believe the division director should have a proper education in forestry and adequate field experience. Under the current statute there are neither forestry qualifications nor field experience required to head the state division of forestry. Considering the statutory defined responsibilities of the division the lack of required forestry qualifications and experience is alarming.

The state forester is charged with fire suppression on state land. In fact over half of the forester’s job is related to fire suppression. Because of this fact it is logical that the Fire Chief’s Association should have some input in the selection process of the state forester. While the legislation does not bind the commissioner of Natural Resources to act on any particular recommendation it does allow the Chief’s to have input during the hiring process.

Last Updated 04-24-98

Sponsor Statement for House Bill 182

An Act Relating to the Qualifications of the State Forester

This bill would require the state forester (director of the Division of Forestry) to have a bachelor’s or higher degree in the broad field of forestry and have three years of field experience in forestry. It would also require the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources to solicit and consider the recommendations of the state Fire Chief’s Association or successor organization while reviewing the list of candidates for the state forester position forwarded by the board of forestry.

A "forester" is a specialist in forestry. The state forester heads a division comprised of mostly professional foresters and forestry technicians. I believe the division director should have a proper education in forestry and adequate field experience. Under the current statute there are neither forestry qualifications nor field experience required to head the state division of forestry. Considering the statutory defined responsibilities of the division the lack of required forestry qualifications and experience is alarming.

last updated on 2/17/98

Sponsor Statement for HB 182

An Act Relating to the Qualifications of the State Forester

Passage of this bill would require the state forester (director of the Division of Forestry) to be a professional forester as recognized by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and have three years of field experience in forestry. It would also require the Board of Forestry to consider the recommendations of the state Fire Chief’s Association while compiling a list of candidates to be forwarded to the Commissioner of Natural Resources.

A "forester" is a specialist in forestry. A person who has completed a college program that has accreditation from the SAF is a recognized specialist. The SAF analyzes and critiques academic programs in universities across the country for standards for curriculum, faculty, students, administration, physical resources and facilities. "Forestry", as defined under the SAF certification procedures, is fairly broad including forest economics, silviculture, timber management, forest hydrology, and a host of other sub-disciplines. Under the current statute there are no forestry qualifications required to head the state division of forestry. Considering the statutory defined responsibilities of the division the lack of required forestry qualifications is alarming.

The state forester is charged with fire suppression on state land. In fact over half of the forester’s job is related to fire suppression. Because of this fact it is logical that the Fire Chief’s Association should have some input in the selection process of the state forester. While the legislation does not bind the Board of Forestry to act on any particular recommendation it does allow the Chief’s to have some input during the hiring process.

last updated 02-05-98