AFRC Forestry Ethics Online Meeting
Professional Education
Continuing Forestry Education for Registered Foresters
Indoor classroom-style Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) workshop. (Image courtesy
Caroll Guffey, UACES)
Forestry Continuing Education
- 1969: State Law enacted that requires anyone calling themselves a forester must be registered with the State Board
- 1977: The Arkansas Board of Registration for Foresters was created. The UA Division of Agriculture has representation on the Board.
- 1997: The law changed significantly. Continuing Education Hours and an Exam were required.
- 1997: A continuing education program was created through the Arkansas Forest Resources Center in recognition of the educational and training needs of natural resource professionals in the State.
- 2008: The number of continuing education hours is increased to 8 with one of those hours being ethics
The Arkansas Board of Registration for Foresters
To protect private forest landowners, the Arkansas Board of Registration for Foresters licenses and registers foresters who are qualified, experienced, and maintain their continuing education. Arkansas currently requires a licensed forester to attend eight hours of qualifying continuing forestry education (CFE) each year. At least one of theses hours must deal with forest ethics.
The Board works with the SAF, UA Division of Agriculture, to design, deliver, facilitate, and administer educational events throughout the State to meet the CFE requirements of Arkansas and neighboring State foresters.
Registered Forester Workshops
There are currently two Registered Forester workshops offered each year that will fulfill all eight Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) hours required to maintain registration.
In early May the Arkansas Board of Registration for Foresters and the Arkansas Division of the Ouachita Society of American Foresters partner to offer a day long workshop at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale.
In early June Cooperative Extension agents with the University of Arkansas' Division of Agriculture from Clark, Nevada, Pike and Calhoun counties and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center partner to put on a day long workshop for foresters at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.
Prism cruising workshop. (Image courtesy Caroll Guffey, UACES)
Online Courses
Attending short courses and workshops can be expensive in terms of time away from the job. The Southern Regional Extension Forestry (SREF) program, a multi-state program serving Extension programs in Forestry and Wildlife in the Southeast, offers webinars and on-line courses. The number of CFE credit hours vary but you can receive credit. Some webinars and courses are fee-based and some are free.
Other Important Resources
School of Forest and Natural Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello
The only SAF accredited school of forestry in Arkansas where students can take classes in forestry, wildlife habitat management, surveying and GIS.
Visit their website
Society of American Foresters
Forestry and natural resources encompass a vast variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. This site unifies them with topic-specific sections designed to give you everything you need to to be at the top of your professional game.
Explore more information
Related Links
- Arkansas Board of Registration for Foresters
- Southern Regional Extension Forestry
- Arkansas Forest Resources Center
- County Extension Offices