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What Foresters Do   >   Hiring a Professional Forester

Hiring a Professional Forester

Registered Professional Foresters (R.P.F.s) and Associate R.P.F.s are Ontario’s regulated forestry experts. With specialized education and licensing, they’re qualified to plan, execute, assess, and give guidance on sustainable forest management. They can successfully manage a wide variety of environments, from large public forests to small private woodlots, as well as urban green spaces, ravines, wetlands, and riparian areas.

Because the Professional Foresters Act, 2000 governs forestry practice in Ontario, individuals licensed under this legislation are held to strict standards and public oversight. This makes professional foresters a trusted choice when you’re looking to manage risk, protect forest resources, or enhance the long-term health of your land. Learn more about what R.P.F.s and Associate R.P.F.s can do.

Many non-regulated practitioners also play valuable roles in forest stewardship. Certified Tree Markers, Forest Technicians, Certified Arborists, and Managed Forest Plan Approvers all bring different skills and experience to the table. The key is to hire practitioners whose qualifications, training, and accountability fit the needs of your project.

Browse over 600 R.P.F.s and Associate R.P.F.s who are currently practicing in Ontario →

Organizations

Are you a part of an organization looking to hire someone to manage your forest? Here are some examples of services that a professional forester can provide:

  • Designing, specifying or certifying forest operations prescriptions
  • Appraising or evaluating forest resources and certifying forests
  • Classifying, inventorying and mapping of forests
  • Determining current and desired future forest conditions to guide long-term planning
  • Assessing or auditing planned forest operations
  • Helping develop and enforce forestry by-laws that support healthy sustainable forests
  • And more!

Qualified staff working in relevant fields may be eligible to become R.P.F.s or Associate R.P.F.s with employer support. A wide range of educational qualifications and career paths are eligible.

Become a professional forester

Landowners

Healthy, well-managed forests don’t just look better — they perform better.

With the expertise of an R.P.F. or Associate R.P.F., your property can be cared for in a way that strengthens long-term forest health and boosts overall land value. Professional foresters can help you map out sustainable revenue opportunities from timber and other forest resources. They also safeguard your woodlot by identifying and managing potential threats such as pests, disease, invasive species, or wildlife impacts. An R.P.F. can guide you through informed decisions and develop a long-term management plan that supports your goals for the future of your forest.

Examples of services that R.P.F.s can provide to landowners:

  • Forest management planning
  • Stewardship and sustainability services
  • Regulatory and program guidance
  • Assessment and auditing of forestry operations
  • And more!

Find a professional forester near you through our directory →

Checklist

Professional foresters often work alongside those in related, non-regulated occupations. This can make it difficult to decide who to hire. Here are some questions you can ask to help you decide what practitioner(s) are  appropriate for your project. 

  • Which professional designations, credentials, or certifications do you hold?
  • What educational qualifications and training do you have? What continuing education do you complete to ensure your knowledge is current?
  • What forestry services can you legally and professionally provide? When do you seek expertise from other professionals?
  • How long have you worked in forestry? Can you provide any professional references?
  • What insurance do you carry? Can I see your proof of insurance?
  • If I am not happy with the outcome of the project, how would a complaint be handled? Who would be responsible for the cost of filing a complaint?

Resources

Hiring an RPF

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