COMMONWEALTH QUALITY SECTORS

Forestry Terms and Definitions

 

FORESTRY: The science, the art, and the practice of conserving and managing for human benefit the natural resources, including trees, other plants, animals, soil and water, that occur on, and in association with, forest lands.

PRACTICE OF FORESTRY: Any professional services requiring the application of forestry principles and techniques, including, but not limited to: forest inventory, forest management planning, timber appraisal, the responsibility for the direction and supervision of silvicultural activities, use and protection of forested areas, and the evaluation of the economic and biological consequences of forest management activities.

SILVICULTURE: The art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health and quality of forest and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis.

 FORESTER: A forester is a professional with college level education and experience required by forester regulation 301 CMF 1.400 in a broad range of forest-related topics including forest and wildlife ecology, economics, legal issues, and the growing and harvesting of forest products.

Foresters in Massachusetts are required to hold a state license which is generally based on experience, training and ongoing continuing education. A licensed forester must plan all harvests that fall under the Ch. 61 property tax program and the Forest Stewardship Program.

There are two kinds of private foresters that can help landowners sell wood: Industrial Forester and Consulting Forester.

INDUSTRIAL FORESTER: Industrial Foresters are private, professional foresters employed by a sawmill or other wood-using industry.
 
CONSULTING FORESTER: Consulting Foresters generally work independently or in small firms and are paid directly by the landowner

TIMBER HARVESTER: A timber harvester, or logger, is in the business of harvesting forest products and preparing them for market. They are usually in business independently or may be in the employment of a sawmill.

Timber Harvesters in Massachusetts are required to hold a state license which is based on passing a written exam of relevant laws and must participate in ongoing continuing education. A licensed timber harvester is required on all harvests which have a cutting plan.

FORESTLAND: Forested area at least one acre in size and at least 10% occupied by forest trees of any size or formally having had such tree cover and not currently developed for non-forest use. (Examples of non-forest use include crop areas, improved pasture areas, and residential areas.) 

RAW FOREST PRODUCTS: Unprocessed forest products, such as stumpage, saw logs, pulpwood, nuts, fruits, mushrooms and medicinal plants that are harvested in a live state and generally sent to primary/secondary manufacturers for processing.

PRIMARY WOOD/FOREST MANUFACTURER: Manufactures raw forest products (logs, pulpwood, etc.) into lumber, paper or other finished or semi-finished wood products. Examples of primary wood/forest manufacturers include sawmills and pulp mills. 

 SECONDARY WOOD MANUFACTURER: Manufactures lumber and other semi-finished wood products into value-added wood products, such as furniture, cabinets, paneling and decorative items.  Examples of secondary wood manufacturers include furniture and cabinet makers.

 RESELLER: Purchases finished and value-added wood products from primary and secondary manufacturers, and resells these items to the public.  Examples or resellers include building and garden supply centers.