4 MISC. PUBLICATION 249, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



Variety of Work 



The character of the work which foresters are called upon to do 

 varies greatly. It may depend upon the aptitudes of the individual, 

 his previous experience, and the degree and kind of his specialized 

 training. 



For many the work is largely administrative. They sell timber, 

 supervise range use, organize and maintain a fire control organization, 

 and handle various other operational jobs that are necessary in the 

 management of a forest area. Others do such work as determining 

 the amount and rate of timber growth on given tracts, or working out 

 the best methods of cutting to obtain a second crop without recourse 

 to planting. And still others work on all kinds of problems associated 

 with the life history and productive capacity of the forest. Some for- 

 esters must concentrate on management of the range resource. Others 

 must deal with wildlife and management of its habitat. 



Forester staking out a transect area to measure deer browsing in a National Forest 



in California. 



Groups of foresters are also engaged in devising and testing methods 

 of protecting the forest from fire, disease, and insects; in operating 

 efficient systems of administration; and in dealing with the technology 

 of turning trees and wood into useful products. Special aptitudes or 



