Forest technology programs prepare people to help foresters manage and produce forest resources. Students learn to identify and inspect trees. They study general principles of logging and tree growth. They also learn to protect trees from forest fires, to measure timber, and to keep records.

Did you know that forests cover almost one-third of the earth's land? In the United States alone, there are about 740 million acres of forestland. If you ever doubted the future of the forest technology field, think again.

You may think of forests as a place for shade or camping, or as a source of timber for the wood products industry. But for some 300 million people around the world, forests also provide fruits, nuts, fibers, medicines, and oils. You can see how studying forest technology could prepare you for a wide variety of careers.

As part of the wood products industry, you might help log and harvest timber. As a technician for recreational parks, you might help plant trees or maintain trails. As part of government or non-profit agencies, you might help protect forests by testing soil or collecting data on forest programs. You could also help scientists research more advanced ways of taking care of our world's trees and forests.

In this program of study, you learn basic principles of forest science, botany, and ecology. You learn to apply this knowledge to working with specific forests. You might study wildlife conservation, surveying, and soil science through fieldwork. You also typically learn to operate forest-related equipment and use other forms of related technology.

Over 50 schools offer forest technology programs where you can earn an associate degree. These programs typically take about two years of full-time study. Some colleges and universities allow you to transfer these credits to their bachelor's degree programs in forestry.