Alabama Administrative Code Title 380 - ALABAMA BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR FORESTERS
1. Purpose and Authority of Title 380 – Alabama Board of Registration for Foresters
The Alabama Board of Registration for Foresters regulates the practice of professional forestry in Alabama. Its rules in Title 380 exist to:
Ensure competent and ethical forestry practice
Protect public safety, property, and natural resources
Establish standards for licensing, continuing education, and professional conduct
Provide guidance on registration, examinations, and discipline
The Board derives its authority from the Alabama Code, which empowers it to license foresters, enforce standards, and discipline violators.
2. Organization of Title 380
Title 380 is divided into chapters and sections addressing specific topics:
General Provisions and Definitions
Licensing and Registration of Foresters
Examination Requirements
Continuing Education
Professional Conduct and Ethics
Recordkeeping and Reporting
Inspections and Compliance
Disciplinary Actions and Penalties
3. General Provisions and Definitions
This section defines:
“Forester” – an individual licensed to practice professional forestry
“Practice of forestry” – activities such as managing, conserving, or advising on forests and forest resources for compensation
“Board” – the Alabama Board of Registration for Foresters
It also sets out the Board’s authority to license, regulate, and enforce compliance.
4. Licensing and Registration of Foresters
A. Requirements for Licensure
To become a licensed forester in Alabama, an applicant must:
Meet education requirements, typically a degree in forestry or a related field
Complete required work experience or apprenticeship
Submit a license application and fees
Pass the Board’s professional examination
B. Types of Licenses
Registered Forester (RF) – full professional license
Provisional or Trainee Forester – temporary license for individuals completing experience requirements
C. Renewal
Licenses must be renewed periodically
Renewal requires proof of continuing education and fee payment
Operating without a license is prohibited and subject to penalties.
5. Examination Requirements
Applicants must pass an examination that tests knowledge of:
Forestry principles and practices
Forest management, conservation, and sustainability
Applicable laws and regulations
Ethics and professional responsibilities
Exams are administered under Board supervision and must be passed before licensure.
6. Continuing Education
Licensed foresters must:
Complete continuing education courses to maintain competence
Report hours to the Board during license renewal
Take courses in areas such as forest management, safety, environmental law, or ethics
Continuing education ensures up-to-date professional knowledge.
7. Professional Conduct and Ethics
Licensees must:
Practice forestry competently and responsibly
Avoid conflicts of interest or fraudulent practices
Provide accurate reports and advice to clients or employers
Comply with state forestry laws and environmental regulations
Unethical behavior can lead to disciplinary action.
8. Recordkeeping and Reporting
Foresters must:
Maintain accurate records of professional work, management plans, and assessments
Submit reports when required by law or the Board
Cooperate with audits or investigations
This ensures transparency and accountability.
9. Inspections and Compliance
The Board has authority to:
Inspect forestry practices and business operations
Investigate complaints or violations
Require corrective actions to ensure compliance
Licensees must cooperate fully with inspections and investigations.
10. Disciplinary Actions and Penalties
Violations of Title 380 can result in:
Warnings or reprimands
Fines
Suspension or revocation of license
Legal action for serious or repeated violations
Discipline ensures protection of the public and the forest resource.
11. Summary
Alabama Administrative Code Title 380 – Alabama Board of Registration for Foresters provides a complete framework for:
Licensing and regulation of professional foresters
Ensuring ethical and competent forestry practice
Continuing education and skill development
Recordkeeping, reporting, and compliance
Disciplinary procedures to maintain professional integrity
Following these rules ensures that foresters in Alabama practice safely, legally, and ethically.
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