Alabama Administrative Code Title 380 - ALABAMA BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR FORESTERS
Title 380 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama Board of Registration for Foresters (ASBRF). This Board is responsible for the licensing and regulation of professional foresters practicing within the state, ensuring competence, ethical conduct, and the protection of the public's interest in sustainable forestry.
The ASBRF operates under the authority granted by the Code of Alabama 1975, § 34-12-1, et seq., which established the legal framework for forestry registration.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas and types of rules you'll find within Title 380:
Chapter 380-X-1 - Organization, Request for Information:
Description of Board's Operations: Outlines the structure and function of the ASBRF, including its composition (five registered foresters appointed by the Governor), its primary duties (examination, licensing, reciprocity, and enforcement), and how it conducts meetings.
Public Records: Procedures for the public to request information from the Board, in compliance with public records laws.
Service of Process: Rules for official communication and legal service upon the Board.
Chapter 380-X-2 - Conduct of Board Members:
Establishes ethical guidelines and conduct expectations for the members of the Board itself, ensuring impartiality and integrity in their duties.
Chapter 380-X-3 - Licensing Procedures:
This is a core chapter detailing the requirements and steps for obtaining a Registered Forester (R.F.) license in Alabama. Key elements include:
Qualifications: Typically requires U.S. citizenship (or legal status), a bachelor's or higher degree from a forestry curriculum accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) or approved by the Board, and often a period of professional forestry experience (e.g., two years post-graduation).
Application Process: Specific forms, fees, documentation (transcripts, references), and submission procedures.
Examinations: Rules for the state's Registered Forester Exam, including content, passing scores, and re-examination policies.
References: Requirements for professional and personal references.
Chapter 380-X-4 - Reciprocity:
Outlines the process by which a forester licensed in another state can obtain an Alabama license, provided their home state has comparable licensing standards and a reciprocity agreement with Alabama (e.g., states like Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina often have such agreements).
Chapter 380-X-5 - Violations:
This chapter defines what constitutes a violation of the Registered Foresters Act or the Board's rules. It also describes the procedures for:
Complaints: How individuals can file complaints against licensed or unlicensed individuals.
Investigations: How the Board investigates alleged violations.
Disciplinary Actions: The range of actions the Board can take against a licensed forester for unprofessional conduct or non-compliance (e.g., reprimand, suspension, revocation of license).
Unlicensed Practice: Actions the Board can take against individuals practicing or advertising as foresters without proper registration.
Chapter 380-X-6 - Policy Statements:
This chapter contains various policy statements and rules that govern the ongoing practice of registered foresters:
Continuing Education (CFE): This is a critical component for license renewal. Registered Foresters are typically required to complete an annual minimum of 10 CFE hours, often with specific requirements for "Category 1" (organized coursework directly related to forestry, professional responsibility, or ethics) vs. other categories (e.g., published writing, committee assignments). Rules detail acceptable activities, documentation, and audit procedures.
Rules of Professional Conduct: This is the ethical code that all Registered Foresters must adhere to. It typically covers:
Responsibility to the public and clients (e.g., acting in the client's best interest, avoiding conflicts of interest, confidentiality).
Professional integrity and competence (e.g., striving for knowledge, not misrepresenting qualifications).
Responsibility to the profession and other foresters (e.g., giving credit to others, not injuring the reputation of other foresters).
Use of R.F. Suffix: Rules governing the proper use of the "R.F." (Registered Forester) designation.
Registered Forester Roster: Maintenance and availability of a roster of all currently licensed foresters.
Appendix A - Forms:
Often includes copies of the official application forms, renewal forms, reference forms, and other documents used in the licensing and regulatory process.
Purpose of Title 380:
The regulations under Title 380 are essential for:
Protecting the Public: By ensuring that only qualified and ethical individuals are licensed to provide professional forestry services, thereby safeguarding landowners' investments and natural resources.
Defining Professional Standards: Establishing clear educational, experience, and ethical benchmarks for the practice of forestry in Alabama.
Maintaining Professional Competence: Mandating continuing education to ensure foresters remain current with best practices and scientific advancements.
Ensuring Accountability: Providing a mechanism for investigating complaints and disciplining those who fail to meet the required standards.
How to Access the Alabama Administrative Code, Title 380 - ALABAMA BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR FORESTERS:
The official source for the Alabama Administrative Code is the Alabama Legislative Services Agency.
Alabama Legislative Services Agency / Administrative Code:
Go to: https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/administrative-code/
You can then navigate to "Title 380 - ALABAMA BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR FORESTERS."
Alabama State Board of Registration for Foresters (ASBRF) Official Website:
The ASBRF's official website is an excellent resource, often providing direct links to their laws and rules, application forms, CFE policies, and contact information.
Look for sections like "Laws and Rules," "Forester Information," or "CFE's."
Justia Regulations: Justia provides a searchable database of the Alabama Administrative Code:
Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School: LII also offers access to the Alabama Administrative Code:
When researching or needing to comply with these rules, always ensure you are consulting the most current versions, as they are subject to updates and amendments.
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