Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 046 - Board of Registration for Foresters
The Arkansas Administrative Code, Agency 046, pertains to the Board of Registration for Foresters, which is responsible for licensing and regulating professional foresters in the state. This ensures that individuals practicing forestry on private lands are qualified and adhere to ethical standards.(agriculture.arkansas.gov)
Key Regulations and Requirements
1. Registration Requirements
To legally practice forestry in Arkansas, individuals must become a "Registered Forester." Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications:
A bachelor's or advanced degree in forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), with a passing score of at least 70% on the board's written examination.
A bachelor's or advanced degree in forestry from a non-SAF-accredited program, plus three or more years of relevant forestry experience, and a passing score of at least 70% on the examination.
A bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., wildlife management) with at least 20 semester hours of forestry courses approved by the board, plus three or more years of relevant experience, and a passing score of at least 70% on the examination. (casetext.com, agriculture.arkansas.gov, law.justia.com, regulations.justia.com)
2. Application Process
The application process includes:
Submitting a completed application form with a $40 non-refundable fee.
Providing official college transcripts.
Submitting five reference forms, with at least three from registered foresters who have personal or professional knowledge of the applicant's forestry experience.
Taking and passing the Registered Forester exam.
Paying a $30 registration fee upon passing the exam. (regulations.justia.com, agriculture.arkansas.gov, agriculture.arkansas.gov)
3. Examination Schedule
Exams are administered at least twice a year, typically in May and December. For instance, the May 2025 exam was scheduled for May 14, with applications due by April 3. Exact dates and locations may vary, so applicants should check the board's website for the most current information. (agriculture.arkansas.gov)
4. Continuing Education
Registered Foresters must complete at least eight hours of approved continuing forestry education annually, including one hour focused on forestry ethics. A maximum of two hours may be carried over to the next year. Failure to meet this requirement may result in penalties. (regulations.justia.com)
5. Reciprocity
Arkansas offers reciprocity with certain states. To qualify, applicants must meet at least one of the educational requirements and have passed the Registered Forester exam in a reciprocating state (currently Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, or North Carolina) with a score above 70%, and hold a valid license in good standing in that state. (agriculture.arkansas.gov, agriculture.arkansas.gov)
6. Fees
The following fees are associated with the registration process:
Application fee: $40
Exam fee (for retakes): $30
Registration fee: $30
Annual renewal fee: $30
Late renewal penalty: 10% per month, up to 100% (agriculture.arkansas.gov)
7. Board Structure
The Board consists of six members appointed by the Governor, serving five-year terms. Members include foresters with at least 12 years of experience, representatives from the forest products industry, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, federal agencies, and forestry educators. One member represents consumers and is not actively engaged in the forestry profession. (casetext.com, regulations.justia.com)
Contact Information
For more details or assistance, you can contact:
Candice Schnebelen, Agri Program Manager
Phone: (501) 224-2836
Email: candice.schnebelen@agriculture.arkansas.gov
Address: 1 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205 (agriculture.arkansas.gov)
For comprehensive information, including forms and FAQs, visit the Board of Registration for Foresters page.
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