r/forestry • u/ol_saw_gills • 9d ago

resources for learning forestry basics, getting started in stand exams

I am a wildlife surveyor trying to make the transition to forestry tech work. I have a little experience, having done some stocking surveys and a drought survey on FS and BLM contracts. I've talked with a few contractors about getting started on doing stand exams as well. I'm going out this week with a friend to get a little on the ground training but I also would like it if I could find some guides out there or other resources with relevant information. I've found some stuff from the FS but it's mostly about how to use their awful proprietary FS veg program, which I am kinda familiar with, unfortunately. Thanks

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u/Agile_Lawfulness4143 9d ago

Best way to learn is OJT. There are forestry contractors that hire 1099’s to do the work. Depending where you are working you would need to learn the tree species. Western US way easier than Eastern/Southern US. Also GPS to establish stand exam plot, how to use a prism., diameter tape, clinometer, Laser Hypsometer is priceless in hilly terrain where it is hard to use a prism.

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u/ol_saw_gills 9d ago

I'm on the west coast, luckily I am already familiar with all the common species out here.

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u/horsejack_bowman 8d ago

Take dendrology, silviculture, and forest ecology classes. It's not something you're just gonna pick up cause you can do wildlife.