orestry in the United States is a science-based profession practiced by more than 30,000 men and women who adhere to rigorous professional and legal standards and guidelines. The Society of American Foresters sets standards and guidelines for the profession and holds their 18,000 members to a strict ethical code.

Professional foresters work in every state in the country for government, schools, industry or as independent small business owners. More than 11,500 foresters work for the United States government with the Forest Service and with the Bureau of Land Management. More than 4,000 foresters work for state government with their natural resource department  and local water agencies. Industry employs more than 6,500 full and part time foresters to help them manage our forest resources.

There are more than 48 accredited universities and colleges in the United States offering Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in the many fields of forestry which include wildlife management, hydrology, silviculture, ecosystem management and soils.