Stewards of the Forest

BY JESSIE SHOOK

If there is one thing the hard-working men and women of agriculture are known for, it is being stewards of the land – whether that be for livestock, crops or even the forest. “Foresters simply produce different commodities than farmers such as timber, wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities and aesthetics,” said Billy Rye, President of Forest Management Specialists, Inc. “Forest products are used to build our houses, provide paper and packaging material, provide renewable energy materials, and wood for furniture and flooring.”

Rye is what you might call a veteran forester. With his 32-year (and counting) career, his love of the forest began when he was a participant on FFA’s forestry judging team. This competition introduced participants to forest management, timber measurements, tree identification and wildlife habitat management. “I really enjoyed the study and competition during my years in FFA,” Rye said. “I also enjoyed working outdoors as I had a summer job working on a farm.”

Rye enjoyed the principles of managing land and learning stewardship. “After taking several classes in forestry during college, I was hooked,” Rye added. He worked for the Alabama Forestry Commission for eight years before he began his forestry consulting career in 1996 by starting Forest Management Specialists, Inc.

Billy Rye, President of Forest Management Specialists, Inc. and state chapter chair of the Association of Consulting Foresters of America.

Trees are planted from genetically superior seeds in an area that has the right soil to grow pines. If an area will not grow the trees well, foresters find another purpose for that land such as a food plot or cover for deer.

According to Rye, because of forests currently occupying about 67% of the land in Alabama, they are instrumental in reducing soil erosion, protecting water quality, and providing habitat for many threatened and endangered species. “Healthy forests are also crucial in the absorption of carbon dioxide which is the gas primarily responsible for climate change,” Rye added.

The main purpose of a forester is to help landowners reach the objectives of their forestland. “Some examples of my clients’ objectives include maximizing return on investment, improving turkey habitat, protecting soil and water quality, protecting trees during development and maintaining a legacy for their heirs,” Rye said.

To fulfill the objectives of clients, a forester must be able to fill many different roles within their job. For Rye, as a consulting forester who offers his services to the public for a fee, he is a business owner, supervisor, file organizer and bookkeeper. He makes technical forest management recommendations, helps landowners manage wildlife habitats and prepares timber sale contracts. He understands insurance needs, is informed of current timber specifications and demand, while also being knowledgeable in forest health management. He implements Alabama’s Best Management Practices for Forestry and also conducts prescribed burning.

By employing a consultant forester as an agent, the landowner will increase the probability that they will reach the objectives for their property. “A competent, qualified resource professional with the landowner’s best interest in mind is the best asset,” Rye said. “Forestry consultants help make owning land a pleasure, rather than a chore.”

A forester’s operation changes daily and just like other agriculture industries, seasonally. January and February are normally tree planting season, while prescribed burning usually spans from February to May. “During the summer, we typically inspect the health of the forest for our clients and reassess where we are relative to their objectives,” Rye said. “Chemical application for the preparation of tree planting or to improve wildlife habitat normally occurs in August and September, and we normally market timber for our clients in November and December.” Many efforts also occur year-round such as timber harvesting inspections, preparation of forest management plans and timber cruising.

Rye holds a piece of ragweed. While it causes allergies in a lot of people, the seed is an important source of food for game birds like bobwhite quail, eastern wild turkey and mourning dove. It also benefits several songbirds like goldfinch and several species of sparrow. The seeds last a long time in the wild and are beneficial to birds when other food sources are difficult to find.

Rye describes how the bark of the pine trees protects the tree from the heat of prescribed burns.

The importance of a forester directly relates to the importance of land management and future generations. Forestry is everchanging, just like most industries, and it has kept up with changing times. “Forestry has changed quite a bit since I began my career in 1988,” Rye said. “The available technology allows us to manage acres and be more accurate in our assessments.”

Foresters now have access to faster computers, better software, hand-held GPS units and data recorders. “Most of us now use range finders to replace our old logger’s tape needed to determine if a tree was within a sample plot,” Rye said. “Drones aid in the detection of forest pests and to inspect timber harvesting operations.”

“I will say that the biggest change that I have seen over my career is the changing demographics of my clients,” Rye added. “When I started consulting, most of my clients had inherited their land and their primary goal was to maximize return on investment. Today, most of my clients have purchased their forestland for recreational purposes to hunt, ride ATVs and get away from metropolitan areas.”

Forestry also plays a big role in the billion-dollar industry of hunting by providing a habitat for game species. “We frequently consult with certified wildlife biologists to keep up with current habitat management techniques,” Rye said. “This is very beneficial to the hunter and provides the wildlife with food and cover among other benefits.”

Currently, most of the forest industry is thriving but it does not come without its challenges. “Fluctuating markets, increasing regulation and the ever-changing objectives of landowners are a few of the challenges we face,” Rye said.

Foresters play a big role in advocating for forests and their importance. “The public needs to understand the benefits of forests, sustainability and private ownership so that proper forest management will be encouraged,” Rye said.

There are several potentially negative outcomes if the public is not educated on forestry. “Forest management is a long-term commitment and the inability to foresee future outcomes can negatively impact current management decisions,” Rye said. “An over/ under supply of a particular forest product can greatly impact the ability of landowners to market their timber and manage their land.”

With the world population currently approaching eight billion people and the amount of forestland somewhat fixed, forest management is more important than ever. “Foresters need to manage the land so that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits provided by forests,” Rye said.

For more information on forestry consulting and Forest Management Specialists, Inc. visit www.fmsforestry.com.

There are many benefits to prescribed burning including the reduction of wildfire hazard, wildlife habitat improvement, and insect and disease control.