Forestry education:: Adapting to the changing demands

Recent evolution in the practice of forestry can be linked to changes in the public's perception of sustainability and to developments in science, communications, and global markets. In response,when hiring graduates of professional forestry programs, forestry employers have changed the set of skills and competencies sought. A nationwide survey of forestry employers,educators,and recent graduates, conducted to assess how well US forestry programs are preparing professionals to practice forestry today, reveals some discrepancies between what employers want and what the schools provide. External financial and political pressures on higher education make it difficult for educators to close these gaps, but opportunities exist for employers to help.