Timber is a renewable natural resource, and the survival of timber-based industries depends upon the continued and reliable availability of timber. The value of a tract of forest is based not only on how many trees may be harvested immediately, but also on how many trees will be available for harvesting in perpetuity. In bidding on a tract of forest, a forester working for Boise Cascade — an international distributor of office supplies and paper and an integrated manufacturer and distributor of paper, packaging and building materials — must evaluate how much of the tract can be harvested and when to maximize the profitability and to protect the long-term stability of the forest for future harvesting. Such an evaluation requires the use of an industry "yield formula," a calculator or computer, high school algebra and research skills.

Career Outlook

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002–03, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

Associated Benchmarks