We are very proud and happy to announce that Travis Cunningham, FORECON’s Chief Silviculturist/Chief Forester, has obtained his Certified Forester® (CF®) designation from the Society of American Foresters (SAF). This is a terrific accomplishment, and Travis joins a number of staff that have earned various forestry-related designations from other associations.
This SAF certification (Certified Forester®) is the gold standard for forest management professionals, and is recognized by the forest industry, government officials, and landowners. Every Certified Forester® or Candidate Certified Forester® and applicant agrees to the Standards of Professional Practice of the Society of American Foresters. They must also have earned a degree at the baccalaureate or master’s level from a SAF-accredited degree program.
Each CF® must complete 60 CFE credit hours within a three-year period in the following categories:
- Category 1- Minimum of 40 CFE credit hours; this category includes coursework on resource assessment practices, stakeholder analysis and relations, management planning, and the actual execution of management planning activities.
- Category 2 – Not to exceed 20 CFE credit hours; this category involves coursework meant to improve the competency of professional forestry practice including forestry services equipment maintenance, personnel management, wildlife and fisheries management, first aid/safety knowledge, and computer skills.
- Category 3 – Not to exceed 20 CFE credit hours; this category involves professional/technical presentations and conducting workshops, serving on state/local forestry-related boards or committees, or service on local/regional/national Society of American Foresters committees
From the SAF’s Certification Program Handbook (Standards of Practice (eforester.org))
“Professional standards are developed for those whose activities influence the well-being of the general public. Providing a consistent, national credential in forestry is a service offered by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), a nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization. SAF advocates wise stewardship in forest resources management to the public; practicing foresters and natural resource managers; and the forestry profession.
“The SAF established the national Certified Forester® (CF®) credential in 1994. Initially the CF assessed academic preparation, professional experience, adherence to Standards of Professional Practice, and commitment to continuing education. In 2003, a competency examination was added to assess an applicant’s forestry knowledge, skills, and abilities. The program was expanded to include an examination for a Certified Forester/Forest Certification Auditor (CF/FCA) in 2003 along with the Candidate Certified Forester® (CCF®) credential in 2005.The CF/FCA certification was sunset in 2013 by the Certification Review Board.
“The Certified Forester credential promotes excellence in the stewardship of our nation’s forest resources through enhanced professionalism in forestry. The program advances this through the development, maintenance, promotion, and administration of an examination-based professional forester certification that mandates professional development and commitment to standards of professional practice.”
The SAF is a “scientific and educational 501(c) non-profit organization, representing the forestry profession in the United States of America.” As the largest professional forestry association in the country, the SAF’s stated mission is to “advance sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, and technology, promoting professional excellence while ensuring the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity.” History (eforester.org)
Travis works out of our Titusville, PA office, but is available to our staff and clients company-wide, lending his expertise in silviculture and general forest management throughout our operating areas.
Please feel free to contact Travis or any of our dedicated foresters at our office nearest you should you have any questions or need management assistance – we are glad to help!
Travis Cunningham
Chief Silviculturist/Chief Forester
Titusville Office, FORECON Inc.
45603 Route 27
PO Box 669
Titusville, PA 16354
Office: 814-827-4254 Ext. 551