Registered Forester Program Revisions Complete

The Registered Foresters program in Michigan has a new home. The certification service is being transferred from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR is promising that a new database will soon be available on its website to assist those looking for professional forestry services.

Certification as a forester is voluntary in Michigan. The state legislature voted to eliminate the program in 2014, but Governor Rick Snyder vetoed the bill, after foresters complained. That began a four-year restructuring process, which resulted in the transfer of departments, along with required continuing education for registered foresters, a new complaint review process, and a fee increase to help pay for maintaining and promoting the program.