A recent survey indicates that Minnesota and Wisconsin will need 400 foresters in the next decade, which means plenty of opportunities for students seeking forestry careers.
There's only one problem. Right now, the University of Minnesota, which has the state's largest forestry program, graduates only 12 foresters per year.
Wayne Brandt, executive vice president of Minnesota Forest Industries, a paper and wood manufacturers' trade organization, said most of the positions will come open as forestersretire.
And while it's good news for people looking for a career, "it also shows the critical need for the University of Minnesota to strengthen forestry programs at the new College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences," Brandt said in a statement. He initially made the remarks Wednesday at the Minnesota Environmental Initiative's policy forum.
MFI took the survey of 69 agencies and companies that use foresters, inquiring about their needs through 2016.
Forum participants discussed what effects theuniversity's new College of Food, Agricultural andNatural Resource Sciences and the Institute on the Environment will have on the private sector.Duluth News Tribune
