Real-Life Communication -- Solution
It's important to answer the public's concern about the
future of the forests. It's also important to realize that many people
are not as knowledgeable about forest science as they could be. Good communication
skills can help those people understand foresters' work.
"Oral and
written communication skills are essential," says Terrance W. Clark. Clark.
He is the associate director of science and education for the Society of American
Foresters. "Every employer we interview makes this a top priority," he explains.
Clark adds that the job outlook is high with consulting firms in
the private sector. Consultants must be represented by employees who can communicate
effectively with landowners and diverse groups of stakeholders. It is just
as important in government where foresters are often responsible for conducting
public meetings and hearings.
Here's a possible explanation for
the reporter:
"If a forest is too dense with
trees, the larger trees will tend to absorb all the sunlight, soil nutrients
and water, because they are closest to the sun and their roots go deeper into
the soil. As a result, young trees can't develop at all, and the smaller
trees won't grow. The forest comes to a virtual standstill because there
is too much competition for resources.
"When we space trees, we do
it to eliminate this competition for resources. We selectively remove trees
according to their species and location in a way that maintains forest health
and doesn't interfere with wildlife habitats. Spacing is an investment
in a forest stand, not a plundering. The trees cut during spacing are rarely
ever even removed from the site."
The reporter understands
the explanation and writes a balanced story.