Foresters: The next generation

摘要

For the past five years, I have taught silviculture and other courses to undergraduate students majoring in forestry. I mention this not as a badge of honor, but rather as evidence that I spend a considerable amount of my time with young men and women who aspire to become foresters. I deem it time well spent. So as I sat down to write this, I really wanted to offer an unabashedly warm and glowing report on the next generation of foresters. But I can't. Now wait a minutc. Before you dismiss me as thestereotypical impossible-to-please professor or the cynical and embittered academic, let me explain. Any fair assessment of a group of people must describe both their strengths and weaknesses. Today's forestry students have a number of positive attributes. Indeed, I'm happy to report that their strengths far outweigh their weaknesses. However, I also suggest that most students share a deficiency with which they will continue to struggle even after their college days.