Assessment of Forestry Professional Development Needs in Wisconsin

Abstract

A well-trained workforce capable of solving diverse issues is imperative to managing the effects of climate change, more frequent wildfires, stakeholder and public conflicts, and large-scale spread of pests and diseases. Practicing foresters who engage in professional development opportunities are better prepared to make confident and well-informed contributions to the profession. Observing past and present trends in forestry professional development will allow training providers to meet the needs of forestry practitioners. To ensure future professional development opportunities are relevant and accessible, the Wisconsin Forestry Center designed a web-based survey instrument to assess forestry training needs across Wisconsin. Survey participants represented diverse employment areas in both urban forestry and forest management. The study identified (i) current skill gaps and training preferences of forestry-related professionals in Wisconsin, (ii) barriers preventing foresters from participating in training opportunities, and (iii) training outcomes that motivate individuals to participate in professional development. The survey received 364 respondents, yielding an approximate 17% response rate. Described by skill gap index (SGI), tree (SGI = 0.62) and forest health (SGI = 0.49), GIS (Mean SGI = 0.58), and conflict resolution (SGI = 0.51) were the greatest skill gaps demonstrated by survey participants. Job responsibilities (n = 221) and lack of awareness of training opportunities (n = 206) were most preclusive to survey participants’ ability to participate in professional development. As demonstrated by their high training motivation composite scores (Mt), intrinsic values such as learning new skills (Mt = 19.44) and personal growth (Mt = 19.16) were amongst the strongest motivators for pursuing training. Results of the study will inform professional organizations in their design and delivery of more valuable, relevant, and accessible training to the greater forestry community in Wisconsin.