CF Policy, Law, and Professional Ethics in Forestry 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which document is required for federal actions that may significantly affect the environment?
- Categorical Exclusion
- Environmental Assessment
- Environmental Impact Statement (Correct answer)
- Finding of No Significant Impact
Correct answer: Environmental Impact Statement
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required by NEPA for major federal actions determined to significantly affect the quality of the human environment.
Question 2: A forester discovers that a client's timber harvest plan would violate the Clean Water Act's buffer zone requirements. What is the most ethically appropriate first step?
- Proceed with the plan since the client's interests are paramount
- Inform the client of the violation and recommend corrective measures (Correct answer)
- Report the client directly to the EPA without notification
- Withdraw from the project immediately without explanation
Correct answer: Inform the client of the violation and recommend corrective measures
Professional ethics require forestry consultants to inform clients of legal violations and recommend compliance measures before taking further action.
Question 3: The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under which section when federal agency actions may affect listed species?
- Section 4
- Section 7 (Correct answer)
- Section 9
- Section 11
Correct answer: Section 7
Section 7 of the ESA requires federal agencies to consult with USFWS to ensure their actions do not jeopardize listed species or destroy critical habitat.
Question 4: Which federal law primarily governs the management of National Forest System lands and requires land management plans?
- Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960
- National Forest Management Act of 1976 (Correct answer)
- Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974
- Wilderness Act of 1964
Correct answer: National Forest Management Act of 1976
The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 requires the Forest Service to develop, maintain, and revise land management plans for each national forest unit.
Question 5: A Certified Forester is asked to sign off on a timber sale plan prepared by an uncertified technician. Under SAF's Code of Ethics, what should the forester do?
- Sign it to expedite the project since technicians are competent
- Review the plan thoroughly before signing and take full professional responsibility (Correct answer)
- Refuse to sign any work not personally prepared
- Delegate the review to another technician
Correct answer: Review the plan thoroughly before signing and take full professional responsibility
SAF's Code of Ethics requires foresters to only approve work they have personally reviewed and for which they can accept professional responsibility.
Question 6: The Clean Water Act's Section 404 program regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Which agency administers this permit program?
- U.S. Forest Service
- Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Correct answer)
- Bureau of Land Management
Correct answer: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers Section 404 permits, though the EPA retains veto authority and jointly develops the program guidelines.
Question 7: Which principle distinguishes a conflict of interest situation in forestry consulting?
- The forester charges higher fees than competitors
- The forester has a personal financial stake that could bias professional judgment (Correct answer)
- The forester works for both private and public clients
- The forester specializes in a narrow range of services
Correct answer: The forester has a personal financial stake that could bias professional judgment
A conflict of interest occurs when a forester's personal financial or other interests could compromise, or appear to compromise, their objective professional judgment.
CF Policy, Law, and Professional Ethics in Forestry 2
Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which document is required for federal actions that may significantly affect the environment?