Forest Conservation Technician keeps compass on the palm
Forest Conservation Technician uses compass to find right direction in the forest

Your choice of career is a result of your talent as well as your personal preferences. This article is a must-read for anybody who has a keen interest in becoming a forest conservation technician, which would lead to earning a solid living. Needless to say, each job necessitates its own set of tools. In addition, various tools are common to a variety of professions. However, in this article, we will discuss the tools of a forest conservation technician. So, even if you are not hoping to become a forest conservation technician, it is not a bad idea to read this and learn something new. So, go ahead reading!

What do Forest Conservation Technicians do?

Before we get into the tools of a forest conservation technician, it is indeed vital to understand what forest conservation technicians actually do. Forest conservation technicians examine and enhance the quality of forests, basically. They would have to direct the employees accordingly in doing so. Forest conservation technicians establish, manage, and protect forests. They may also participate in research initiatives. And they would have to retain the records as well.

Forest conservation technicians also gather data on the size, content, and condition of natural regions, such as rangeland and woods. They are in charge of tasks including measuring the wood, tracking animal migration, assisting with road building, and recognizing property boundaries and characteristics. They must also gather basic information such as water and soil quality, disease and insect damage to trees and other plants, and fire hazards.

Forest conservation technicians also instruct and advise forest and conservation employees on seasonal activities including tree seedling planting and facility upkeep. Instead of working in forests or rural areas, a considerable number of forest conservation technicians are specializing in urban forestry (the study of individual trees in cities) and other such fields as well. 

This is a description of the work of forest conservation technicians. You will learn more about forest conservation technicians if you continue reading this article. You would also learn all about the tools of a forest conservation technician too. 

The Work Environment

Forest conservationists would primarily work in national and state forests, as well as private woods and parks. They would have to work in all kinds of weather, and often in remote locations. Among the safety procedures and equipment that forest conservation professionals must employ are hardhats, protective glasses, and safety clothing. Physical fitness is necessary for the work of a forest conservation technician. Forest conservation technicians may have to trek great distances through dense forests while carrying their equipment.

Forest conservation technicians have one of the highest rates of injuries of any career. Those whose primary tasks entail firefighting may find the work especially dangerous. To avoid injury, forest conservation technicians and employees must wear appropriate protective gear and follow stringent safety procedures. Many forest conservation professionals have a regular schedule and work full-time. To respond to an emergency, workers may have to attend to work additional hours and at any time of day. As a result, forest conservationists cannot just relax at any time of day. This is, nevertheless, a demanding profession, indisputably. 

Importance of the Tools of a Forest Conservation Technician

Perhaps, you may think that forest conservation technicians do not need any tools, considering the scope of work of a forest conservation technician. But the truth is, there are certain types of tools that a forest conservation technician needs to have. 

By now, you have a good idea of the work that a forest conservation technician carries out. So, you would be knowing that there is some sort of surveying tasks that a forest conservation technician has to carry out. All the same, there are certain measuring tasks as well. And there is a need for certain specific tools to do forecasting and things like that. Due to these factors, there is no doubt that forest conservation technicians do need tools. 

So, if you had an idea that a forest conservation technician does not need any tool, you must eliminate that idea. No doubt, the tools of a forest conservation technician are of immense importance. And through this article, we are going to enlighten you in this regard.

What are the tools of a Forest Conservation Technician?

To start with, we thought of listing out the tools of a forest conservation technician. Afterward, we can look into comprehensive descriptions of each of those tools and equipment.

  1. Diameter tape
  2. Tree Caliper
  3. Clinometer
  4. Logger’s chain
  5. Compass
  6. Prism
  7. Shovels
  8. Hardhats
  9. Protective glasses
  10. Safety clothing

No doubt, you would be anxious to know more about each of these tools. So, let us look into each of them in detail. 

1. Diameter tape

With a diameter tape, forest conservation technicians can measure the circumference at breast height to get the diameter of a tree cross-section. Diameter tapes have markings so that you can read the diameter right away. 

In the valuation process of forests, you need to know their diameter and height. A tree diameter measurement, or a dbh measurement, is performed on the upside of standing trees and requires precise measurements at a specific location on the tree, without question. That is why you need to use the most suitable tool to do this.

So, having a good diameter tape is really essential in this field. It, of course, is really important as getting precise measurements is your objective here. 

Perfect Pi Diameter Circumference Pi Tape Measure – Imperial and Metric Tape Measure 1/2-inch by 12ft / 3.5m – Use for Measuring Cylindrical Objects – (Pipe Tape, Tree Tape ) Model DCT120

In terms of diameter tapes, this would be a good one for a forest conservation technician. With this diameter tape, you can measure both diameter and conventional integer measurements. And you can simply pack this in your pocket. This is flexible and retractable as well. On both sides, there are inches and metric measures down to millimeters; the numerals are high contrast and easy to read. The buyers of this product are so happy with it. On Amazon, its buyers have admired factors like accuracy, ease of reading, durability, and value for money. 

2. Tree Caliper

A tree caliper is a special type of caliper that is in use as one of the tools of a forest conservation technician to measure the diameter of a tree at breast height. The term “caliper” can refer to the diameter of a tree’s trunk at breast height when it is in use in landscaping. The measurement is usually taken at a height of 4.5 to 5 feet above the ground. 

A standard caliper consists of a graded beam with two perpendicular arms made of metal or wood. The origin of the scale is utilized by one arm, while the other arm glides. You can read the tree diameter may be read on the scale when you push the beam against the tree. When diameter tapes are small, calipers are frequently in use to measure them. Calipers big enough to measure huge trees or those with high buttresses are difficult to transport and manage, especially amid dense undergrowth.

At the moment of measurement, you must hold the caliper perpendicular to the axis of the tree stem. Obviously, it does not take much time to make a measurement using a caliper.

Forestry Suppliers Aluminum Tree Caliper

Previously, we discussed the importance of a tree caliper for a forest conservation technician. This aluminum caliper is simple to use. And there is no impact from any weather or environmental impacts on this. This can measure up to 8-inch diameters. On one side, it is in inches, and on the other, it is in centimeters. In general, we think that this is a good product that you can benefit from. 

3. Clinometer

Next in our list of tools of a forest conservation technician is clinometers. Some Call this the inclinometer as well. Clinometers are measurement tools that you can utilize in a variety of fields. The device’s primary function is to determine precise measurements of slope, height, and distance. The clinometer is frequently in use in the fields of meteorology, forestry, and surveying. And of course, this is one of the most important tools for a forest conservation technician. So, this is obviously a must-have for a forest conservation technician. 

Sun Company Lev-o-gage Heel-Angle Sailing Clinometer (Marine Model) | Mounts on Bulkhead of Boat

This is actually the best piece of equipment that you can buy in terms of clinometers. This has a display that is pretty easy to read. And no doubt, with this clinometer, you would be able to take your readings pretty conveniently without any issue. This has received excellent global ratings from its customers. So, we think that this is a very good one for you to purchase.

4. Logger’s chain

Of course, the logger’s chain is also another piece of equipment that a forest conservation technician has to make use of. Needless to say, there are certain occasions where forest conservation technicians have to remove certain trees from forests in order to conserve forests. This happens mainly for the betterment and enhancement of forests. So, there is actually a need to remove trees on, particularly special occasions. And there would be a need for a logger’s chain to move the logs. That is how a logger’s chain becomes one of the tools of a forest conservation technician. 

VULCAN Binder Chain with Clevis Grab Hooks – Grade 70-3/8 Inch x 20 Foot – 6,600 Pound Safe Working Load

For forest conservation duties, this would be a good one in terms of logger’s chains. This is a high-quality design that has all the positives in it. And this has ensured safety in it. This product has received a lot of positive ratings and comments from its customers from all around the world. So, we thought of recommending this product to you.

5. Compass

In fact, you would be knowing what a compass is. This is a tool with which you can determine the direction. Why does a forest conservation technician need a compass? Well, you cannot actually understand which direction is which when you are in the middle of a forest. In order to know the direction, you would have to use a compass. That is how this becomes one of the tools of a forest conservation technician. 

But in the modern world, you can even find directions using a smartphone application. Also, the forest there are tracks to tread in even inside a forest for the ease of employees like forest conservation technicians. Further, there are certain smartphone applications that provide you with a compass. So, one might say traditional compasses are not in use now.  But as this is a traditional tool, there is no problem in forest conservation technicians using this. 

Kakuru Vintage Pocket Compass for Kids Classic Portable Compass Accurate Waterproof for Hiking Outdoor Camping Motoring Boating Backpacking Survival Emergency (Copper)

Here is a compass that we think would be good for you. This is a shake-proof and waterproof compass. And this compass is highly sensitive and very accurate. You do not need to have any doubt about that. Also, it has received a lot of positive ratings and reviews from its customers. Most of them have admired factors like ease of reading, ease of using, accuracy, sturdiness, and value for money. 

6. Prism

Usually, it is the wedge prism that forest conservation technicians use in this regard. Wedge prisms have a narrow-angle between their input and output surfaces. This angle is generally less than 3 degrees. The prism deflects light at a fixed angle due to refraction at the surfaces. When looking at a scene via such a prism, things appear to be displaced by a variable amount depending on their distance from the prism.

In variable-radius plot sampling, the wedge prism is generally in use in the same way as an angle gauge in forestry. The wedge prism is in use in this form of sampling to determine a group’s basal area by counting trees that are “in” or “out” of a plot centered on a single point. The wedge prism may be used to assess whether or not a tree should be counted from a particular location depending on the diameter at breast height of the tree and its distance from that point since it refracts light to offset the item of interest.

This is how forest conservation technicians can make use of prisms for their tasks. Hope you got some sort of idea from this. 

JIM-GEM Rectangular Cruising Prisms (Clear, 10 BAF)

“Great prism for use in my environmental/forestry class.” This is how a happy customer of this product has reviewed it on Amazon. And we think that this helps you to understand how good this one is. This prism produces a narrow-sharp picture that works well in dense timber. Of course, this works in a really admirable way. And we think that you would find this prism quite satisfactory. 

7. Shovels

Forest conservation technicians also need to have shovels as one of the tools of a forest conservation technician. If we are more specific, we have to use the term forestry shovels here. Mainly, at the time of the first fire, there would be a need to remove debris from the fire. And it is a forestry shovel that you need to use for this purpose. And of course, it is indeed necessary for the shovel to have sharp blades on both sides. 

Jackson 1237500 J-450 Pony Point Forestry Shovel with 41 in. Hardwood Handle

This forestry shovel has a steel blade with a 9-inch heat-treated solid shank. For a stable foot placement, this has a forward-turned-step. And this has a hardwood handle as well. This is a great choice for forestry work, especially when there is a necessity to move debris from a fire.

8. Hardhats

Of course, safeguarding is pretty important, no matter whatever you do. Hence, you must definitely follow all the necessary safety procedures. This is a mandatory measure. Without doing so, you would not be able to make sure that you would not face an injury when you engage yourself in a professional task. Forest conservation technicians have most of their duties in forests. And when doing surveys, and when some cutting of branches or something like that is underway, you need to make sure that none of them would harm you. In this case, you need to have a hard hat to protect your head. This is a required safety measure that you need to follow.

Full Brim Vented Hard Hat Safety Helmet 6 Point Ratcheting System | Meets ANSI Z89.1 | Personal Protective Equipment Carbon Fiber Design

You would be in perfect protection if you use this hardhat. The underside of the brim of this hardhat has a grip for removing the hardhat while wearing gloves. Perspiration does not drop on the face while working as there is a washable sweatband in it. Also, this comes with a chin strap that you can adjust in the way that you need. These safety hardhats are lightweight and comfortable. The wide brim of the helmet shields you from the sun and rain. Considering all these factors, we think that this would be an ideal hardhat for you to choose.

9. Protective glasses

A pair of protective glasses is also going to be on the list of tools of a forest conservation technician. This is to make sure that you protect your eyes from the potential hazards when you are performing your duties in the forest. So, this is also a must in terms of prioritizing your security and safety.

Strive Performance Tracer Safety Glasses – Scratch-Resistant UV Protection Wraparound Lens, Clear 2-Pack

The manufacturers of this pair of safety glasses have considered comfort and security first. These safety glasses with tips remain in place better and are less likely to slip when you sweat. These are coming with scratch-resistant lenses. Many buyers of these safety glasses are so happy with this product. They think that this is a perfect one for them. So, we also think that this would be a good one for you. 

10. Safety clothing

In terms of safety clothing, we can mainly focus on safety vests here. Why are safety vests important? Well, basically, safety vests are important to make you visible when the atmosphere is dark. That would help your workers to see you. So, you would not face any damage. Especially, when there is heavy machinery operating in the vicinity, you need to make sure that you are on the safe side. And this is what you should do about, that.

Safety Main Lightweight High Visibility Hooded Jacket, Large

As we previously told you, the main objective of wearing a safety vest is to increase visibility and thereby protect employees. And this safety vest is perfect for the job. Furthermore, the silver reflective striping on the shoulders, arms, and tummy increases visibility in low-light situations. The high-quality polyester fabric makes up this safety vest. As a result, the safety vest is both durable and warm. This is a comfy piece that can be machine washed for easy upkeep. We believe that, after considering all of these factors, this is the best option for a forest conservation technician. 

Conclusion

The purpose of this article was to explain the tools of a forest conservation technician. Meanwhile, you could be having an interest in learning about the tools of an aircraft mechanic or a marine mechanic. You may learn more about them by reading about them. We wish you the best of luck in this career!