Increase in Forestry Program Down

Economic difficulties in the forest industry are causing many secondary school students to avoid a career in forestry.

Just six high schools have indicated their intention to enroll in forestry at Lakehead University this fall.

Doctor Reino Pulkki, Dean of Faculty of Forestry, says it's partly due to the misconception that students have with the program.

"Really there's a negative perception of the word forestry," says Pulkki. "People really relate it to the mill closures and the cutting and planting of trees when its really a lot broader."

Pulkki says graduates can find jobs in such areas of genetics, conservation areas, environmental law and education.