21 NCAC 20 .0115             CODE OF ETHICS

In their signed affidavits, all applicants shall indicate their agreement to adhere to the following Code of Ethics.  The code shall be used by the Board to help govern its decisions in adjudicating flagrant misconduct in the practice of forestry under G.S. 89B-13.

Code of Ethics

(1)           A Registered Forester shall practice forestry consistent with ecologically sound principles and all applicable laws.

(2)           A Registered Forester shall not engage in unlawful acts or business practices.

(3)           A Registered Forester shall present truthful, accurate, and complete information while practicing forestry.

(4)           A Registered Forester shall practice forest management in accordance with landowner objectives and Forestry Best Management Practices as described in the "North Carolina Forestry Best Management Practices Manual to Protect Water Quality" published by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or will advise landowners of the consequences of deviating from Forestry Best Management Practices.

(5)           A Registered Forester shall advertise and perform only those services for which the Registered Forester is qualified.

(6)           A Registered Forester shall indicate on whose behalf any public statements are made, and keep proprietary information confidential unless the appropriate person authorizes its disclosure.

(7)           A Registered Forester must avoid conflicts of interest or even the appearance of such conflicts.  If, despite such precaution, a conflict of interest is discovered, it must be disclosed to the Registered Forester's employer or client, and the Registered Forester must attempt to resolve the conflict.

(8)           A Registered Forester shall:  act in a civil and professional manner; respect the needs, contributions, and viewpoints of others, and; give credit to others for their methods, ideas, or assistance.

(9)           A Registered Forester shall not accept compensation or expenses from more than one employer for the same service, unless the parties involved are informed and consent.

(10)         A Registered Forester having evidence of violation of this code by another Registered Forester shall present the information and charges to the State Board of Registration for Foresters.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 89B-6; 89B-9; 89B-13;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. May 1, 1989; February 1, 1985;

Temporary Amendment Eff. June 1, 2001;

Amended Eff. September 1, 2010; August 1, 2002;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. December 16, 2014.