South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 53 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION- STATE BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR FORESTERS
Here’s a detailed overview of Chapter 53 – State Board of Registration for Foresters in the South Carolina Code of Regulations, under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation:
🌲 Chapter 53 – Overview & Statutory Authority
Overseen by the DOLLR State Board of Registration for Foresters, established under S.C. Code §§ 40‑1‑70, 48‑27‑80, 48‑27‑140, and 48‑27‑190 (scstatehouse.gov).
The Board’s headquarters are in Columbia, SC. Meetings are held at least twice yearly, with special sessions called by the Chair as needed (scstatehouse.gov).
⚙️ Administrative Structure
§ 53‑2 Officers: Annual selection of Chair (presides, appoints committees, signs certificates) and Vice‑Chair (performs duties in Chair’s absence). (scstatehouse.gov)
§ 53‑4 Quorum: A simple majority of members is required to transact business (scstatehouse.gov).
§ 53‑5 Seals: Board seal used on official documents; registered foresters may use a specified circular seal/stamp on plans and reports (scstatehouse.gov).
📝 Registration Process
§ 53‑7 Application: Forms provided by DOLLR; must be fully completed and include required fees (non-refundable) (scstatehouse.gov).
§ 53‑8 Requirements: Registration requires passing a two-part exam:
Certified Forester (CF) exam, and
South Carolina‑specific exam.
Plus:
Forestry degree (≥4 years) + 2 years field experience, or
≥6 years practical forestry experience without degree (scstatehouse.gov, law.cornell.edu).
🔄 License Maintenance & Renewal
§ 53‑9 Expiration & Renewal: Licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years (biennially); must be renewed in advance (scstatehouse.gov).
§ 53‑12 Address Updates: Registrants must report address changes within 10 days (scstatehouse.gov).
🔁 Reciprocity & Ethics
§ 53‑11 Reciprocity: Allows licensure through equivalent credentials from other states (law.cornell.edu).
§ 53‑15 Code of Ethics: Establishes professional and ethical standards (details in regulation text) (law.cornell.edu).
📚 Continuing Education
§ 53‑20 Continuing Education:
Mandatory credits required to renew license.
Exceptions/waivers: Available for disability, illness, or individuals ≥60 years with ≥30 years of experience (regulations.justia.com, llr.sc.gov).
✅ Practical Takeaways
If you're a forester or applicant:
Familiarize yourself with application procedures (§ 53‑7), including required fees and forms.
Prepare for exams—both the national CF and the South Carolina-specific portion (§ 53‑8).
Plan renewals biennially before June 30, and comply with address updates (§ 53‑9, 53‑12).
Meet continuing education requirements, or seek waivers if eligible (§ 53‑20).
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