Timber and forestry management is a big part of Florida’s history and culture. Florida’s award winning prescribed burning programs offer great benefits to agriculture, residents, wildlife, and help bring back endangered species. But how does it work and what’s the regulatory oversight? Products from forestry are a huge part of our everyday lives from toothpaste to toilet paper, cell phone screens, food and more.

Jim Karels retired in 2020 as Florida’s State Forester after 35 years with the agency. For more than 12 years, he was responsible for protecting Florida and its residents from the dangers of wildfire and managing forest resources to ensure they are available for future generations. He also served as the President of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and the Chairman of the NASF Wildland Fire Committee.