TOURS

Tours of woods operations are uniquely powerful. Debates over concepts and issues, such as clearcutting, water quality, reforestation, and nutrient recycling, become real in the woods. Loggers feel more at home in the forest, just as many in the audience will feel out of place. These dynamics create a great opportunity for the professional logger to make a positive impact.

Forestry tours may range in length from a brief one- or two-hour interpretive walk through the woods to a comprehensive two- or three-day tour of forest management activities and wood-using facilities in a state or region.

First, identify your tour audience and the message you have for that audience. Potential audiences may consist of students, teachers, legislators, regulators, media professionals, representatives of environmental organizations, community leaders, youth groups, and others. It may not be advisable to combine different audiences, with different baseline expectations, in the same tour. Design each tour to meet the educational and information needs of the audience you have selected.

Consider the following elements to ensure a great tour.

Logistics-Time and Distance

Creating the Right Environment

Safety-Helpers, Liability

Clear Messages

Finally, consider sending a follow-up note to each participant, thanking him or her for their interest. The point is to humanize your profession, and leave tour participants with a face they can remember, and a person they can contact.

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