W. Va. Code R. § 200-5-2 - Code of Ethics

2.1. The board recognizes that principles for professional conduct are required for registered foresters and forestry technicians to ensure confidence, respect and integrity in the forestry profession. The board adopts as a basis for its standards the national code of ethics of the Society of American Foresters. Stewardship of the land is the cornerstone of the forestry profession. The purpose of this code is to serve as the guiding principles for conduct for registered foresters and forestry technicians operating under the laws of West Virginia in their relations with each other, their employers, the public, and other professionals. All registered foresters and forestry technicians agree to abide by this code as a condition of registration.

2.1.a. A registered forester or forestry technician shall advocate and practice land management consistent with ecologically sound principles.

2.1.b. A registered forester or forestry technician's knowledge and skills shall be utilized for the benefit of society. A member shall strive for accurate, current and increasing knowledge of forestry, shall communicate that knowledge when not confidential, and shall challenge and correct untrue statements about forestry.

2.1.c. A registered forester or forestry technician shall advertise only in a dignified and truthful manner, stating the services the member is qualified and prepared to perform. The advertisements may include references to fees charged.

2.1.d. A registered forester or forestry technician shall base public comment on forestry matters on accurate knowledge and shall not distort or withhold pertinent information to substantiate a point of view. Prior to making public statements on forest policies and practices, a member shall indicate on whose behalf the statements are made.

2.1.e. A registered forester or forestry technician shall perform services consistent with the highest standards of quality and with loyalty to the employer.

2.1.f. A registered forester or forestry technician shall perform only those services for which the member is qualified by education or experience.

2.1.g. A registered forester or forestry technician who is asked to participate in forestry operations which deviate from accepted professional standards shall advise the employer in advance of the consequences of the deviation.

2.1.h. A registered forester or forestry technician shall not voluntarily disclose information concerning the affairs of the member's employer without the employer's express permission or except as may be required by state or federal law or a court of competent jurisdiction.

2.1.i. A registered forester or forestry technician shall avoid conflicts of interest or even the appearance of such conflicts. If, despite taking precautions, a conflict of interest is discovered, it shall be promptly and fully disclosed to the member's employer and the member shall be prepared to act immediately to resolve the conflict.

2.1.j. A registered forester or forestry technician shall not accept compensation or expenses from more than one employer for the same service, unless the parties involved are informed and consent.

2.1.k. A registered forester or forestry technician shall engage, or advise the member's employer to engage, other experts and specialists in forestry or related fields whenever the employer's interest would be best served by that action, and members shall work cooperatively with other professionals.

2.1.l. A registered forester or forestry technician shall not by false statement or dishonest action injure the reputation or professional associations of another member.

2.1.m. A registered forester or forestry technician shall give credit for the methods, ideas, or assistance obtained from others.

2.1.n. A registered forester or forestry technician in competition for supplying forestry services shall encourage the prospective employer to base selection of the services on comparison of qualifications and negotiation of fee or salary.

2.1.o. Information submitted by a registered forester or forestry technician about a candidate for a prospective position, award, or elected office shall be accurate, factual, and objective.

2.1.p. A registered forester or forestry technician having evidence of violation of this section by another member shall present the information and charges to the board.

2.2. Proposed amendments to the code of ethics shall be adopted by unanimous vote of the board members at any meeting at which there is a quorum present. Proposed amendments are subject to the rule making process as set forth in W. Va. Code § 29A-3-1, et seq.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 200-5-2