Finds that it is a matter of public necessity that forest resources in Washington be managed properly. It is the intent to provide for the protection and benefit of the public by ensuring application of the highest standards relative to the practice of consulting forestry and to provide protection of the public from unqualified consulting forestry practitioners.

Provides that no person shall receive income, whether directly or indirectly, for engaging in the practice of consulting forestry, or advertise as engaging in such practice, or solicit business in such practice, including but not limited to foresters whose responsibilities include industry-sponsored forestry assistance programs for landowners and government foresters who advise private landowners, unless the person holds a valid license issued by the board.

Declares that the minimum requirements for licensure as a consulting forester prior to January 1, 2010, are: (1) Evidence of seven or more years' experience in practicing forestry and performing the services of a consulting forester that is satisfactory to the board; or

(2) Passage of a written examination administered by the board indicating that the applicant is competent to practice consulting forestry.

Declares that the minimum requirements for licensure after January 1, 2010, are: (1) Graduation in forestry or a related field, requiring study of four years or more, from a school, college, or university approved by the board;

(2) Evidence of five or more years' experience in practicing forestry and performing the services of a consulting forester satisfactory to the board; and

(3) Passage of a written examination administered by the board indicating that the applicant is competent to practice consulting forestry.

Declares that the board has the power, after notice and hearing, to suspend or revoke the license of any licensee or assess administrative penalties against a licensee who: (1) Is found liable for fraud, deceit, gross negligence, gross incompetency, or gross misconduct in the practice of consulting forestry;

(2) Is found liable by the board of unprofessional or unethical conduct;

(3) Has had his or her license suspended or revoked for cause in another jurisdiction;

(4) Fails to comply with the continuing education requirements established by the board;

(5) Has directly or indirectly through another person or entity, purchased or attempted to purchase timber from a landowner while providing forestry services for the landowner;

(6) Gives false or forged evidence of any kind to the board in obtaining a license;

(7) Uses an expired or revoked license; or

(8) Endorses any plan, specification, estimate, map, or related document unless he or she actually prepared or directly supervised the preparation of such document.

Declares that it is a misdemeanor for any person to: (1) Practice consulting forestry without being licensed in accordance with this act;

(2) Use in connection with his or her name, or otherwise assume, use, or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he or she is a licensed consulting forester without being licensed in accordance with this act;

(3) Present or attempt to use as his or her own the license of another;

(4) Give false or forged evidence of any kind to the board in obtaining a license;

(5) Use an expired or revoked license; or

(6) Endorse any plan, specification, estimate, map, or related document unless he or she actually prepared or directly supervised the preparation of such document.