§ 5226. Unprofessional conduct

(a) The Director may deny an application for licensure or relicensure, revoke or suspend any license to practice forestry issued under this chapter, or discipline or in other ways condition the practice of a licensee upon due notice and opportunity for hearing in compliance with the provisions of 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 if the person engages in the following conduct or the conduct set forth in 3 V.S.A. § 129a:

(1) has made or caused to be made a false, fraudulent, or forged statement or representation in procuring or attempting to procure registration or renew a license to practice forestry;

(2) whether or not committed in this State, has been convicted of a crime related to the practice of forestry or a felony that evinces an unfitness to practice forestry;

(3) is unable to practice forestry competently by reason of any cause;

(4) has willfully or repeatedly violated any of the provisions of this chapter;

(5) is habitually intemperate or is addicted to the use of habit-forming drugs capable of impairing the exercise of professional judgment;

(6) engages in conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public; or

(7) aiding, abetting, encouraging, or negligently causing a substantial violation of the statutes or rules of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.

(b) Any person or institution aggrieved by any action of the Director under this section may appeal as provided in 3 V.S.A. § 130a.

(c) A person shall not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from the good faith reporting of information to the Director about incompetent, unprofessional, or unlawful conduct of a forester.