I have a degree in Forest Resources Management. I have worked in government sectors and, the private sectors for over 20 years. Here is the basic reality of working in the Natural Resources.
If you work for the private sector, all the cool stuff you thought you'd be doing while studying the major in college, pretty much doesn't exist. You might focus on some facet of forest ecology, wildlife biology, etc..... in your private sector job but, you aren't going to be managing a complex ecosystem for private owners. With that said, it can be very rewarding. It just isn't going to be a thing that you get to evaluate, implement, and watch your input affect anything but, the interest you've been hired to develop. Which will be singular or, very simply the wishes of the owner.
Working in government used to be pretty cool. You had large ecosystems that needed evaluation, application of practices, and multiple goals to achieve. But, on the negative side, you never got to implement those things due to the bureaucracy of managing an entity that requires public approval or, at the least understanding. One complaint would halt the whole process.
Here is the deal. Private sector employment usually pays better. Not always. But, most times it will. The private sector requires results, will most likely be salary paid, and will most assuredly require more time to achieve the results expected then your compensation pays for. So, all of a sudden, the better pay might not be that much better after giving up half your evenings and weekends to get the job done for the "man". Government jobs are the opposite. You go to work, work your day out, and go home. No phone calls, late evening or weekend meetings with property owners, or a boss that just wants results no matter the variables. Your year end reviews won't be subject to company woes, markets, or a host of other things out of your control.
The most condensed and accurate way of saying all this would be to remember that money is important. But, it ain't everything. I've made a lot of money in some private sector jobs but, couldn't take a weeks vacation to enjoy it. It seems most employers think the more they pay you, the more they get to own you. And, I've made pathetic money in government jobs but, could take 5-6 weeks off. It seems local government and state level jobs expect your spouse to be a doctor of some sorts because they pay about what a walmart teller makes. Fed jobs are sweet but, if you are not a minority or a women,it is hard to get those jobs. I'm an idiot for quitting the one I had. But, big money and, the inside need to see results from my work lured me away. You just gotta decide whats more important. Good luck finding a middle ground that fits you well. God Bless
