©2023 International Society of Arboriculture Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 49(3): May 2023 121 8 years, the program has still not been expanded as intended (Society of American Foresters 2014). The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is cur- rently developing an Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard (SFI 2022) which articulates desired outcomes in pursuit of sustainable urban for- ests and service to society. Developing this standard is an acknowledgment that (1) there has been no prac- tical consensus-building on urban forest management to date, and (2) there is now enough momentum and recognition for the importance of urban forest sus- tainability to drive that consensus-building. However, t.is does not s.e.. to t.e com.etencies or .u.li.c.- tions necessary to deliver those desired outcomes and c.nnot .ll t.e role o. .n ur..n .orestr. .o.. Urban Forestry is a mix of many other profes- sions. It’s not the same as just being an arborist. Urban Forestry is similar to Green Infrastruc- ture in that it takes into account multiple jobs including arboriculture. We have a stronger science part compared to a landscape architect, we understand about landscapes, not just trees, we know many other plants, and based on that can understand the health of the land. We have skills in stormwater mngt. [sic], construction, staff. Overall, while society increasingly recognizes the importance of “nature-based solutions” and “green infrastructure,” recognition of urban foresters as the experts responsible for delivering those services is lacking. Urban forestry is steadily becoming more import- ant in ur.an settin.s. Definin. ro.es, res.onsi- bilities, and achievements will help move the practice forward, increase its cultural value, and elevate the profession. (2020 UFP Survey respondent) Society does not fully recognize that urban forest professionals provide an essential service because urban forest professionals do not adequately manage their public image to generate public trust and awareness. Ideal 2. Body of Knowledge ..e .o. .or ur..n .orestr. is not .cti.el. ste..rded by practitioners, organizations, and higher education, nor is it consistently utilized to align degree accredi- tation, credentialing, and continuing education. The ... de.elo.ed . .o. .or ur..n .orestr. in .0.. through a rigorous, standardized process as part of ..sor.in. t.e ..li.orni. .erti.ed .r..n .orester program (O’Herrin 2016). However, after more than Table 3. Summary of gap analysis generated from applying the practical ideal type to the profession of urban forestry. Ideal type category Summary of gap analysis 1. Essential Service to Society Urban forestry lacks societal recognition that urban forest professionals provide an essential service. .. .od. o. .no.led.e (.o.) .r..n .orestr. l.c.s . codi.ed .o. t..t is ste..rded .. .r.ctitioners .nd ser.es .s t.e foundation of the profession moving forward, including an alignment of degree accredita- tion, credentialing, and continuing education. 3. Higher Education Urban forestry lacks alignment of university curricula with the needs of the profession and society. There is also a lack of formal relationships among professional organizations, practitioners, employers, and higher education. 4. Credentialing Urban forestry lacks a dedicated credential for urban foresters that can establish a minimum level of competency, enforce ethical standards, or foster professional unity. 5. Public Trust Urban forestry lacks a coordinated nationwide effort to increase awareness of the profession as well as an urban forestry credential to build public awareness and trust. 6. Recruitment Urban forestry lacks formal recruitment pipelines into degree programs and into the profession. 7. Retention and Advancement .r..n .orestr. l.c.s consistent .o. titles .nd st.nd.rdized .u.li.c.tions needed to monitor employment trends and identify opportunities for professional development and advance- ment. 8. Professional Organization Urban forestry lacks a member-created professional organization dedicated to serving and promoting the profession.
May 2023
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