©2023 International Society of Arboriculture Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 49(3): May 2023 107 Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 2023. 49(3):107–136 https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2023.009 Scientifi c Journal of the International Society of Arboriculture Borrowed Credentials and Surrogate Professional Societies: A Critical Analysis of the Urban Forestry Profession By Keith O’Herrin, PhD, Corinne G. Bassett, Susan D. Day, PhD, Paul D. Ries, EdD, and P. Eric Wiseman, PhD against a backdrop of workforce demographic shifts and public perceptions of green space management (Silvera Seamans 2013; Ordóñez et al. 2019; Sax et al. 2020). Lack of clarity in urban forestry’s professional identity has a long list of consequences. Competing professional organizations, disparate educational paths, and inconsistent job descriptions create chal- lenges for those seeking careers and for development of a common body of knowledge for the profession (O’Herrin et al. 2018a; O’Herrin et al. 2018b). Stan- d.rdiz.tion o. .u.li. c.tions .nd ..lid.tion o. e..er. tise are not clear-cut, likely negatively impacting public perception and growth of the profession (Kirk- patrick et al. 2020a, 2020b). Recruitment and training of new professionals and continuing education of INTRODUCTION Towns and cities have long recognized the importance of stewardship of their trees (Miller et al. 2015). It is only in the past 50 years, however, that urban forestry has emerged as a distinct profession (Jorgensen 1968, 1970, 1993; Kenney 2010). Like many emerging pro- fessions, urban forestry has suffered from a confusing professional identity where it is simultaneously viewed as a specialization within existing professions (e.... .orestr.) .nd .s . no.el interdisci.lin.r. . eld arising at the intersection of several disciplines (e.g., arboriculture, forestry, planning, and others)(O’Her- rin et al. 2020). Professional identity of urban forestry is receiving heightened attention, particularly in the United States and Canada, as tree-based solutions to socio-ecological problems are increasingly deployed Abstract. ..c..round. .r..n .orestr. is .n emer.in. .ro.ession. .et its .ro.ession.l identit. is not cle.rl. de. ned. nor does it ...e t.e .ull complement of support mechanisms commonly expected or needed by professionals. As a result, urban forest professionals rely on closely allied professions (e.g., arboriculture, forestry) resulting in frustration amongst urban forest professionals and confusion and lack of awareness amongst the general public. Methods: We developed a series of practical but ideal benchmarks for a successful “modern profession” based on features extracted from a review of the literature and precedents from 11 other professions. We then examined a broad array of evidence to iden- tify gaps between the benchmarks and the current reality of urban forestry. Strength of evidence was assessed, and each benchmark was clas- si. ed .s .ein. su..orted .. est..lis.ed. emer.in.. or little to no e.idence. .esults. ... .n.l.sis indic.tes t..t ..ile t.e .ro.ession .ro.ides an essential service to society, there is a need for improvement in credentialing, public awareness, recruitment into the profession, and support for career advancement. Many gaps result from a lack of coordinated efforts or organized community dedicated to the full scope of urban for- est .ro.ession.ls. .e identi. ed . mis.li.nment .et.een ur..n .orest .ro.ession.ls .nd e.istin. .ro.ession.l or..niz.tions t..t .re dedic.ted to closely allied professions. Conclusion: To meet benchmarks for a successful “modern profession,” urban forestry needs professional support explicitly dedicated to urban forestry. The profession cannot meet the future needs of society supported only by borrowed credentials and sur- rogate professional organizations. Keywords. .reen .ndustr.. .ro.ession.l .redenti.ls. .ro.ession.l .r..niz.tions. .ro.ession.liz.tion. .u.lic .m..e.
May 2023
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