Support for a new credential in urban forestry: Results from a survey of urban forest professionals

Abstract

Urban forest professionals struggle with public recognition and a clear identity in spite of growing demand for their expertise. No single credential or professional support system defines or unites urban forest professionals, who instead rely on several closely allied professions for professional support. This reliance is thought to contribute to this lack of recognition and indistinct professional identity. Thus we asked urban forest professionals if they believed the urban forestry profession needs its own credential and, if such a credential were available, would they obtain it. An international survey resulted in 749 respondents from 13 countries, with the vast majority from the United States and Canada. On average, respondents believed a credential was needed and would obtain it if offered. Late-career professionals were less likely to say they would obtain such a credential, while there was some evidence that women and early-career respondents are more likely. Some groups, most notably the self-employed, were much less likely to think a credential was needed and even less likely to obtain it were it to be offered. Respondents already hold 2.38 credentials on average, the most commonly held credentials being from the closely allied professions of arboriculture and forestry. Without specifying the format or scope, the survey asked respondents for opinions about a hypothetical urban forestry credential. Respondents raised concerns related to whether a credential could embrace the full scope of urban forestry, whether there was overlap or redundancy among existing credentials, and the cost of obtaining additional credentials. In addition, respondents noted credentials may need to align with diverse regulatory and employment environments. Nonetheless, open-ended responses overwhelmingly noted that urban forestry has emerged as a distinct profession that merits a credential to support a unifying identity and recognize the specialized training required.