City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1498043
The Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA) is dedicated to building the confidence, com- petence and camaraderie of all professionals who manage trees and forests to create and sustain more livable communities. The professional members who make up SMA represent a global network of premier urban and municipal foresters who make critical tree planting and care decisions each day. The decisions they make have a profound impact on where and how trees are sited, planted, and maintained for environmental improvement and green infrastructure, ultimately leading to healthy, resilient communities for people and the planet. The science, practice, and profile of urban and municipal forestry has advanced and matured, revealing the need for review and assessment of credentialing in the industry. The SMA along with our long- term partner, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), are working together to evaluate and elevate the ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist® credential to better represent the full spectrum of practi- tioners and professionals across all industry sectors. This evaluation will occur in mid- 2023 through early 2024. This collaboration supports SMA's core vision and strategic plan of empowering all professionals who cultivate community trees and forests. SMA fully supports the professionaliza- tion of urban forestry. Since 1964, SMA has been the professional organization to host conferences and discussion forums, hold a code of ethics, and help profes- sionals network. For the profession of urban forestry and municipal arboriculture to grow, SMA desires and will support: • More trained managers of trees in communities of all sizes with education obtained through traditional degree programs, appren- ticeships, and other formats • Cities to create one or more positions dedicated to managing urban trees • An inclusive, rigorous, and consummate credential for urban forest practitioners • City decision-makers to priori- tize hiring individuals who have or can achieve certification • Public/private partnerships between urban foresters in all industry sectors • More diversity among urban forestry practitioners including more people of color, women, and others who have been historically underrepresented • Opportunities for professional devel- opment, career advancement, and a career pipeline that supports the people managing trees and builds public recognition of the practice SMA is actively working alongside all orga- nizations within the urban forestry industry as key decisions are made that will impact SMA's members and the profession as a whole. Look to SMA to keep you updated throughout the year. We are eager to help our members do what they do best - plant and care for trees and urban forests! SMA actively engages in discussions around urban and municipal forestry credentials urban-forestry.com 5