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/1510541
The Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) is dedicated to building the confidence, competence and camaraderie of all professionals who manage trees and forests to create and sustain more livable communities. The profes- sional members who make up UCFS represent a global network of premier urban and commu- nity 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, resil- ient communities for people and the planet. The science, practice, and profile of urban and community forestry has advanced and matured, revealing the need for review and assessment of credentialing in the industry. UCFS and our long-term partner, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), are working together to eval- uate and elevate the ISA Certified Municipal Specialist credential to better represent the full spectrum of practitioners and professionals across all industry sectors. This includes a Job Task Analysis where the tasks, knowledge, and skills necessary for the credential are being eval- uated—work that continues through early 2024. This collaboration supports the UCFS core vision and strategic plan to empower all professionals who cultivate community trees and forests. UCFS fully supports the professionalization of urban forestry. Since 1964, UCFS (formerly SMA) has been the professional organization to host conferences, discussion forums, hold a code of ethics, and help professionals network. For the profession of urban and community for- estry to grow, UCFS desires and will support: • More trained managers of trees in commu- nities of all sizes with education obtained through traditional degree programs, apprenticeships, and other formats • Cities and communities to create one or more positions dedicated to managing urban trees • An inclusive, rigorous, and con- summate credential for urban and community forestry practitioners • City and community decision-makers to prioritize hiring individuals who have or can achieve certification • Public/private partnerships involving urban and community foresters in all industry sectors • More diversity among urban and commu- nity forestry practitioners, including more people of color, women, and others who have been historically underrepresented • Opportunities for professional development, career advancement, and a career pipeline that supports the people managing trees and builds public recognition of the practice UCFS is actively working alongside all organiza- tions within the urban and community forestry industry as key decisions are made that will impact the Society's members and the pro- fession as a whole. Look to UCFS to keep you updated. We are eager to help our members do what they do best—plant and care for trees and urban and community forests! UCFS actively engages in discussions around urban and municipal forestry credentials ucfsociety.org 23