Journal Announcement

After seven years of service as Editor in Chief (EIC) of Arboriculture & Urban Forestry and chair of the journal’s editorial board, Dr. Gary Watson bids farewell to pursue other challenges and opportunities in his role as Director of Research at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle, Illinois, U.S.). The journal editorial board, ISA staff, and ISA membership thank Dr. Watson for his tireless efforts in developing and refining the manuscript submission and review process. In addition, under his leadership, the editorial board transitioned into a larger, more international group of experts and developed a greater focus resulting in the stronger journal that we enjoy today.

We all hope to continue this stewardship by developing further strategies for increasing citation rates and thus the prominence of the journal for the research community. This is a goal we will need to reach while also meeting the needs of the practicing tree care professional. The journal will continue in its mission to foster a greater appreciation for trees and to promote the research, technology, and practice of professional arboriculture and urban forestry.

As of this issue of Arboriculture & Urban Forestry the transition to a new Editor in Chief is well underway. Dr. Jason Grabosky, a professor at Rutgers University’s School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.) has agreed to serve in the role of EIC. The editorial transition began in November 2014, and Grabosky will be formally appointed in January 2015. The editorial transition was developed by journal staff, whom in working with the Arboricultural Research & Education Academy and the Research Committee, produced a slate of appropriate candidates.

We appreciate the patience of those who are affiliated with the journal as well as with those of whom are submitting manuscripts in this time of transition. Dr. Watson’s knowledge and hard work has positioned the journal very favorably, and it is with this stability that we look forward to a seamless transfer of responsibilities.

Arboriculture & Urban Forestry Staff

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