Summary of gap analysis generated from applying the practical ideal type to the profession of urban forestry.
| Ideal type category | Summary of gap analysis |
|---|---|
| 1. Essential Service to Society | Urban forestry lacks societal recognition that urban forest professionals provide an essential service. |
| 2. Body of Knowledge (BoK) | Urban forestry lacks a codified BoK that is stewarded by practitioners and serves as the foundation of the profession moving forward, including an alignment of degree accreditation, credentialing, and continuing education. |
| 3. Higher Education | Urban forestry lacks alignment of university curricula with the needs of the profession and society. There is also a lack of formal relationships among professional organizations, practitioners, employers, and higher education. |
| 4. Credentialing | Urban forestry lacks a dedicated credential for urban foresters that can establish a minimum level of competency, enforce ethical standards, or foster professional unity. |
| 5. Public Trust | Urban forestry lacks a coordinated nationwide effort to increase awareness of the profession as well as an urban forestry credential to build public awareness and trust. |
| 6. Recruitment | Urban forestry lacks formal recruitment pipelines into degree programs and into the profession. |
| 7. Retention and Advancement | Urban forestry lacks consistent job titles and standardized qualifications needed to monitor employment trends and identify opportunities for professional development and advancement. |
| 8. Professional Organization | Urban forestry lacks a member-created professional organization dedicated to serving and promoting the profession. |