The American Society of Landscape Architects announced it has joined the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL), combining forces with other professional organizations determined to ensure that the public's health, safety, and welfare are protected by strong licensure requirements nationwide.

 

"The practice of landscape architecture includes keeping the public safe from hazards, such as those brought on by security threats, natural disasters, and climate change. For the sake of public protection and to ensure practice competency, ASLA worked hard to ensure landscape architecture is a licensed profession throughout the country. Now those licensure laws are in jeopardy," said Elizabeth Hebron, director of state government affairs at ASLA.

In the past four years, ASLA has responded to numerous state licensure threats across the nation, including direct attempts to deregulate landscape architecture, according to the press release. The association states that its highest priorities are ensuring the continuation of professional licensure for landscape architects in all 50 states. By bringing together the combined influence of several professional organizations of advanced professions, ARPL aims to educate lawmakers and the public on the importance of high standards, rigorous education, and extensive experience required to practice highly-technical professions like landscape architecture safely.

"Becoming a member of ARPL and joining forces with so many other advanced professional organizations will help us amplify our licensure education and advocacy efforts as we face the challenges ahead," Hebron added.