The history of licensing in landscape architecture has been dominated, over the last eight years especially, with sunset initiatives that have, at least in California, come extremely close to eliminating the state board. What concern is this to the rest of the country? If California is sunsetted, there is a very good chance that a domino effect may take place within the rest of the country. Florida has faced tough sunset initiatives as well.

What can be done to counter this trend toward eliminating your state board, thereby protecting your license? Educate the public. It is a simple as that. Legislators, believe it or not, do have to answer to, and carry out the desires of their constituency. Education may begin with the legislators, but the ultimate consumer (voter), is the true target.

The ASLA has set, as a priority, the goal of education of the public and their representatives as to just exactly what a landscape architect does, and how licensing of landscape architects protects the health, saftey and welfare of the general public. Fine. But it must go way beyond this. Each individual licensee must, as a matter of business policy, take it upon themselves to do sornething on there own. What you do is up to you. Write a letter to your legislator. Get involved in your local Chamber of Commerece. Do something.

In this column, and within the pages of this magazine we have continually preached the importance of becoming involved. We have also found out over the last three years, believe it or not, that the average landscape architect is just not a joiner. A very small percentage of the people within landscape architecture do the majority of work to further the goals of the profession itself. I hope that this information hasn’t been falling on deaf ears.

It is critical that the current trend toward deregulation, in terms of landscape architecture be reversed. You may be thinking to yourself that the situation is not that critical. No one has been sunsetted in the last few years, in fact, Utah just gained licensure just this year. If this is the case, you are just not aware of how close some state boards have come to being sunsetted.

The few that have carried on the battle are to be commended, but they are growing weary of the fight. The fight must be taken away from the halls of the state capitols and to the people if this profession is to survive at its current status, or better itself.

Are your personal beliefs in line with your professional beliefs? Will the vote you cast help you both professionally and personally? Careful now, are you sure there is no conflict?

I am looking forward to seeing you in Seattle. Let me know what you are thinking, write or call, even if you disagree, I’d love to hear your thoughts.