You know . . . I've been picking on the ASLA for so long it seems as if I'm required to find something wrong with the Society in every issue. And not that it hasn't generally been easy to do .... But there is certainly more to this profession than worrying about A few of Washington's Elite . . . Now ... I have my own notions as to what will be the "Hot" topics for '97. Licensure is a gimme, the ASLA not meeting the needs of the membership is another ... oh sorry . . . , The growing conflicts between LA'S and Engineers, LA'S and City Planners, LA'S and Urban Foresters, LA'S and Landscape Designers, LA'S and Architects .... These are most certainly hot topics for the year to come . . . What about letting Landscape Contractors test for a Landscape Architect's License? LASN's most recent survey indicates a 51 percent to 49 percent split for allowing it to happen . . . Hardly a roaring mandate!!! I of course, think they should be allowed into the profession . . . They already do a lot of the work and the increase in numbers would help put LA'S on the political map ... But that again is little 'ole me talkin and to nearly half of you I'm talkin' way too loud. And who knows . . . maybe these are just the high profile issues that shape the profession . . . What about the less prominent issues that will have lasting impact on the growth, stability and public recognition of the LA Profession . . . Environmental concerns, disaster response (why wasn't there a Landscape Architect at "Dante's Peak"?), "Firewise" landscape planning, "Floodwise" landscape planning, "Plain-Old-Wise" landscape planning. . What about the conflict of interest with profitable plant material vs. native materials is this an arena for the RLA? Do these often political conflicts relate to the writing of landscape ordinances? Can an open highway built across a vast desert be within the realm of the profession? Playground design and the ADA set the stage for competition between park & recreation directors and LA'S, or can these two be symbiotic? While on the surface these "topics" can appear to be problem areas, in reality these are golden opportunities to increase the scope and command of the profession. If the Landscape Architect aggressively attacks these markets . . . these "conflicts" . . . only good will result. Who will be the leaders . . . the heroes ... the champions .... So often it is those who don't try , they just become .... These are just some of the topics LASN will be looking into for the coming year . . . Now that LASN has an expanded editorial department, LASN is looking more and more at investigative reporting and research. Of special concern are things that affect the profession. Don't be surprised if the phone rings for you . . . In any event, LASN always wants to hear from you ... We are always looking for the heroes. Those professionals who just seem to do. LASN is always looking for the topics that you want to read about. Areas of research that will help you succeed . . . Use the postage paid response card on page 11 to write us, leave us a message at Landscape OnLine (www.landscapearchitect.com), check the masthead to the right for our various E-Mail addresses, fax us at 714-979-3543, call us at 714-979-LASN (5276), or send us a letter through the US Mail. Not that we have a lot of time on our hands... but sometimes when you're doing well it's easy to relax and assume you're still on target . . . At LASN we are committed to always providing you with the cutting edge of the profession .... Let us know . . . PS - Attention Landscape Architects and Contactors!!! Landscape On-Line is opening a section for Landscape Professionals to promote their firms to the development industries and the public. Call us at 714-979-5276 for more information . . .