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    May 4, 2024
Inside This Issue
TOP NEWS
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Advances in US Senate
ASLA Advocates for Federal Funding Priorities
Inaugural #PLAday
NEWS
ASLA Celebrates Earth Day with Biodiversity Action
ASLA Submits Comments to US Army Corps of Engineers
Tracking Licensure Legislation
State Climate Legislation
Chapters Continue to Host State Advocacy Days
Celebrating 125th Anniversary with Resolutions/Proclamations
ASLA Federal Advocacy Campaigns – Take Action!
UPCOMING EVENTS
ASLA Federal Advocacy Day (5/8)
ASLA Federal & State Policy Priorities Process (5/15)
LARE Prep Week (5/20-23) & Early Bird Pricing: LARE Prep Workshops
ASLA OPPORTUNITIES
Showcase Your Brand at the 2024 ASLA + CLARB Landscape Architecture Licensure Summit!
Women of Color Licensure Advancement Program
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Funding Highlight: Multistate Conservation Grant Program
NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance
Policy Internships for Landscape Architecture Students – Apply Now!
State Board Vacancies

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
    
      
        
          
            
              
                
                  
                    
                  
                
              
              
                
                  
                    2022 ASLA Professional Honor Award in General Design. Domino Park. Brooklyn, New York, United States. James Corner Field Operations. Client: Two Trees Management.
                  
                
              
            
          
        
      
    
  

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
  

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
    TOP NEWS
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Advances in US Senate 
On May 1, 2024, S. 3738 passed the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. According to the most recent ASLA Federal & State Policy Priorities Survey, 25 percent of landscape architects within the Great Lakes region directly benefit from Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds. ASLA will continue to monitor this reauthorization process and highlight the profession’s contributions to the conservation and restoration of the largest system of freshwater lakes in the world.
ASLA Advocates for Federal Funding Priorities 
ASLA continues to advocate for increased federal funding for landscape architecture priorities such as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the National Park Service (NPS), Scenic Byways, and more. ASLA wrote to House and Senate appropriators urging full funding for the CWSRF.  ASLA has also joined coalition partners in sending letters to support greater investments in our parks and transportation systems.
Inaugural #PLAday 
ASLA celebrated its inaugural PLA (Professional Landscape Architects) Day on April 3 as part of World Landscape Architecture Month. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about landscape architecture licensure and the role PLA’s play in ensuring public health, safety, and welfare. The social media response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 300 posts using the #PLADay hashtag to share personal stories, express gratitude, and highlight the importance of licensure in upholding high standards within the industry.

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
    
      
        
          
            
              
                
                  
                    
                  
                
              
              
                
                  
                    2020 ASLA Professional Honor Award in Analysis & Planning. Sensitive Structures: A Landscape Approach for Great Lakes Coasts. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Healthy Port Futures.
                  
                
              
            
          
        
      
    
  

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
  

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
    NEWS
ASLA Celebrates Earth Day with Biodiversity Action
On Earth Day, ASLA urged Congress to pass the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. This bipartisan bill would create new opportunities for landscape architects to help conserve at-risk species. “Human activities are driving biodiversity loss by fragmenting and degrading habitat, yet human security is based on the services that only healthy ecosystems can provide,” said Torey Carter-Conneen, CEO, American Society of Landscape Architects. “The Recovering America's Wildlife Act would support projects that bring our built and natural environments into balance, for the benefit of all Americans.” Contact your representatives about this important legislation. 
ASLA Submits Comments to US Army Corps of Engineers
In response to a request for public comments, ASLA provided recommendations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) proposed procedures regarding water resources investments. Specifically, ASLA urged USACE to increase landscape architects’ participation in its processes related to nature-based solutions, climate change, biodiversity, environmental justice, public safety, and community engagement. 
Tracking Licensure Impacts
As of May 4, 26 states are convened for legislative sessions. ASLA is tracking over 140 occupational licensure bills. As licensure bills and legislation specific to the landscape architecture profession are introduced, members and chapters can track them on the ALSA website.
Over the last month, the State Government Affairs team has worked closely with several chapters to comment on or respond to legislative proposals and agency activities related to licensure:On April 22, the Louisiana House was poised to consider HB 959, a bill aiming to deregulate various professions, including landscape architecture. In response, ASLA National and LCASLA crafted a comment letter, initiated an iAdvocate campaign, and commenced conversations with state legislators. Ultimately, the bill underwent significant revision and all deregulation provisions were removed.
Additionally, the State Government Affairs team collaborated with LCASLA to address another concerning legislative proposal, SB 456. This bill proposed a sunset review process that would automatically terminate all boards and commissions by July 1, 2029, unless the entity was reviewed and approved by a new Review Commission. Responding swiftly, a comment letter of opposition was crafted and promptly dispatched to the Senate Committee and the Chapter was prepared to testify in opposition. However, given the opposition to the bill, the sponsor withdrew the bill.
ASLA began to work with the Alabama Chapter and CLARB to respond in opposition to SB 224. This legislation proposed transferring the authority of the Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects to a new Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within the Department of Labor. Recognizing the significance of this proposed and unwanted change, preparations were underway to submit a comment letter of opposition. However, before finalizing our response, the bill was postponed in committee. As a result, it is unlikely to be addressed during this legislative session. 
State Climate Legislation
State Government Affairs is tracking 53 bills related to climate change. Each bill can create new opportunities for landscape architects to lead state-level mitigation and adaptation efforts. Each bill also represents an opportunity for landscape architects to advocate for the profession with state policymakers.
Chapters Continue to Host State Advocacy Days
The best time to advocate for licensure is before it becomes subject to a deregulation bill in your state. Proactively engaging, educating, and building relationships with state legislators will help to develop an understanding of the profession and an appreciation for the health, safety, and welfare impacts of landscape architecture. Hosting a State Advocacy Day is therefore a crucial advocacy effort for all chapters.
Celebrating 125th Anniversary with Resolutions/Proclamations
ASLA has developed guidance and model language to assist Chapters in securing a resolution/proclamation celebrating the 125th Anniversary of ASLA. Resolutions and Proclamations are a great way to bring honor and attention to important issues and unique circumstances (i.e. 125th Anniversaries!).
ASLA Federal Advocacy Campaigns
ASLA needs all advocates to use the iAdvocate Network to take action on issues critical to landscape architects. From licensure to climate and biodiversity, to water management, green schools, and more, your grassroots action is needed to help move ASLA policy agenda forward. Take action today!

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
    
      
        
          
            
              
                
                  
                    
                  
                
              
              
                
                  
                    2022 ASLA Professional Honor Award in Analysis & Planning. Accelerating Rural Recovery and Resilience: The Pollocksville Community Floodprint. Pollocksville, North Carolina, United States of America. NC State University Coastal Dynamics Design Lab. Client: Town of Pollocksville, North Carolina.
                  
                
              
            
          
        
      
    
  

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
  

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
    UPCOMING EVENTS
ASLA Federal Advocacy Day (5/8)
Federal Advocacy Day will take place on May 8, when members and chapter advocates meet with congressional offices to urge support for policies important to landscape architecture, including licensure affordability, water infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. In honor of ASLA’s 125th Anniversary, this year’s advocacy day theme is “Shaping Spaces, Changing Lives: 125 Years of Landscape Architecture.” Learn more. 
ASLA Federal & State Policy Priorities Process (5/15)
ASLA strives to ensure that its legislative agenda is a true reflection of the beliefs and policy needs of the membership. That is why, every two years, it conducts a member survey to determine what federal and state issues are important to landscape architects. On May 15, ASLA will launch the next survey to set policy priorities for 2025-26. Join ASLA for a launch webinar to become familiar with the process and get answers to any policy-related questions. Register here in advance.
LARE Prep Week (5/20-23) & Early Bird Pricing: LARE Prep Workshops 
Register now to learn from professional landscape architects and subject matter experts who will share their experience, best practices, and insights on the LARE. Join us for Prep Week to ensure you have access to high-quality information and guidance.
Do you need specific exam prep under your belt? Don’t miss early-bird pricing on LARE Prep Workshops (October 5 & 6) at the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture in Washington, D.C. (October 6-9). Or check out our on-demand workshop recordings at learn.asla.org/lare-prep. 

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
    
      
        
          
            
              
                
                  
                    
                  
                
              
              
                
                  
                    2023 ASLA Professional Honor Award in General Design. Grand Junction Park and Plaza. Westfield, Indiana, United States. DAVID RUBIN Land Collective. Client: City of Westfield.
                  
                
              
            
          
        
      
    
  

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
  

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
    ASLA OPPORTUNITIES
Showcase Your Brand at the 2024 ASLA + CLARB Landscape Architecture Licensure Summit!
Get ready to make a lasting impression and support professional licensure at the 2024 ASLA + CLARB Landscape Architecture Licensure Summit: Empowering Opportunity. This dynamic summit brings together landscape architecture advocates and licensure boards to explore the latest licensure trends and challenges being experienced across the United States.
Now is your chance to stand out among industry leaders by becoming a sponsor or securing an expo space at this highly important event, taking place in vibrant Buffalo, NY, from September 16-18, 2024.
Our sponsorship packages and expo spaces offer a prime opportunity to showcase your brand, products, and services to a captivated audience. By joining us as a sponsor or exhibitor, you'll gain unparalleled visibility and access to key decision-makers, advocates, and influencers in the landscape architecture community.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to shape the future of landscape architecture licensure while elevating your brand's presence. Contact Daniel Martin, Hon. ASLA, today to explore sponsorship details and secure your space. Let's work together to make a lasting impact at the 2024 Landscape Architecture Licensure Summit!
Special thanks to our Licensure Summit Sponsors. Lead Sponsor:
Women of Color Licensure Advancement Program
ASLA has established the Women of Color Licensure Advancement Program. The program aims to increase racial equity and gender diversity within the profession. The program provides cohorts of 10 outstanding women with $3,500 to cover LARE costs, along with exam preparation courses, resources, and mentorship from a licensed landscape architect. In 2023, the inaugural cohort made great strides and ASLA selected a second cohort to begin the journey to licensure. Donate to this program today!

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
    
      
        
          
            
              
                
                  
                    
                  
                
              
              
                
                  
                    2021 ASLA Professional Honor Award in Residential Design. Highlands Retreat. Aspen, Colorado, United States. Design Workshop, Inc.
                  
                
              
            
          
        
      
    
  

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
  

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
    PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Funding Highlight: Healthy Watersheds Consortium Grant Program
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding grants for wildlife restoration and sport fish restoration projects that are beyond the scale, scope, and capabilities of a single State. Funds may be used for projects involving research, restoration, conservation and management of wild birds, wild mammals, sport fish, and their habitats. Individual awards will range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Apply prior to June 7, 2024 at 11:59pm ET. 
NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance
ASLA invites talented landscape architects like you to join the NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program as volunteer technical assistance providers. By lending your expertise, you can help enhance parks, recreation areas, waters, and wildlife habitats across the nation. Benefits include valuable experience, along with the possibility of your firm paying for volunteer hours. Reply ASAP to express your interest and receive further details. Learn more here (passcode: E^Pvh7^d). Join us in making a difference for our natural spaces!
Policy Internships for Landscape Architecture Students – Apply Now!
To help place students in positions to be policy changemakers, ASLA has created a new Student Policy Internships resource that highlights policy opportunities. From internships in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to governors’ offices, state legislatures, and more, this resource is filled with internships and resources cultivated by the ASLA Executive Committee.
State Board Vacancies
Connecticut
Public Member (2) – Contact the Department of Consumer Protection, dcp.occupationalprofessional@ct.gov, for more information.
Delaware 
Public Member (1) - Information to serve on the board is provided by the Division of Professional Regulation. 
Florida 
Professional Member (5) & Public Member (2) - Information on the board is available here and the application process is available here. 
Iowa 
Professional Member (2) - Interested in applying to become a part of the board? Submit an application here. 
New Hampshire 
Public Member (1) - If you're interested, please fill out the online form found here. 
New Jersey
Professional Member (1) & Public Member (2)
Pennsylvania 
Professional Member (1) & Public Member (2) - Please contact Board staff for information on filling the vacancies. 
Rhode Island 
Public Member (1) - Please submit your "Letter of Interest" and "Resume" to Donna.Costantino@dbr.ri.gov. 
Wisconsin 
Professional Member (1) & Public Member (1) - If you are interested in applying to serve, an application can be submitted to the office of Gov. Evers. 

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
  
    
      
        
          
            
              
                
                  
                    
                  
                
              
              
                
                  
                    2023 ASLA Professional Honor Award in Analysis & Planning. The New Orleans Reforestation Plan: Equity in the Urban Forest. New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Spackman Mossop Michaels. Client: City of New Orleans, Saving Our Urban Landscape.