BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — A multistate team from universities in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland are working to advance the profession of urban forestry.

The team led by researchers at Virginia Tech has launched Urban Forestry 2020. The project aims to examine the challenges faced by the urban forestry profession and devise strategies for advancing the profession.

The project also includes representatives from Virginia State University, West Virginia University and the University of Maryland.

Urban forestry is the management of trees and green spaces in communities to enhance quality of life and protect the environment.

Team officials say that while the profession has advanced rapidly over the last 20 years, there are many issues that need to be faced to move it forward.

The project is partially funded by the U.S. Forest Service.

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