Growth and Development of the Conservation Profession: A Matter of Degrees

Abstract

The conservation community in the United States has systematically and progressively professionalized the field of conservation. While this accomplishment is noteworthy, the field is now challenged with building its membership, acquiring continued support from related communities that advocate conservation concepts, and effectively preserving important cultural property throughout the United States. Because professional groups involved with the preservation of cultural property have been experiencing loss of members for several years, there is justification in reassessing degrees of similarity and ultimately considering unification of those involved with the preservation of cultural property for the benefit of society.