As a Land Surveyor and Professional Engineer actively practicing in Virginia for over 35 years, I believe strongly that the continued regulation of Landscape Architects, Professional Soil Scientists and Wetland Delineators is critical to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. In my experience working with Landscape Architects, their designs can include significant structural elements that need professional training and oversight.  Professional Soil Scientists make critical judgments about the characteristics of soils that I rely upon for the design of septic systems.  Professional Wetland Delineators establish the areas that must be preserved throughout the course of a development to protect highly sensitive and regulated environments.

The risks to the public are too high to permit unqualified practitioners to provide these types of services without regulation.  I urge you to continue the current licensing requirements.