Total annual funding to state geological surveys approaches a quarter billion dollars

The 2021 Report of AASG Statistician Ken Bradbury of WI indicates that FY20 revenue to state geological surveys was $231M, with current estimates for FY21 at $242M. Funding had peaked at $237M in FY12, due to the federal stimulus, and as federal funds fell by $45M, and total funding bottomed out at $216M in FY14, surveys raised diverse funds to achieve stability, although states vary. Adjusted for inflation, state surveys have been financially stable since the early 80s, although staffing has fallen in that time by a third. FY20 funding is half state-derived, and 20% federal, with the remainder in other categories. State funds are mostly recurring rather than non-recurring; whereas recurring state funds were over 90% of budgets in 1960, this fell to 40% in 2010 and has since stabilized. An upswing in federal funding is underway in FY21. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 30%. Publication sales continue to dwindle as data and publications are offered for free online.

AGI Executive Director, Jon Arthur

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) today announced the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Arthur as its new Executive Director, effective August 1, 2021. Jon has been with Florida Geological Survey since 1993, and Florida State Geologist since 2008. He served as AASG President in 2014/2015, having joined AASG Executive in 2010. He also has served as President of the Florida Association of Professional Geologists. He was recently appointed to the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Academy of Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1994. Best wishes, Jon!

Erin Campbell, AASG President, 2021-2022

On July 1st, 2021, Erin Campbell, Wyoming State Geologist, will be President of AASG. Erin also serves as a cabinet member for the governor of Wyoming, and is a commissioner for the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the Enhanced Oil Recovery Commission. She spent one year as the manager of the Energy and Mineral Resources division at the Wyoming State Geological Survey before being appointed as state geologist in 2017. Previously, during 15 years at University of Wyoming, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses, directed the Geology Field Camp, and conducted research in structural geology and geomechanics. Additionally, she was a geologist with Chevron in Louisiana and California. Erin holds a B.S. degree in geology from Occidental College and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Wyoming, specializing in structural geology.

William “Bill” Marsalis, State Geologist of Louisiana from 1992-1997

William E. Marsalis, Jr., March 28, 1937 - June 10, 2021, of Houston TX, has passed away. Bill was Louisiana State Geologist from November 1992–September 1997, and thus the predecessor of Chacko John. He received his MS from the University of Alabama Department of Geological Sciences, and he was a proud follower of the Crimson Tide. He served in the Army from 1960 to 1962, and worked in many roles before becoming State Geologist

AASG Presidential Award to Gale Blackmer

On June 16^th, 2021, AASG President John Yellich of MI presented the Presidential Award to Gale Blackmer, State Geologist of PA, for her leadership and vision in scientific and technological change in 2D and 3D geologic mapping, in development and implementation of National Geologic Map Database Phase Three, and her role in major new funding from Congress for geologic mapping. Concurrently, she is AASG Historian, and in that role she leads documentation of AASG and state geological survey history, including documents and data on AASG Affairs and the role that State Geologists play in our Nation.

C. William Clendenin , Jr. , Ph.D.

It is with deep sadness I inform you that our colleague Charles “Bill” Clendenin has passed away. Bill just retired August 2020 as the South Carolina State Geologist and as all good structural geologists, he was doing what he loved, fishing, and suffered an accident.  Bill was found in the Saluda River, South Carolina on Wednesday, May 19.  Respectfully, our prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends and associates.  We will await any further information. AASG President John Yellich

DMT2021, June 7-10 2021 (A Virtual Event)

The Digital Mapping Techniques workshop series ("DMT") brings together scientists, cartographers, and GIS specialists, from State and Federal agencies, as well as Universities, the private sector, and international colleagues. This annual series of workshops began in 1997. It is a highly regarded venue that has contributed to the development and evolution of digital mapping techniques, standards, and guidelines both in the United States and internationally.

For information regarding the DMT workshops, please contact Dave Soller (drsoller@usgs.gov).

https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/dmt/

https://isgs.illinois.edu/dmt/2021