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

The 2022 Report of AASG Statistician Ken Bradbury of WI indicates that FY21 revenue to state geological surveys was $239M, with total staff of 1790 FTE; current estimates for FY22 are $263M and 1885 staff. 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. FY21 funding was 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. A significant upswing in federal funding is underway, from $51M in FY21 to an estimated $65M in FY22. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 30%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online.

Jim Faulds, AASG President, 2022-2023

On July 1st, 2022, Jim Faulds, State Geologist of Nevada, will be President of AASG. James E. Faulds is Director, State Geologist, and Professor, at Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno. Jim received his B.S. from University of Montana in 1981, his M.S. from University of Arizona in 1986, and his Ph.D. from University of New Mexico in 1989. His expertise is in geologic mapping, structural geology, tectonics, paleomagnetism, and geothermal. Previously, Jim was a professor at University of Iowa from 1991 to 1997. Lead on, Jim!

 

The 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada – a great success!

After two years of pandemic online meetings, the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting was very successfully held at the Tahoe Ridge Resort in Nevada, from June 12 – 16, hosted by the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology. The meeting included technical sessions, field trips and keynote addresses by invited speakers from science, energy, environment and policy. The meeting offered numerous optional field trips, including a field trip featuring Nevada’s hydrothermal sites. Author of the book "The Bonanza King: John Mackay and the Battle Over the Greatest Riches in the American West" Gregory Crouch spoke at the event's closing reception. What a wonderful meeting! Thanks to the organizers for a superb job.

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Jon Arthur

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Jon Arthur, Executive Director of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). Jonathan D. Arthur was State Geologist of Florida, 2010-2021; AASG Past President, 2015-2016; President, 2014-2015; President Elect, 2013-2014; Vice President, 2012-2013; Treasurer, 2010-2012. Great work, Jon!

 

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Vicki McConnell

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Vicki McConnell, who has been GSA Executive Director since 2015. Vicki S. McConnell was State Geologist of Oregon, 2003-2015; AASG Past President, 2012-2013; President, 2011-2012; President Elect, 2010-2011; Vice President, 2009-2010; Secretary, 2007-2009. Thanks, Vicki!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Bob Marvinney

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Bob Marvinney. Robert G. Marvinney was State Geologist of Maine, 1995-2021; Annual Meeting Host, 1998; Secretary, 2001-2003; President Elect, 2003-2004; President, 2004-2005; Past President, 2005-2006; Honoraries Chair, 2016-2021; Education Chair, 2015-2021; Water Chair, 2010-2012. Thanks for your service and friendship, Bob!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Chip Groat

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Chip Groat. Charles G. Groat was State Geologist of Louisiana from 1978-1990; in 1992; and 2017-2021; Director, U.S. Geological Survey, 1998-2005; Ian Campbell Medalist, 1998; AASG Honorary Member, 1993-present; AASG Past President, 1988–89; AASG President, 1987–88; AASG President Elect, 1986-1987

AASG Presidential Award to Harvey Thorleifson

On June 15th, 2022, at the AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Presidential Award to Harvey Thorleifson, State Geologist of Minnesota. Harvey was a big asset to AASG during the past year through his service as interim secretary, taking co-lead on the Liaison Committee, assistance monitoring many federal matters including the BIL, sharing of institutional knowledge, and willingness to step in whenever needed.  Thank you, Harvey!

DMT returns to an in-person format

After two years of virtual sessions during the pandemic, the 26th annual Digital Mapping Techniques workshop was hosted by the Missouri Geological Survey, as an in-person event, May 22-25, in Rolla, MO. Vicki Voigt and her colleagues did a great job hosting this event.  In addition to federal staff, twenty-three State geological surveys were represented. Thanks as always to Dave Soller!

Vicki Cowart, 2022 Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee

Vicki Cowart is one of seventeen extraordinary women who have been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame for the class of 2022. Vicki was State Geologist of Colorado from 1992 to 2003, AASG President in 2001/2002, and AGI Campbell Medalist in 2010. In 2021, Cowart retired as president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM). Vicki graduated from the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), and has been honored by that institution. Congratulations, Vicki!

https://www.cogreatwomen.org/