Richard C. Hyde, State Geologist of Connecticut from 1989 to 1997

We recently learned of the passing of Richard Clark Hyde of Ashford CT, on June 14, 2016. He was born in 1941 in Norwalk CT, and he grew up in Westport, enjoying sports and camping with his brothers. After four years in the Navy, Richard enrolled at UConn, studied Geology, and did his Master’s in micropaleontology. After working with USGS, he joined the CT Geological Survey, and became Director and State Geologist in 1989. He is very well remembered, and he is missed.

https://www.courant.com/obituaries/richard-c-hyde-ashford-ct/

David Wunsch has received the Caulfield Medal for Water Policy

David Wunsch, State Geologist of Delaware, has received the Henry P. Caulfield, Jr., Medal for Exemplary Contributions to National Water Policy, presented by the American Water Resources Association. The award recognizes an individual who has achieved a status of eminence in shaping national water policy. Congratulations and thank-you, David!

Jessica Moore of West Virginia, 2024-2025 AASG President

Jessica Moore, Director and State Geologist at the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey since 2021, will be the 2024-2025 AASG President on July 1st. Jessica was AASG VP in 2022-2023 and President Elect in 2023-2024. Before being State Geologist, she had been Program Manager, Applied Oil and Gas at the West Virginia survey in Morgantown since 2011. Her prior service included over three years at North Carolina Geological Survey, and education mostly at West Virginia University, where she was a Chesapeake Energy Scholar. Thanks for your leadership, Jessica!

Matt Morgan of Colorado has been elected to AASG Executive

Matt Morgan, who has been State Geologist of Colorado since 2022, will be VP of AASG on July 1st. Matt received his bachelor’s degree in Geology from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 1996. He received a Professional Degree in GIS and Remote Sensing from University of Denver in 1997, and a Master’s degree in geology from the Colorado School of Mines in 2006. He also studied advanced project management at the Stanford School of Business in 2015. He was with the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources from 1993 to 1995. He joined the Colorado Survey in 1996, and became Deputy Director in 2015. The AASG Officers for 2024-2025 thus will be Past President John Metesh of MT, President Jessica Moore of WV, President Elect Clare Falcon of LA, Vice President Matt Morgan of CO, Treasurer Claudio Berti of ID, Secretary Harley Means of FL, Editor Casey Hanell of WA, Statistician Matthew Heller of VA, and Historian William Keach of UT. Thanks for your willingness, Matt!

AASG Presidential Award to David Wunsch

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Presidential Award to David Wunsch, State Geologist of Delaware. It is AASG tradition for the outgoing President to have the option to present AASG Presidential Awards, to recognize extraordinary service to the objectives of AASG by one or more active member(s) of the AASG community during recent time, or by friends of AASG over the long term. David is now our longest serving State Geologist, with 13 years in NH and 11 in DE, he was AASG Statistician from 2002 to 2004, he served on AASG Executive from 2006 to 2011, and he was Annual Meeting Host in 2018. Recently, he has provided much leadership in AASG Planning and matters related to Water. Thank-you, David!

AASG Presidential Award to Kevin Gallagher

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of MT presented the AASG Presidential Award to Kevin Gallagher, who has been a great friend of AASG, and who retired earlier this year following 39 years of public service, most recently as USGS Associate Director for the Core Science Systems Mission Area. Kevin was appointed to this role in 2010, in which he directed USGS programs in geologic mapping, data preservation, geospatial, biological Information, informatics, and the immense USGS library. From 2002-2010, he was USGS Chief Information officer and Chief Technology Officer. Before joining USGS, Kevin held roles with the Coast Guard and the Navy.  He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems from Syracuse University, a Chief Information Officer Certificate from National Defense University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from James Madison University. He has completed the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University. Thanks for your superb leadership, Kevin!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Vicki Cowart

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Vicki Cowart of Colorado. The DSA goes to particularly deserving, living, retired or retiring AASG people other than current officers who deserve to be recognized for the excellence of their efforts over the long term, in particular through AASG. Vicki was State Geologist of CO from 1992-2003; AASG President, 2001-2002; President Elect, 2000-2001; Vice President, 1999-2000; Treasurer, 1999-2000; Annual Meeting Host, 1997; and Statistician, 1996-1999. Thanks, Vicki!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Nelia Dunbar

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Nelia Dunbar of New Mexico, who was State Geologist of New Mexico, 2016 – 2024, and AASG Secretary, 2018 – 2023. Thanks, Nelia!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Rich Ortt

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Richard Ortt of Maryland, who was State Geologist of MD, 2013-2023; AASG Past President, 2020-2021; President, 2019-2020; President Elect, 2018-2019; Vice President, 2017-2018. Thanks, Rich!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Harvey Thorleifson

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Harvey Thorleifson of Minnesota, who was State Geologist of MN, 2003-2023; AASG Acting Secretary, 2022; Treasurer, 2017-2020; Past President, 2013-2014; President, 2012-2013; President Elect, 2011-2012; Vice President, 2010-2011; Treasurer, 2008-2010; and Statistician, 2006-2009. Thanks, Harvey!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Scott Tinker

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Scott Tinker of Texas, who was State Geologist of TX, 2000-2023; AASG Annual Meeting Host, 2012; Past President, 2007-2008; President, 2006-2007; President Elect, 2005-2006; and Vice President, 2004-2005. Thanks, Scott!

Total annual funding to state geological surveys is rising sharply

The 2024 Report of AASG Statistician Matt Heller of VA indicates that FY23 revenue to state geological surveys was $310M, with total staff of 2064 FTE; current estimates for FY24 are $336M and 2067 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. FY23 funding was half state-derived, and 22% 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, from $51M in FY21 to an estimated $75M in FY24. However, several states are seeing an even stronger surge in state funding. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 33%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online.