2021 AASG - Pick and Gavel Award to Dr. Elizabeth Eide

2021 AASG Pick and Gavel Award recipient Elizabeth Eide, acting executive director for the National Academy Division on Earth and Life Studies, has contributed tremendously in facilitating the role that geology plays in society.  She has directed 11 consensus studies of the National Academies on topics including critical minerals, disaster resilience, induced seismicity, coalbed methane, and floodplain mapping as a senior program officer between 2005 and 2012.  From 1993-2005, she served as a research geologist, team leader, and geochronology laboratory manager at the Geological Survey of Norway in Trondheim. Among her publications are more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.  She received a Fulbright Scholarship to Norway and was elected to membership in the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters.  She completed a Ph.D. in geology at Stanford University and received a B.A. in geology from Franklin and Marshall College. 

https://www.nationalacademies.org/about/leadership/elizabeth-eide

David Wunsch is President of AGI

Dr. David R. Wunsch is the State Geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey. Previously was the State Geologist of New Hampshire (2000-2010), and Director of Science & Technology (2010-2011) for the National Groundwater Association (NGWA). He has held leadership positions with the Association of American State Geologists (President 2009-2010), NGWA (Division Director 2002-2005), and AGI (Secretary 2002-2004). Dr. Wunsch was AGI's first Congressional Science Fellow (1988-1999), where he advised the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy & Minerals. He has served on National Academy of Science committees, and federal advisory committees for the U.S. Geological Survey. He holds an affiliated faculty position with the University of Delaware Department of Earth Sciences. His areas of interest include hydrogeology and geochemistry, and science and policy.

https://www.americangeosciences.org/content/board-directors

Bill Clendenin retires as South Carolina State Geologist

Charles William (Bill) Clendenin, Jr. has completed 25 years as South Carolina State Geologist. He holds a B.S. degree from Southeast Missouri State University, an M.S. from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology, and a Ph.D. from University of the Witwatersrand. His geological expertise is in structural styles of faulting and reactivation, depositional systems and sequence stratigraphy, regional basin analysis and studies of syndepositional tectonics with emphasis on rifting and basin inversion, as well as movement of fluids in sedimentary basins.

Vicki McConnell named an AAAS Fellow

Vicki McConnell, Executive Director of the Geological Society of America, has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow, in recognition of outstanding research, leadership, project management and service to the community in geology and volcanology. Vicki was State Geologist of Oregon from 2003 to 2015. She was AASG Secretary from 2007 to 2009, VP in 2009/2010, President Elect in 2010/2011, President in 2011/2012, and Past President in 2012/2013. Vicki received her Ph.D. in geology/volcanology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1995.  She has also been a Research Associate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an Adjunct Professor of Geology at Eastern Oregon University.

Frye Award to Missouri

The AASG/GSA Frye Award recognizes the best nominated state geological survey & GSA publications in environmental geology. The 2020 Frye Award has been presented to the James W. Duley and Cecil Boswell of the Missouri Geological Survey for the report “Revised Recharge Areas of Selected Large Springs in the Big Four Region of the Ozarks”.

Jamie Robertson receives the Campbell Medal

AGI has announced that Jamie Robertson, State Geologist of Wisconsin from 1993 to 2015, is the 2020 Campbell Medal recipient. Jamie played a steadfast role in AASG Liaison, he was the 96/97 AASG Secretary, and he worked his way up to 99/00 AASG President. He also held leadership roles with AGI and GSA, and other bodies. Prior to his service in Wisconsin, he was with New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hudson's Bay Oil & Gas Co. Ltd., and Michigan Tech. He holds degrees from Carleton College and Michigan. The Campbell Medal is given in recognition of singular performance in and contributions to the profession of geology. Candidates are measured against the distinguished career of Ian Campbell, whose service to the profession touched virtually every facet of the geosciences.

Mankin Award to Delaware

The 2020 AASG Mankin Award recipient is the Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) for their publication: “The Geologic Map of Offshore Delaware” by C. Robin Mattheus, Kelvin W. Ramsey and Jamie L. Tomlinson.  The Charles J. Mankin Award is an annual AASG award given to a nominated geological map, compilation, or report on regional, energy, or mineral resource geology. The award honors Charles Mankin (1932-2012), who as Director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey for forty years (1967-2007) was a tireless advocate for geologic mapping. Here is a link to the map:

https://www.dgs.udel.edu/sites/default/files/publications/geomap25_0.pdf

Geologic Mapping Forum Online 2020-2021

 

As you know, exciting developments are happening in the world of geologic mapping! Societal needs are escalating, our capabilities are dramatically improving, and new funding is arriving.

We therefore are pleased to announce that the Geologic Mapping Forum for 2020 and 2021 will take place online this winter, as meetings of up to two hours duration on Thursdays at Noon Central, on Oct 8, Nov 5, & Dec 3, 2020, and Jan 28, Feb 25, Mar 25, & Ap 22, 2021. Also, please stay tuned for DMT and additional important meetings.

The intended GMF audience is geological map authors and program managers, and the focus again will be on geology rather than funding or GIS. Abstracts for the 20-minute invited GMF talks will be requested. Discussion will be arranged. GMF20 invited speakers will be re-invited, GMF20 submitted abstracts will carry over, and we will invite each State, Fedmap leader, and additional colleagues.

Depending on the number of abstracts, we might schedule this as regional meetings as needed, in the New Year. Talks will be recorded and made available unless speakers request otherwise. Please mark your calendars. This is going to be great! Sincerely,

John Brock, US Geological Survey; Harvey Thorleifson, Minnesota Geological Survey

Jim Butler, Kansas Geological Survey, 2020 recipient of the Hubbert Award

Jim Butler, senior scientist and geohydrologist at the Kansas Geological Survey, is the 2020 recipient of the National Ground Water Association’s M. King Hubbert Award. The association’s highest scientific honor, the award is given annually for major scientific or engineering contributions that advance the understanding of groundwater through research, writing, teaching and practical applications.

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California Geological Survey History 1850-2015

California Geological Survey has released Special Publication 126, a history of work performed by California’s state geological surveys between 1850 and 2015. As one of the first and longest-operating agencies in the state, CGS has weathered more than 165 years of physical and political challenges, financial difficulties, changes in scientific advancement, and public scrutiny. From the sparsely populated Gold Rush days of the early 1850s through years of rapid population growth and development, CGS maintained its goal of providing the citizens of California with sound, unbiased scientific data and advice on the diverse geology of the state, its mineral resources, and its geologic hazards.

Special Publication 126 is available as a hard copy for $75, plus $8 to cover shipping. It is not available for download. To purchase the book, contact our Publications Sales Desk.

Source

Nicholas Hayman, Oklahoma Geological Survey Director

The new director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey is Dr. Nick Hayman, who previously worked at the Institute for Geophysics at the University of Texas. He follows former director Jerry Boak who retired in 2019. Nick’s research has addressed the oceanic lithosphere, continental margins, and trench settings as well as fundamental properties of sediments and rocks. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

AASG takes steps to more actively oppose racism

In the context of the present national and international outcry over continuing unjust treatment toward people of color in this country, the Association of American State Geologists, during our annual meeting held the week of June 8th, 2020, took steps to ensure that we will more actively face injustices and commit to challenging and changing the biases that lead to discriminatory practices against people of color.

David Wunsch to serve on the National Petroleum Council

David R. Wunsch, State geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey has been invited by U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette to serve on the National Petroleum Council (NPC), representing the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). David is the President-Elect of AGI. The NPC is a federally chartered and privately funded advisory committee established by President Truman in 1946 to provide advice, information and recommendations on matters related to the oil and gas industries. David will serve a two-year term on the council. Source

John Yellich, AASG President, 2020-2021

On July 1^st, 2020, John Yellich, Director of the Michigan Geological Survey, will be the 2020-2021 AASG President. John received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Michigan University, and his professional geologist certification from the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Previously John had more than forty years of geologic experience in mineral exploration and development, environmental consulting, business operations, and safety compliance. He has worked in more than thirty states conducting mineral and petroleum assessments in the United States, Canada, Australia and China. Source: WMU

AASG Presidential Award to Dick Berg

On June 11^th, 2020, AASG President Richard Ortt of Maryland presented the AASG Presidential Award to Dick Berg, State Geologist of Illinois, for his steadfast service to AASG over the past year. Dick is AASG Editor, and he has helped in many additional ways, as he has for many years

AASG 2020 Annual meeting, completed online!

The 2020 Annual Meeting of the Association of American State Geologists was very successfully completed online, on June 10^th and 11^th, 2020. All customary business was completed. New Members and new Associates were welcomed. The passing of former State Geologists over the past year was recognized. Reporting, budget, and audit was tended to. Reports were received, and actions were taken. The new Executive was elected. We are looking forward to awesome Annual Meetings in Nevada in 2021, and Colorado in 2022. All is well, despite the pandemic

DMT 2020, online, June 8-10

The Digital Mapping Techniques workshop brings together scientists, cartographers, and GIS specialists, from States, Federal agencies, 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 in the US and internationally.

The DMT'20 workshop will be held June 8-10, 2020, as a virtual event - two 90-minute sessions per day, including lightning talks, 20-minute presentations, discussion sessions, and a Map Blast. A Proceedings volume will be published, as was done from 1997 to 2012. You're welcome to attend!

Please register here: https://www.isgs.illinois.edu/dmt/2020

2019 Association of American State Geologists (AASG) Journal

AASG Editor Dick Berg, State Geologist of Illinois, working with his highly capable staff, has released the 2019 AASG Journal, which outlines the ongoing, comprehensive role played by state geological surveys across the USA. The Journal illustrates the earlier quantitative report by AASG Statistician Jerry Boak, State Geologist of Oklahoma, who reported last year that funding to state geological surveys in FY18 was stable as a whole at $231 million, and total staffing was at 1853 person-years. A slight increase was projected for FY19. Gender balance among geoscientists is gradually rising, and is now at 28%. The Journal is available here:

https://www.stategeologists.org/system/files/historicaldocuments/AASG%20Journal%202019.pdf

Steve Bohlen, State Geologist of California

Beginning June 1, 2020, Steve Bohlen will serve as State Geologist and head of the California Geological Survey. He is a Dartmouth College alum, and he received a Ph.D. in geochemistry from University of Michigan in 1979. Previously, Steve has been with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, he served as State Oil and Gas Supervisor in 2014/2015, and he has served with USGS, the Joint Oceanographic Institutions, and Stony Brook University. Welcome Steve!

Bill Haneberg appointed to NGAC

The Department of the Interior has appointed William Haneberg, State Geologist of Kentucky, to serve on the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC). NGAC provides advice and recommendations on national geospatial policy and management issues, the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), and the implementation of the Geospatial Data Act of 2018.

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Acting State Geologist for Vermont, Jon Kim

Jon Kim will serve as Acting State Geologist for Vermont. Jon has a PhD in Geology (1996) from SUNY Buffalo, an MS in Geology (1984) from the University of Southern Florida and a BS in Geology (1981) from Colgate University. He is also a registered professional Geologist in New York. Jon has worked for the Vermont Geological Survey since 1997, spent many years mapping bedrock in the state and currently leads projects for aquifer characterization and contamination issues such as PFAS and nitrates.

Marjorie Gale to complete her time as Vermont State Geologist

On April 24^th, 2020, Marjorie Gale will complete her time as State Geologist of Vermont, having served in this capacity since late 2014. She has been with the Vermont Geological Survey since 1996. She is well known for her role, with USGS and the University of Vermont, in the spectacular Bedrock Geologic Map of Vermont, published in 2011. She has also worked in groundwater, energy, and ecological studies. She received a BA in Geology from the University of New Hampshire in 1974, and an MS in Geology from the University of Vermont in 1980.

Conferences Cancelled

The Geologic Mapping Forum in April, Digital Mapping Techniques in May, and the AASG Annual Meeting in June have been cancelled, due to the coronavirus pandemic

Digital Mapping Techniques, Rolla Missouri, May 17-20 2020

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.
https://dmt-2020-modnr.hub.arcgis.com/

Geologic Mapping Forum, Minneapolis, April 7-9, 2020

At the Geologic Mapping Forum in Minneapolis in April, ~100 geological map authors, program managers and allied professionals from geological surveys and associated agencies will meet to discuss the status and future of geological mapping in the USA. The meeting will be hosted by Minnesota Geological Survey on the University of Minnesota campus.
https://www.mngs.umn.edu/GMF2020.html

AASG Annual Meeting at Lake Tahoe, NV (June 7-11)

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology is hosting the 2020 annual meeting for AASG at a stunning location. Situated in the Carson Range above Lake Tahoe, The Ridge Tahoe Resort overlooks beautiful Carson Valley and its fascinating geology and is surrounded by the rich natural beauty and mining history of the west. The area is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and offers world class hiking and biking trails, water activities, skiing and much more.

https://www.unr.edu/aasg

2020 Pick and Gavel recipient, US Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia

The 2020 recipient of the AASG Pick and Gavel award is US Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia. The Pick and Gavel Dinner is held in Washington D.C.  at the Cosmos Club, whose history is steeped in geology. One of its founders and first presidents was John Wesley Powell, 1881 -1894 USGS Director and explorer of the Grand Canyon, and its membership has included many renowned geologists. The Award consists of a mounted mineral, fossil, or rock, with a symbol that includes a geologist's pick, a policy-maker's gavel, and the Capitol, where geologists and policy-makers work together to respond to the needs of the nation.

Go-ahead for NGMDB Phase Three

In 1992, the National Geologic Mapping Act (NGMA) authorized the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), now led by John Brock of USGS, whose purpose is to build the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB). Under the leadership of Dave Soller of USGS, NGMDB consists of the Phase One Catalog, the Phase Two standards, and the Phase Three seamless database. In December 2019, Congress directed that Phase Three go ahead, to bring together detailed, national, and continental-resolution 2D and 3D information produced throughout the Survey and by federal and state partners.

National Geospatial Advisory Committee

DOI Assistant Secretary Tim Petty (L) and Federal Geographic Data Committee Executive Director Ivan DeLoatch (R) congratulate two Minnesotans, State Geologist Harvey Thorleifson and Pat Cummens of ESRI, upon completion of 6 years on the National Geospatial Advisory Committee.

Digital Release of 3D Geology Synopsis

The 2019 Synopsis of Current 3D Geological Mapping and Modelling in Geological Survey Organizations is now available for download from the AGS website

https://ags.aer.ca/publications/SPE_112.html

AGU CEO Announces Leadership Transition

"It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing that Chris McEntee, our CEO and executive director,

has informed us that she will be departing AGU at the end of the first quarter of 2020.  During her tenure, her remarkable leadership has positioned AGU as the leading voice and convener of Earth and space science globally. She has led key initiatives that have increased the relevance and value of Earth and space science to humanity. As a result of Chris’s efforts, AGU is stronger than ever, is well positioned for a vibrant and successful future, is celebrating its centennial year, and is creating its next strategic plan. The organization is poised for continued success."
https://fromtheprow.agu.org/agu-ceo-announces-transition/

Erin Campbell, Wyoming Woman of Influence

State Geologist of Wyoming and Association of American State Geologists (AASG) Vice President Erin Campbell has been honored as a Wyoming Woman of Influence. She became State Geologist and Director of the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) in 2017. Previously she was Manager of Energy and Minerals Resources. Along with heading the WSGS, the Director serves on the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (WOGCC) and the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG).  Erin Campbell has a B.A. in Geology from Occidental College in Los Angeles and a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Wyoming. Prior to working at WSGS, she worked for Chevron and as a lecturer at University of Wyoming. She is the first woman to be named Wyoming State Geologist.

https://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/news/wyoming/article_c45c8805-f7b1-5896-be79-28186c05e179.html

State Geologist of Idaho, Claudio Berti

Geologist Claudio Berti was recently named director and state geologist at the Idaho Geological Survey (IGS). Berti was hired in January 2019 as the survey's digital mapping and geographic information systems lab manager. Berti's career began in Italy, where he most notably served as survey geologist for the Italian Geologic Survey, as well as adjunct professor at the University of Chieti and consulting geologist with the Italian National Highway Agency. Berti came to the US in 2009 as a post-doc and adjunct professor of geology at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, where he later became director of field operations and the university's field camp program for students, as well as professor of practice in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. In addition to his seven years at Lehigh, he spent two years as an assistant professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Delaware.

https://www.uidaho.edu/news/news-articles/faculty-staff-news/2019-september/092319-claudioberti-igsdirector-stategeologist

Sam Tuthill, State Geologist of Iowa, 1925-1919

Sam Tuthill died in Wheatland, IA in August at the age of 93. He was born in San Diego, and was raised in Chatham, New Jersey. He served in WWII with the US Army Air Corps. He graduated from Drew University, Syracuse University and the University of North Dakota. He specialized in Quaternary paleoecology in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Alaska. He taught geology at Muskingum College in Ohio and served as State Geologist and Director of the Iowa Geological Survey from 1969 to 1975. He also served as Science Advisor to the Secretary of Interior, Energy Policy Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce, and was appointed to the President’s Energy Resources Council. From 1977 to 1987, Sam held positions at Iowa Electric Light and Power Company in Cedar Rapids. He then consulted with his son John. In retirement, Sam enjoyed a home in northern Minnesota. He is survived by Connie, his wife of 67 years, and his family.

https://www.schultzfuneralhomes.com/notices/DrSamuel-Tuthill

Casey Hanell will be Washington State Geologist

Casey Hanell will be Washington State Geologist in October. Casey leads and manages the Earth Sciences Program, which is responsible for all geologic and hydrologic consultation on DNR-managed lands. He started with DNR in 2002 working on slope stability assessments at a landscape level. Since then, most of his work has involved landslide risk assessments for proposed management activities (timber harvest and forest road construction). He spent two years as a silviculture forester performing and overseeing forest management activities from planting through final harvest. Casey received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Geology from Western Washington University in 2001 and 2011, respectively. He is a licensed Engineering Geologist in the State of Washington (No. 2771) and a "qualified expert" under the Washington Forest Practices Rules. In his spare time, Casey enjoys camping,  music, making pickles, and running. (https://www.dnr.wa.gov/geology)

Dave Norman to complete his time as State Geologist of Washington

Dave Norman, State Geologist of Washington, will retire on October 1^st, having served in this capacity with great distinction since 2009. Dave has worked for the DNR since 1989, initially in Surface Mine Reclamation. Prior to that, he worked for industry in metals and industrial minerals exploration, geothermal energy exploration, as well as in oil and gas. He also worked in the geotechnical field and has evaluated slope stability and landslide hazards at mine and building sites as well as for forestry. Dave worked for Amoco Minerals and Union Geothermal, in exploration throughout the western United States and Alaska. He also worked for Core Laboratories, on petroleum exploration and development in North America and internationally. He received a B.S. in Geology in 1978 from Portland State University, and an M.S. in Geology in 1983 from University of Utah.

Applications are being solicited for the position of Director, Oklahoma Geological Survey

DIRECTOR, OKLAHOMA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

Applications are being solicited for the position of Director, Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS). The OGS is located on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, Oklahoma, and is under the direction and supervision of the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma. Organizationally, the OGS is located within the Mewbourne College of Earth & Energy, which also includes the School of Geology & Geophysics and the Mewbourne School of Petroleum & Geological Engineering. The Director of the OGS reports administratively to the Dean, Mewbourne College of Earth & Energy. If appropriate, the successful candidate may hold a dual appointment as a faculty member within the College as an Associate or Full Professor. Candidates should hold a doctorate or have the equivalent experience in geology, geophysics or a closely related field. Prior experience with a public agency, such as the OGS, would be beneficial.

https://findajob.agu.org/job/8010971/director-oklahoma-geological-survey/

Mankin Award to Indiana

The AASG Mankin Award recognizes the best nominated state geological survey publication in regional, energy, or mineral resource geology, with an emphasis on surface or subsurface geologic mapping, compilations, and associated reports. The 2019 Mankin Award has been presented to Indiana authors, for The Bedrock Geology of Bartholemew County, Hasenmueller, W. A., and Rupp, R. F, 2018. Published by the Indiana Geological and Water Survey.

https://igws.indiana.edu/IGSMap/BartholomewCounty

AASG presents 2019 Distinguished Service Awards

At the AASG Annual Meeting in Montana, the 2019 Distinguished Service Awards were presented, as follows:

• Rick Allis, Utah; Statistician, 2009-2013, 2017-2018; Annual Meeting Host, 2009
• John Parrish, California; Past President, 2014-2015; President, 2013-2014; President Elect, 2012-2013
• Chacko John, Louisiana; Past President, 2008-2009; President, 2007-2008; President Elect, 2006-2007; Vice President, 2005-2006
• Karl Muessig, New Jersey; Annual Meeting Host, 2010; Editor, 2004-2010
• Michael Hohn, West Virginia; Annual Meeting Host, 2008; Treasurer, 2012-2014

Frye Award to Delaware

The AASG/GSA Frye Award recognizes the best nominated state geological survey & GSA publications in environmental geology. The 2019 Frye Award has been presented to the Delaware Sea-level Rise Technical Committee, for the publication:  Callahan, John A., Benjamin P. Horton, Daria L. Nikitina, Christopher K. Sommerfield, Thomas E. McKenna, and Danielle Swallow, 2017. Recommendation of Sea-Level Rise Planning Scenarios for Delaware: Technical Report, prepared for Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Delaware Coastal Programs. 114 pp.

Rich Ortt, AASG President, 2019-2020

Richard Allen Ortt, Jr., Director of the Maryland Geological Survey, is the 2019-2020 AASG President. Rich has been with the Survey since 1992, where he has worked on geologic engineering topics such as erosion, transport, deposition and accumulation in reservoirs and shipping channels. Rich holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He and his wife Janine have four children.

Earth MRI is underway

Source: The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI; formerly known as 3DEEP) is planned as a partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), and other Federal, State, and private-sector organizations. The goal of the effort is to improve our knowledge of the geologic framework in the United States and to identify areas that have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources. Enhancement of our domestic mineral supply will decrease our reliance on foreign sources of minerals that are fundamental to the Nation’s security and economy.

The intent of Earth MRI is to leverage the USGS’s existing relationships with States and the private sector to conduct state-of-the-art geologic mapping and airborne geophysical and topographic (lidar) surveys. Analyses of these datasets could point to potential buried critical mineral deposits.

Association of American State Geologists 111th Annual Meeting

The AASG 111th Annual Meeting will be held at Fairmont Hot Springs, Montana from June 9-13, 2019. The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) hosted the Annual Meeting in 2001 and they are looking forward to your joining us to help celebrate their centennial. The four-day meeting includes technical sessions, field trips, and keynote addresses by invited speakers from across the realm of science, energy, environment, and policy.

DMT 2019 - 23rd year!

The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology is pleased to host the 23rd Annual Digital Mapping Techniques on the Montana Tech campus, located in historic Butte, Montana.

Tom Joiner, State Geologist of Alabama from 1976 to 1991

Thomas Johnson Joiner, State Geologist and Oil and Gas Supervisor at the Geological Survey of Alabama from 1976 to 1981, passed away on March 11, 2019, at age 86.

2019 AASG Pick and Gavel Award recipient, Anthony G. Brown of Maryland

For his superb service, and for his co-sponsorship this year of reauthorization of the National Geologic Mapping Act, AASG presented the 2019 Pick and Gavel Award to Representative Anthony G. Brown of Maryland, on February 26th, 2019. Representative Brown previously served two terms as the eighth Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, from 2007 to 2015. He was elected as lieutenant governor in 2006 on the Democratic ticket with Governor Martin O'Malley, and both were re-elected in 2010. Brown served two four-year terms in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Prince George's County. He is a Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, having served in the U.S. Army for over thirty years. While lieutenant governor, Brown was one of the two highest-ranking elected officials in the nation to have served a tour of duty in Iraq.

Chuck Ratte, State Geologist of Vermont from 1976 to 1991

Charles A. Ratté, State Geologist and Director of the Vermont Geological Survey from 1976 to 1991, passed away on February 20th, 2019, at age 91. Chuck served in the Marine Corps, and received degrees in geology from Middlebury, Dartmouth, and University of Arizona. He was a summer field assistant for USGS in 1953 in Glacier Bay, Alaska, and later served with US Steel. He was a geology professor at Windam College from 1963 until 1976. As State Geologist, Dr. Ratté successfully transferred the responsibilities of the Vermont State Geological Survey from the University of Vermont to the Agency of Natural Resources. He conducted a landmark study of radioactivity, which led to the restriction of nuclear waste siting in Vermont. In 1989, Dr. Ratté got legislation through the State House that redefined the mission and significance of the state geologist. He served as a visiting professor at the University of Kentucky from 1991 to 1993. After retirement in 1994, Chuck and Judith lived in Martha’s Vineyard, before returning to Vermont in 2008.

New Ohio State Geologist, Mike Angle

In February, Mike Angle was named 14th State Geologist of Ohio. Mike had been serving as Assistant Chief since 2012 under Chief Tom Serenko. Upon Tom’s resignation in 2018, Mike was appointed as Interim State Geologist. Mike has a long history of service in the State of Ohio, having worked for 38 years in ODNR’s Division of Geological Survey and Division of Water. He also served as Geologist Supervisor for the Geologic Mapping and Industrial Minerals Group and Mapping Geologist for the Regional Geology Section.  He also held several positions with the ODNR Division of Water and authored more than 20 maps and more than a dozen articles and publications on various aspects of Ohio’s geology and hydrogeology.  Mike earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology from the University of Akron, with a specialty in glacial geology and hydrogeology. 

Rick Allis retires as State Geologist of Utah

In January, Rick Allis completed 18 years as State Geologist of Utah, having been appointed to the post in 2000. For the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), Rick served superbly as Statistician from 2009 to 2013 and from 2017 to 2018, as well as being Annual Meeting Host in 2009. Rick was Research Professor at the Energy and Geoscience Institute, University of Utah, from 1997 to 2000. Before that, he was with GNS Science and its predecessor organizations in New Zealand. He has broad expertise in energy resources, and has specialized in geothermal energy. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto. 

New Utah State Geologist, Bill Keach

Utah has named R. William (Bill) Keach II, as the new Utah state geologist and director of the Utah Geological Survey (UGS), following the retirement of Rick Allis, who served as director of UGS and state geologist since 2000.

According to the Utah DNR, Bill has over 30 years’ experience in industry, academia and regulatory state government, most recently as senior engineer at the California Department of Conservation’s Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources. He spent two decades working in the petroleum industry.

Keach is currently a visiting associate professor of geology at Brigham Young University and visiting instructor at the University of Utah’s Department of Chemical Engineering. He received a bachelor’s degree in Geology from BYU and a master’s degree in Geophysics from Cornell University.