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.

Sara Pearson, next Director of the Michigan Geological Survey

On July 1, 2024, Sara Verbrugge Pearson will be Director of the Michigan Geological Survey at Western Michigan University, as successor to John Yellich who held the position for 11 years. Since 2021, Sara has been Source Water Unit Supervisor at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and before that, she worked in environmental consulting. Concurrently, she has been a member of the Western Michigan University Geosciences Advisory Board Member, since 2012. The Michigan Geological Survey recently has been bolstered by major new funding. Sara obtained a BS from Aquinas College - Grand Rapids in 1992, and an MS from Western Michigan University in 1994. Welcome, Sara!

Release of the 2023 AASG Journal

The AASG Journal has been produced since 1930, to document the work of state geological surveys, and of AASG, twice per year until 1970, and once per year thereafter. The 2023 AASG Journal was edited and produced by the Washington Geological Survey, under the lead of AASG Editor and Washington State Geologist Casey Hanell. The Publication Editors were Jessica Czajkowski, Joel Gombiner, Nikolas Midttun, and Susan Schnur. The front cover photo shows the Bear Den Member of the Golden Valley Formation (Paleocene) in North Dakota, courtesy of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. The current Journal is linked from the AASG web site under About. Great job!

AASG 2024 Annual Meeting in Utah

The 116th annual meeting of the Association of American State Geologists—hosted by the Utah Geological Survey—will be held June 1–6, 2024, in Park City, Utah. The meeting is open to AASG Members, Associates, Honorary Members, and invited guests, as well as respected colleagues from partner government and scientific agencies. Maybe see you there!

DMT will be in Illinois this year

Since 1997, the annual Digital Mapping Techniques workshops (“DMT”) have brought together geological mapping professionals, from across the USA and beyond, with an emphasis on GIS and other aspects of information science. 

The DMT’24 workshop will be held May 13 – 16, 2024 in Normal, Illinois at Illinois State University. DMT’24 is an in-person event, organized by staff of the Illinois State Geological Survey, the Illinois State University Department of Geography/Geology, and the National Geologic Map Database.

Since the beginning, Dave Soller of USGS has done a superb and appreciated job on organizing DMT, with colleagues. Hope to see you in Illinois!

Charles E. Chapin, New Mexico State Geologist from 1991 to 1999

Chuck Chapin, who was the New Mexico State Geologist and directed the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources from 1991–1999, passed away peacefully at his home in Albuquerque on March 14, 2024. He was 91. Chuck, who grew up in Washington State and trained at Colorado School of Mines, began his career at New Mexico Tech in 1965. He joined the Bureau of Geology from the NMT Geoscience Department in 1970. He was a visionary, creative, and insightful geoscientist who shaped our thinking about Laramide tectonics, Cenozoic volcanism, and the Rio Grande rift in New Mexico. Chuck was a strong mentor and, during his career, provided valuable instruction and encouragement to many graduate students and staff members at the Bureau of Geology. He was a kind person with a good sense of humor who was unafraid to speak his mind. He is missed.

2024 Pick and Gavel Awards to Senators Daines and Tester of Montana

AASG presents the Pick and Gavel Award to distinguished friends of geology who have made significant contributions to advancing the role that geoscience plays in public policy. The 2024 recipients are Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester of Montana.

A fifth-generation Montanan, Steve Daines has 28 years of private-sector business experience. He is working on issues of critical importance to growing good-paying Montana jobs, developing the state’s energy resources, managing and protecting our public lands and supporting the needs of Montana’s veterans and tribes. He serves on the Senate Committees on Finance, Banking Housing and Urban Affairs, Energy and Natural Resources, and Indian Affairs. Steve has been married to his wife, Cindy, for 37 years. They have four children and six grandchildren. They are involved in their church and community volunteer organizations and enjoy backpacking, hunting, skiing, and fishing.

U.S. Senator Jon Tester is a third-generation Montana farmer, a proud grandfather, and a former schoolteacher. He is the Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. He also serves on the Banking Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the Committee on Indian Affairs. Jon and his wife Sharla still farm the same land near the town of Big Sandy, Montana that was homesteaded by Jon’s grandparents in 1912.

Thank-you for your superb service, Senators!

https://www.daines.senate.gov/

https://www.tester.senate.gov/

Edward Rooks, State Geologist of Georgia

Edward Rooks has been named State Geologist of Georgia. He has thirty years of experience as a contractor, consultant, manufacturer, and regulator. Since 2006, he has been a Program Manager in the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, specializing in agricultural permitting and compliance, including ground and/or surface water withdrawal permits for the state. Before that, he was an Environmental Manager with Alcoa, and a project geologist beginning in 1990. He obtained his BS in geology from Emory in 1988, and a Master of Earth and Environmental Resources Management from University of South Carolina in 1994. Welcome, Edward!

The Geologic Mapping Forum (GMF) facilitates discussion among geologic map authors, program managers, and allied professionals, in the US and more broadly. The focus is on geological mapping science, rather than funding or GIS which are better covered in other meetings. 

The US Congress and States have accelerated needed systematic mapping, leading to important applications and exciting research outcomes. The series is coordinated by University of Minnesota Professor Harvey Thorleifson, and by NCGMP Coordinator Chris Swezey of the US Geological Survey. 

In-person meetings were held in 2018 and 2019, and monthly online meetings have been held since onset of the pandemic in 2020. This year, we are meeting on Thursdays for 2 hours at Noon Central on Oct 5, Nov 2, Nov 30, Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 21, & Ap 18; we have added February 8.

Abstracts for the 20-minute invited talks again are requested. Additional regional and topical workshops will be arranged separately by NCGMP as needed. Here are past GMF abstracts: 2018, 2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023; and the 2018 meeting summary.

Videos will be available unless speakers request otherwise. Resources are here, for those who are able to use Dropbox either on a work machine, or a personal device. For information, or to request to attend, please email thorleif@umn.edu

Jim Faulds to complete his time as State Geologist of Nevada

Jim Faulds has indicated that he will soon complete his time as State Geologist of Nevada. He was 2022-2023 AASG President, and 2022 Annual Meeting Host. James E. Faulds was appointed Director, State Geologist, and Professor, at Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno in 2012. 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. Well done, Jim!

Steven Domber, State Geologist of New Jersey

In December 2023, Steven Domber was appointed Director of the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey, having served in the Department since the year 2000. He had been serving as Section Chief for Water Resource Management. As State Geologist, Steve follows Jeffrey L. Hoffman who served from 2015 to 2023, Karl W. Muessig who had the role from 1999 to 2015, and Haig F. Kasabach who filled the role from 1983 to 1999. The history of the Survey goes back to 1835. Steven obtained his Master’s degree in geology and geophysics from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 2000, and he holds qualifications as a certified public manager from Rutgers. His undergrad in geology was from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 1994. Congratulations and best of luck, Steve!

Jeffrey Hoffman has completed his time as State Geologist of New Jersey

In December 2023, Jeffrey L. Hoffman retired from his position as State Geologist of New Jersey after over 42 years of service to the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey. Jeff was appointed Director in 2015, as successor to Karl W. Muessig, who had taken over from Haig F. Kasabach in 1999. Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from Penn State, and a Master’s in hydrogeology from Princeton. Congratulations, and thanks for your superb service, Jeff!

Carl J. Smith, State Geologist of West Virginia, 1944 – 2023

Carl James Smith, former State Geologist of West Virginia, passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 79. He was born on September 25, 1944, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Carl served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Commodore during Desert Storm. He served the State of West Virginia for over 30 years. He became State Geologist and Director of the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey from 2002 to 2005. He followed Larry Woodfork as State Geologist, and preceded Michael Hohn. He led the agency into the development of digital publications. During his time, the Survey became part of the Department of Commerce and began new studies in carbon sequestration and oil fields. Carl was a captivating storyteller and a source of joy to those around him. He was preceded in death by his late wife of 36 years, Trudy DiSabella Smith. He will be missed.

https://www.dominionpost.com/2024/01/04/carl-smith-3/

https://www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/allabout/allabout.htm#History

Mark Shuster, State Geologist of Texas

Effective January 3^rd, 2024, Mark Shuster is the acting State Geologist of Texas. Previously, Mark was responsible for managing the Bureau's energy-related research. He joined the Bureau in September, 2016. Prior to joining the Bureau, Mark worked for Shell and affiliates for 30 years in upstream oil and gas roles around the world. Mark began his professional career as a Research Geologist working on projects on the Permian Basin, Atlantic margin basins and southeast Asia. Subsequently, Mark worked on exploration and appraisal projects in Venezuela, Australia, Middle East, Gulf of Mexico and most recently, Alaska. Mark received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of the Pacific and his PhD in Geology from the University of Wyoming. 

Source: https://www.beg.utexas.edu/people/directorate

 

Jim Kennedy has retired as State Geologist of Georgia

Jim Kennedy retired as State Geologist of Georgia in 2022. The position remains vacant. The Geological Survey of Georgia and/or a State Geologist was first established from 1836 to 1840, then from 1874 to 1881. From 1890 to 2005, nine State Geologists served the state, and upon the retirement of Bill McLemore in 2005, Jim Kennedy was appointed. He holds a doctorate in geology, with a specialty in hydrogeology from Texas A&M University. He brought to the position 25 years experience consulting in the hydrogeology. He had previously served as a senior scientist for MACTEC Engineering and Consulting Inc. in Kennesaw.

https://www.georgiasfossils.com/24-needed-the-georgia-geologic-survey.html

 

John Yellich to complete his time as State Geologist of Michigan

John Yellich has announced his pending retirement as Director of the Michigan Geological Survey. John, who was appointed in 2013, is to be commended for rebuilding the survey, after its transfer in 2011 from state government to Western Michigan University as a one-person survey. The budget is now at 3M/y, along with 5M for five years of aggregate mapping. For AASG, John served as 2018-2019 VP, 2019-2020 President Elect, 2020-2021 President, and 2021-2022 Past President. Previously, John accumulated decades of accomplishments in mineral exploration and consulting, in over thirty states and around the world. John holds BA and MS degrees in geology from Western Michigan University. Thanks for your superb service, John!

Melanie Werdon is the new State Geologist of Alaska

Melanie B. Werdon has been named State Geologist of Alaska and Director of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys. Melanie previously was the chief of the Mineral Resources section at the Alaska state survey. Best wishes in your new role, Melanie!

Ron Zurawski is completing his time as State Geologist of Tennessee

Ron Zurawski, the longest serving state geologist in the USA, has announced his pending retirement after 51 years of service with the state, and 28 years as State Geologist. A graduate of Vanderbilt University with B.S. and M.S. degrees in geology, he started with a private engineering firm, where one of the duties was to inventory the Tennessee Division of Geology oil and gas well files. That led to a career with the state and contributions to the Tennessee Geological Survey, beginning in 1974. Zurawski was appointed State Geologist and Director of the Tennessee Division of Geology in January 1996. He has now been named recipient of the David Draughon Excellence Award from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Congratulations, Ron!

Scott Tinker to complete his time as State Geologist of Texas

Scott Tinker has announced his pending retirement as Director of the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, a position he has held since 2000. Before joining UT, he spent 17 years in the oil and gas industry, and he has been a very prominent commentator as the Chairman of the Switch Energy Alliance during his time in Austin. He earned his B.S. in geology and business administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, his M.S. in geological sciences from the University of Michigan, and his Ph.D. in geological sciences from the University of Colorado. He has served as president of AGI, AAPG, and the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies (GCAGS). Dr. Tinker is an AGI Campbell Medalist, AAPG Halbouty Medalist, GCAGS Boyd Medalist, and a Fellow of GSA. For AASG, Scott served as 2004-2005 VP, 2005-2006 President Elect, 2006-2007 President, and 2007-2008 Past President. Thanks for your tremendous service, Scott, and best wishes for much more to come!

Mike Timmons, State Geologist of New Mexico

On January 2, 2024, Dr. J. Michael Timmons will be State Geologist of New Mexico. Dr. Timmons received a BSc in geology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a master’s and Ph.D. in geology from the University of New Mexico. Besides serving as the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources deputy director, he also has served as program manager of the Geologic Mapping Program. Best of luck in your role, Mike!

Steve Mabee to complete his time as State Geologist of Massachusetts

Stephen B. Mabee, Ph.D., PG will retire as State Geologist and Director of the Massachusetts Geological Survey on February 2, 2024, a position he held since 2002. A Massachusetts native, Steve received his B.S. degree in Geology from Tufts University in 1974 and an M.S. degree in Geology from the University of Colorado in 1978. He worked as a consultant for a decade, and then received his Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1992. He was a visiting assistant professor at Amherst College from 1992 to 1995, and joined the faculty in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Massachusetts in 1995. He was AASG Historian from 2013 to 2017. Thanks for your superb service, Steve!

Nelia Dunbar to complete her time as New Mexico State Geologist

Dr. Nelia Dunbar will step down on January 2, 2024 as director of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources and state geologist for New Mexico, a position she has held since 2016. From March 2022 to January 2023 she served as New Mexico Tech interim vice president for research. Nelia received her master’s and doctoral degrees in geology from New Mexico Tech and has worked as a researcher at the bureau, and adjunct faculty member in the Earth and Environmental Studies Department, with much effort in her volcanology research in Antarctica. Thank-you for your superb service, Nelia!

Jeremy Lancaster is the State Geologist of California

On October 4, 2023, Jeremy Lancaster was appointed to lead the California Geological Survey (CGS). Jeremy joined CGS in 2006, and most recently served as Associate State Geologist and chief of the CGS Watershed Hazards and Climate Adaptation Branch. He has completed large multi-agency and multi-disciplinary projects that provide land-use planning tools, geologic mapping for wildlife habitat relationship assessments, and community planning tools for pre- and post- wildfire flash flood and debris flow hazards mitigation. He is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University-Pomona.

 

Mankin Award to Texas

The AASG Charles J. Mankin Award is given each year to the best recently-published, nominated state geological survey 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. The 2023 AASG Mankin Award has been presented to Stephen C. Ruppel of the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, for editing the two-volume publication: Anatomy of a Paleozoic Basin: The Permian Basin, USA. Congratulations to Stephen and to all of the authors!

Jim Davis, New York State Geologist, California State Geologist, 1931 – 2023

James Frazier "Jim" Davis passed away on Sept. 30, 2023. He was born in 1931 in Iowa, grew up in Virginia, and learned about geology at the Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. He obtained his geology degree from University of Virginia, and then Masters and PhD from University of Wisconsin Madison. He joined New York State Geological Survey in 1963, he was New York State Geologist from 1968 to 1978, where he worked on issues such as the safety of nuclear power plants. He then became California State Geologist from 1978 to 1987 and 1989 to 2003, with much focus on saving lives through comprehensively improved seismic mapping, monitoring, and preparedness. He was President of AASG in 1984/1985, he also was President of AGI, he held many other leadership roles, and he won the Campbell Medal in 2014, as well as many other honors. He is missed.

New Wisconsin Director and State Geologist

Today, Sue Swanson is Director and State Geologist at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey. She replaces Dr. Ken Bradbury, who retired in July 2022. Dr. Eric Carson served as Interim Director for the past year. Sue was at Beloit College since 2001, where she was a professor of geology, chair of natural sciences, and Weeks Chair in Physical and Human Geography. Prior to 2001, Swanson worked in the environmental consulting industry and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho. She earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Gustavus Adolphus College, as well as master’s degrees in Quaternary geology and hydrogeology and water resources management and a doctorate in hydrogeology, all from UW–Madison. Her research included studying how groundwater moves through fractures in sedimentary bedrock aquifers, interactions between groundwater and surface water, and the hydrogeology of springs. Welcome Sue!

https://home.wgnhs.wisc.edu/new-director-and-state-geologist/

State Geologist of Maryland, Steve Van Ryswick

Stephen Van Ryswick has been appointed Director of the Maryland Geological Survey. He is an authority on the lakes and lands of western Maryland, the streams and reservoirs of central Maryland, the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays, the Atlantic Coast Islands, and the sand shoals in the Atlantic Ocean.  Stephen has been with the survey since 2002, most recently serving as director of the Coastal and Environmental Geology program overseeing geologic mapping, geohazards, Chesapeake Bay mapping, and marine sediment studies. He has worked on sediment deposition, dredging, transport, streambed geomorphology,  and sedimentary habitat mapping. He holds a degree in Environmental Science, Soils, Water and Land Resources from the University of Maryland, College Park. He and his wife Dorothy live in St. Mary’s County with their three children Nicole, Sara and Matthew. Welcome to AASG, Steve!

 

Richard Ortt has completed his time as Maryland State Geologist

Richard A. Ortt, Jr. has been promoted this month to Director of the Resource Assessment Service in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Rich has three decades of experience with Maryland Geological Survey, and became State Geologist in 2013. He served as AASG VP in 2017-2018, President Elect in 2018-2019, President in 2019-2020, and Past President in 2020-2021. Rich is a former U.S. Army officer whose military service included time in Baghdad. He holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Thanks, and good luck with the next phase of your career, Rich!

Total annual funding to state geological surveys is rising sharply

The 2023 Report of AASG Statistician Matt Joeckel of NE indicates that FY22 revenue to state geological surveys was $265M, with total staff of 1883 FTE; current estimates for FY23 are $308M and 1993 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. FY22 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 $57M in FY23. 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 32%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online.

2023 AASG Pick and Gavel Award to Senator Cortez Masto

AASG presents the Pick and Gavel Award to distinguished friends of geology who have made significant contributions to advancing the role that geoscience plays in public policy. The 2023 recipient is Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, who in 2016 became the first woman from Nevada and the first Latina ever elected to the United States Senate. Among other roles, she currently serves as the chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee. She was born and raised in Las Vegas and served two terms as Attorney General of Nevada. Before that, she served as Chief of Staff to Nevada Governor Bob Miller, and worked as an Assistant County Manager in Clark County and as a federal criminal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1986, and a J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1990. She resides in Las Vegas with her husband Paul, a retired Secret Service agent. An avid hiker and nature lover, Cortez Masto is committed to protecting our environment and public lands for future generations to enjoy.

https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/about

AASG Distinguished Service Award to David Spears

At the 2023 AASG Annual Meeting in Colorado, AASG President Jim Faulds of Nevada presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to David Spears of Virginia, who was State Geologist of Virginia, 2009-2022; AASG Past President, 2017-2018; President, 2016-2017; President Elect, 2015-2016; Vice President, 2014-2015; Secretary, 2013-2014; and Editor, 2012-2013.  

Thanks, David!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Steve Masterman

At the 2023 AASG Annual Meeting in Colorado, AASG President Jim Faulds of Nevada presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Steve Masterman of Alaska, who was State Geologist of Alaska, 2013-2022; AASG Past President, 2018-2019; President, 2017-2018; President Elect, 2016-2017; Annual Meeting Host, 2016; and Vice President, 2015-2016.

Thanks, Steve!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Joe Gillman

At the 2023 AASG Annual Meeting in Colorado, AASG President Jim Faulds of Nevada presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Joe Gillman of Missouri, who was State Geologist of Missouri, 2008-2022; AASG Annual Meeting Host, 2017; Past President, 2016-2017; President, 2015-2016; President Elect, 2014-2015; Vice President, 2013-2014; and Secretary, 2011-2013.

Thanks, Joe!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Karen Berry

At the 2023 AASG Annual Meeting in Colorado, AASG President Jim Faulds of Nevada presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Karen Berry of Colorado, who was State Geologist of Colorado, 2013-2022; AASG Past President, 2019-2020; President, 2018-2019; President Elect, 2017-2018; and Vice President, 2016-2017.

Thanks, Karen!

Jim Faulds presents AASG Presidential Awards

On June 30th, 2023, Jim Faulds, State Geologist of Nevada, completed a superbly successful year as AASG President. 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. This year, Jim presented his Presidential Awards to State Geologist of Illinois Dick Berg, for his unrelenting service to AASG such as his role in supporting our advocacy in DC, to Warren Day of USGS for his superb service in leading Earth MRI and much more, and to Elizabeth Duffy for so reliably fulfilling her AASG duties as our person in DC. Nice work to all!

Frye Award to New Mexico

The AASG/GSA John C. Frye Memorial Award recognizes the best recently-published, nominated state geological survey or GSA publication in environmental geology.

John C. Frye joined USGS in 1938, he went to the Kansas Geological Survey in 1942, he was its Director from 1945 to 1954, he was Chief of the Illinois State Geological Survey until 1974, and he was GSA Executive Director until his retirement in 1982, shortly before his death. John was active in AASG and on national committees, and was influential in the growth of environmental geology.

The 2023 Frye Award will be presented to New Mexico authors, for their publication: Bulletin 164 — Climate Change in New Mexico Over the Next 50 Years: Impacts on Water Resources, by Editors & Contributing Authors Nelia W. Dunbar, David S. Gutzler, Kristin S. Pearthree, Fred M. Phillips, and Paul W. Bauer, and Contributing Authors Craig D. Allen, David DuBois, Michael D. Harvey, J. Phillip King, Leslie D. McFadden, Bruce M. Thomson, and Anne C. Tillery

Congratulations! https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/publications/monographs/bulletins/164/

John Metesh, 2023-2024 AASG President

John Metesh, Director and State Geologist at Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology since 2012, is the 2023-2024 AASG President. John holds a Master’s degree in geological/geophysical engineering from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology, and a Ph.D. in geology from University of Montana. John’s expertise is in geochemical modeling, hydrogeology, and hydrogeochemistry. Thanks for your leadership, John!

Excellent AASG Annual Meeting held in Colorado

A superb 115th AASG Annual Meeting was hosted by the Colorado Geological Survey, under the leadership of outgoing AASG President Jim Faulds of Nevada and meeting host Matt Morgan, State Geologist of Colorado, at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, from June 11-15, 2023. The pre-meeting field trip examined Late Cenozoic Evolution of the Colorado River, the mid-meeting trip went from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, and the post-meeting trip was on the Southwest Corner of the White River Uplift. Fantastic meeting!

Successful in-person DMT Meeting

The Digital Mapping Techniques (DMT) workshop, sponsored by the USGS National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) and Association of American State Geologists, is an annual series that focuses on collegial interaction, to develop efficient and standardized methods for digital geologic mapping, publication, and GIS analysis. The DMT'23 workshop hosted by the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys and NGMDB at the University of Alaska Anchorage, on May 21 to 24, was very successful and enjoyable. Thanks to Dave Soller of USGS for much appreciated leadership, to Jen Athey and her colleagues for being superb hosts, and to the 67 attendees who brought their experience and enthusiasm to share with their colleagues. A total of 28 state geological surveys were represented. Great meeting!

Drew Andrews, State Geologist of Kentucky

 

William M. Andrews, Jr., Ph.D., PG, has been named Kentucky Geological Survey acting director. After joining KGS in 1996, he became head of the Geologic Mapping section in 2008. Drew received his BS in geology in 1993, his MS in 1997, and his PhD in 2004, all from University of Kentucky. His education was in stratigraphy, tectonics, coal petrology, and structural geology. Congratulations, Drew!

2023 Campbell Medalist, Vicki McConnell

Dr. Vicki S. McConnell, 2003 - 2015 State Geologist of Oregon, 2011-2012 AASG President, and recently retired Executive Director of GSA is the 2023 Campbell Medalist. Vicki earned her Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she worked on volcanology. She has also received, for example, the AASG Distinguished Service Award in 2022, the GSA 2020 Burwell Award in Engineering Geology, an American Association for the Advancement of Science 2019 Fellowship, and the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists 2017 Publications Award. Congratulations, Vicki!