Buzz Ostrom, former State Geologist of Wisconsin

Meredith "Buzz" Ostrom, former Director of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey ((1972 - 1990), passed away yesterday, Thursday, November 11. Funeral and other arrangements have yet to be finalized. Buzz's wife Ann resides at Oakwood Village West, Apt. D-81, 6225 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53711. [photo credit, Univ. Wisc. Extension]

The following is excerpted from History of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey: Part 2
Originally published in "The State Geological Surveys: A History", © 1988 Association of American State Geologists

Buzz was appointed director and state geologist to succeed Hanson in July of 1972. Ostrom received his Bachelor’s degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois in 1952 and his Master’s (1954) and Doctor’s (1959) degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois.

Ostrom worked for the Illinois State Geological Survey beginning in 1953 as a project assistant in Subsurface Geology and in the Coal Section. In 1955 he was appointed as an assistant geologist in the Industrial Minerals Section, where he worked on a variety of subjects including black shales, sandstones, carbonate rocks, and clays. He joined the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey in November 1959 as assistant state geologist with principal responsibility for geology and groundwater. In 1968 he was promoted to associate state geologist and to associate professor in the newly created UW–Extension Department of Geology and Geography.

Under Ostrom’s tenure beginning in 1972 the WGNHS base budget grew from $365,325 to more than $1,000,000. The staff has included as many as 10 geologists, 3 part time soil scientists, 4 hydrogeologists, 1.5 climatologists, 0.5 biologists, 3 technicians, 2 computer specialists, 1 editor, 4 cartographers, 1 administrative assistant, and 5 secretaries, plus more than 20 students. The period was marked by publication of a new 1:1,000,000 scale bedrock geologic map, the first 1:500,000 Pleistocene geologic map, and more than 200 maps and reports. Ostrom retired in 1990, and Assistant Director Ronald G. Hennings served as Acting Director and State Geologist until mid-1991.

Alabama's Nick Tew elected AGI Secretary

The American Geological Instituted installed its new officers last week in Denver at the Geological Society of America annual meeting.

Nick Tew, AGI’s incoming Secretary, is currently the Alabama State Geologist and Oil and Gas Supervisor, roles he has served since 2002. Dr. Tew is also involved in the Association of American State Geologists, serving as President (2008-2009); the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, where he is the incoming 1st Vice Chairman; the Geological Society of America; and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, where he is an Associate Editor. Tew has recently been appointed to the National Petroleum Council.


AGI is a nonprofit federation of 47 geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment.

Peter Scholle to retire as State Geologist of New Mexico

Peter Scholle announced that he is retiring as State Geologist and Director of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources in June 2011, after serving in that position for 12 years. Peter also served as President of AASG among many other roles in the organization.

The official vacancy announcement for the position of director/state geologist has been posted on the New Mexico Tech web site (at www.nmt.edu/hr-jobs-at-nmt), currently just below the job opening for a Test Range Gunner I at the university's explosives research center. The announcement is also posted on the Bureau of Geology web site (www.geoinfo.nmt.edu/DirectorSearch). If you know of people who would be interested in the Director Position (or Test Range Gunner), please pass along those web links.

Wunsch, Parrish, Kelly elected to Honorary status

AASG this morning elected three former state geologists to Honorary status in the Association: David Wunsch (NH), Jay Parrish (PA), and Bill Kelly (NY).

Honorary status is given for exemplary contributions to AASG by a State Geologist over a tenure typically of 7 years or longer.

Nevada's Jon Price receives GSA Public Service Award

Nevada State Geologist Jon Price received the 2010 Geological Society of America Public Service Award last night in Denver at the Presidential Awards Ceremony of the GSA Annual Meeting.

The citation by Steve Testa noted that throughout his career, Jon "has fervently pursued his goal to address societal and public policy issues related to mineral resources, geologic hazards, and professionalism."

Vicki Cowart receives Ian Campbell Medal at GSA

Former Colorado State Geologist Vicki Cowart received the 2010 AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell last night in Denver at the Presidential Awards Ceremony of the Geological Society of America.

Vicki is presently CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.

In her acceptance remarks, she commented how surprised she was to receive the award after being out of the geology field for a number of years and joked that it felt like she was being honored posthumously.

Geothermal energy in New Mexico

The Fall 2010 issue of Lite Geology published by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources is dedicated to the topic of geothermal energy. Articles provide an overview of the different types of geothermal resources and reports on geothermal applications across the state.

Delaware State Geologist John Talley retiring

Delaware State Geologist John Talley announced today that he will be retiring from the Delaware Geological Survey and University of Delaware on June 30, 2011, after more than 38 years of service.

The University of Delaware and the DGS have embarked on an open search recruiting program for a new Director and State Geologist. The goal is to have a new Director on board on or before July 1, 2011. John says the goal is to maintain continuity of leadership and have a seamless transition to a new Director. The University of Delaware has posted the position on its Human Resources web site http://www.udel.edu/udjobs.

The DGS has posted the Director Position announcement on its web site at http://www.dgs.udel.edu/director-search.

Capitol Hill visits by State Geologists

State Geologists blanketed Capitol Hill in Washington DC in late September, briefing our Representatives and Senators on issues key to the geosciences.

L to R: Jim Connors (Univ. of South Alabama), Congressman Jo Bonner (R-AL), Nick Tew (Alabama State Geologist) (photo courtesy AGI)

NH State Geologist interviewed about biggest quake in 15 years

New Hampshire State Geologist David Wunsch appeared on WMUR channel 9 discussing the Sept 26 magnitude 3.1 earthquake, which is the largest in the state in 15 years. The interview is posted on YouTube.

State Geologists on Capitol Hill

State Geologists met with their Congressional representatives and senators while in Washington DC, during the AASG's biannual "Liaison" visit, Sept 19-22. Here Minnesota State Geologist Harvey Thorleifson and Senator Al Franken pause after solving the nation's problems.

New Hampshire's Wunsch moving to NGWA

New Hampshire State Geologist David Wunsch is resigning effective October 8 after 10 years to take the position as Director of Science & Technology for the National Ground Water Association (NGWA).

In his announcement to AASG members, David noted that "Cumulatively, water wells probably provide the greatest window into the subsurface, and the ground water industry as a whole is one of the key stakeholders that use state survey products and assistance regularly, so there are opportunities to develop more synergy between both associations. Thus, I look forward to working with many of you as our paths cross in the geoscience, education, and policy realms in the future."

David completed his term as AASG President in June.

Geologist positions open at Ohio Geological Survey

The Ohio Geological Survey is accepting applications through October 15 for two Geologist 3 positions.

Energy Resources Group

The Ohio Geological Survey seeks applications for the position of Geologist 3 for the Energy Resources Group. The successful candidate will be a versatile and highly motivated geoscientist with a thorough understanding of geologic mapping, stratigraphy, geophysical exploration methods, interpretation of logs, familiarity with coring, sampling, and drilling. Experience in geologic modeling, and GIS, particularly any 3-D or geostatistical analysis is a major plus. A Master’s degree is preferred although a Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience will be considered. The complete job posting will be available on the ODNR website beginning October 4th. (www.ohiodnr.com); applications will be accepted thru October 15, 2010. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. For more information concerning application procedures, please contact Rene Norris at 614-265-6406. For more information about position duties and qualifications, please contact Chris Perry at 614-265-6584.


Mapping & Industrial Minerals Group

The Ohio Geological Survey seeks applications for the position of Geologist 3 for the Geologic Mapping & Industrial Minerals Group. The successful candidate will be a versatile and highly motivated geoscientist with a thorough understanding of geologic mapping, bedrock geology and stratigraphy, and glacial geology and geomorphology. Background knowledge in areas such as geophysical exploration, interpretation of logs, familiarity with coring, sampling, and drilling, geologic modeling, and GIS, particularly any 3-D or geostatistical analysis is a major plus. A Master’s degree is preferred although a Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience will be considered. The complete job posting will be available on the ODNR website beginning October 4th. (www.ohiodnr.com); applications will be accepted thru October 15, 2010. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. For more information concerning application procedures, please contact Rene Norris at 614-265-6406. For more information about position duties and qualifications, please contact Mike Angle at 614-265-6602.

Additional information

The Ohio Geological Survey (OGS) is a Division within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with offices located at Fountain Square in Columbus, Ohio and at Alum Creek State Park in Delaware, Ohio. Staff are charged with researching and reporting on the geology of Ohio. The Energy Resources Group currently has a staff of four full-time geologists plus part-time technicians/interns. The group is involved in research and mapping of coal resources, abandoned underground mines, characterization of select oil and gas fields, geologic carbon sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, geothermal potential, and deep injection of liquid waste.

Excellent written and oral communications skills, publications record preferred, and demonstrable mapping and/or GIS experience

Computer Skills: Integrated geologic mapping and analysis software (e.g. GeoGraphix), GIS - ESRI Arc/Info including Geostatistical Analyst, Microsoft Office.

In order to be eligible to accept a permanent part-time or full-time job with the state of Ohio, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of this country. Those here on student visas cannot be offered permanent employment.

Pennsylvania names new State Geologist

Pennsylvania announced the appointment of George Love to the position of Director, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey. George has been serving as the Assistant Bureau Director in Topographic and Geologic Survey since joining DCNR after retiring from Carmeuse North America in 2006.

George will function as the State Geologist of Pennsylvania and be responsible for directing the activities of the Bureau’s professional, technical, and administrative staff. He will continue to advance the integration of the Bureau’s work with the key initiatives of the Department.

George has over 30 years experience in executive leadership positions in mining, minerals, exploration, permitting, geology and geotechnical engineering in private industry and government. In past roles, George has led up to 240 workers with an overall operating budget of $37 million. He has a Master’s Degree in Geology and numerous credits in Civil Engineering and Soil Mechanics.

State Geologists blitz the Capitol

State Geologists from around the country are arriving in Washington DC for a multi-day blitz of meetings and briefings with dozens of federal agencies, Congressional committees, and NGOs.

Twice a year AASG holds this "Liaison" session to stay on top of developing issues and share our perspectives on national programs.

NY and PA state geologists stepping down

New York state geologist Dr. William "Bill" Kelly announced today that he is retiring in two weeks after 30 years with the New York Geological Survey. Dr. Langhorne "Taury" Smith will serve as Acting State Geologist.

And in Pennsylvania, state geologist Dr. Jay Parrish announced he is leaving the Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey at the end of the week to assume a position with the Dutton Institute at Penn State University, teaching remote sensing. George Love will be taking over as acting State Geologist.

Rockhound Guide to New Mexico

The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources has posted a 111-page compendium of field guides and related materials as a Rockhound Guide to New Mexico.

This information is designed to direct people to localities where they may collect specimens and also to give them some brief information about the area. These sites have been chosen because they may be reached by
passenger car.

[right, copper "chile" spinel twin from the Santa Rita NM area. Credit, NMBGMR]

Opening for State Geologist of Kansas

The position announcement for Director/State Geologist of the Kansas Geological Survey is now available on-line at http://www.kgs.ku.edu/General/jobs/director.html

and on the AASG web-site at http://www.stategeologists.org/job_posting.php

Review of applications will begin on November 19, 2010. [right, KGS' Moore Hall, on the KU campus, Lawrence, Kansas]

Geologic Mapping & Industrial Minerals job opening at Ohio Geological Survey

Geologist 3 - Ohio Geological Survey

The Ohio Geological Survey seeks applications for the position of Geologist 3 for the Geologic Mapping & Industrial Minerals Group. The successful candidate will be a versatile and highly motivated geoscientist with a thorough understanding of geologic mapping, bedrock geology and stratigraphy, and glacial geology and geomorphology. Background knowledge in areas such as geophysical exploration, interpretation of logs, familiarity with coring, sampling, and drilling, geologic modeling, and GIS, particularly any 3-D or geostatistical analysis is a major plus. A Master’s degree is preferred although a Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience will be considered. The complete job posting will be available on the ODNR website beginning August 23rd. (www.ohiodnr.com); applications will be accepted thru September 3, 2010. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. For more information concerning application procedures, please contact Rene Norris at 614-265-6406. For more information about position duties and qualifications, please contact Mike Angle at 614-265-6602.

Additional info

The Ohio Geological Survey (OGS) is a Division within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with offices located at Fountain Square in Columbus, Ohio and at Alum Creek State Park in Delaware, Ohio. The Geologic Mapping & Industrial Minerals Group currently has a staff of eight full-time geologists plus a part-time seismologist and technicians/interns. The group is involved in diverse research and mapping of deep subsurface to shallow bedrock and surficial glacial and alluvial deposits. This section is also heavily involved in delineating Ohio’s geohazards including karst terrain, abandoned underground mines, landslides, and shoreline erosion along the Lake Erie coastline. The Group also compiles mineral resource statistics ranging from coal to sand and gravel aggregate

Excellent written and oral communications skills, publications record, and demonstrable mapping and/or GIS experience is preferred.

Computer Skills: Integrated geologic mapping and analysis software (e.g. GeoGraphix), GIS - ESRI Arc/Info including Geostatistical Analyst, Microsoft Office, Fluid flow modeling (e.g. Mod Flow).

In order to be eligible to accept a permanent part-time or full-time job with the state of Ohio, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of this country. Those here on student visas cannot be offered permanent employment.

Wrap up of AASG annual meeting

The Association of American State Geologists (AASG) convened its 102nd annual meeting in New Brunswick, New Jersey on June 27- July 1. The meeting was hosted by Karl Muessig, state geologist and director of the New Jersey Geological Survey. The New Jersey Geological Survey was concurrently celebrating its 175th year of service to the state, making it one of the oldest state geological surveys in the U.S.

AASG elected its officers for 2010-11, and include: Past president - David Wunsch (NH); President - Jim Cobb (KY); President-elect - Vicki McConnell (OR); Vice president - Harvey Thorleifson (MN); Secretary - Robert Swenson (AK); and Treasurer - Jon Arthur (FL). These officers constitute AASG’s executive committee and will serve a one-year term that begins on July 1, 2010. Other elected officers for the association are Historian - Bill Kelly (NY); Editor - Mike Hohn (WV); and Statistician - Rick Allis (UT).

The AASG, founded in 1908, represents the chief executives of the geologic surveys or bureaus of the 50 states and Puerto Rico. Cumulatively, state geological surveys employ 2,000 earth scientists and engineers and have a combined annual budget of $230 million, making state geological surveys one of the largest geologic enterprises in the U.S. A 2010 survey of affiliations and responsibilities of state geological surveys shows that 35 are state agencies and 16 are university departments. The missions of state surveys vary from state to state but all state surveys conduct geological research, 14 have regulatory responsibilities, 20 manage core and sample collections, 10 do seismic monitoring, 15 maintain groundwater records and monitoring, and 15 maintain oil & gas drilling records. In geologic specialties all state surveys do public outreach, 49 do geologic data preservation, 49 do geologic mapping, 46 do geologic hazards, 45 do mineral resources, and 40 do fossil fuels. More than half of the 51 state surveys are currently doing groundwater, carbon sequestration, and environmental geology research. Many state surveys have responsibilities and expertise not listed here but are individual to each state. Get to know your state geological survey there is something there for everybody.