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