THE NEVADA TRAVERSE - Nevada Association of Land Surveyors

Recommendations

Info

G NSPS Report By Paul Burn, PLS Nevada NSPS Governor reetings Surveyors! By the time you read this, it will be general knowledge among the surveyors of Nevada, but I’m reporting to you at this writing from Charlotte, North Carolina, and there is big news! After several years of many Governors petitioning for a drastic reduction in dues, it has come to pass. The issue was debated quite a bit, but now NSPS is going to provide an Affiliation membership category that will enable each state to participate in having 100% of its voting members become members of NSPS automatically when they join their state society, for an annual dues amount of $40! Think of the benefits that your national organization provides to each of you, and you will be a member for only $40! In return, each state that accepts this status (and there appears to be many already) will have their Governor occupy a seat on the Board of Directors, giving voting power, beyond motioning function, to that state. The details are being worked on immediately, and I expect that there will be some presentation materials very soon to share with you as we consider this opportunity for our state’s NALS members, as all the states will have been doing by the time you read this. NSPS has been making some rather difficult decisions towards austerity, so that the demise of ACSM, and other long-standing organizations in these economic times, does not happen to us. The main office will be moving up the road from Gaithersburg, MD., to a new office facility in Frederick, MD., in late summer, when the current lease runs out. The office staff has been reduced, and most publications and missives are becoming digital, as the cost-savings for mailings is large. These items, among others, are demonstrating the sharp focus on remaining, and growing, the surveyors of America national presence. This is a solid organization. At the general membership meeting that preceded the Board of Governors assemblage on Saturday, May 5 th , ACSM was merged with NSPS by vote. This was the final official action necessary for legality, allowing NSPS to move forward in the business affairs and representation of our nation’s surveyors. In other NSPS activity, many issues and programs are happening, proving that the so-far successful demise of LightSquared has not usurped all of everyone’s thoughts and energies. (Note: I say “so-far” because they are not gone, but they’re on the ropes. We 34 The Nevada Traverse Vol. 39, No. 2, 2012 must remain diligent in that fight.) Some of these include the success of the CST program, which continues to grow both in numbers and recognition. Alaska reported that the teamsters in that state are now requiring CST certifications for surveying field personnel. FEMA, a group that we as surveyors have had some difficulty communicating with in the past, has set up a new focus on digital, and has formed a committee to implement it. They have asked for, and received, input from NSPS in the form of a seat on their committee that’s overseeing this important step into the future. NSPS also is represented on the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC), providing good representation from the surveying profession in the midst of the GIS and IT constituents. The Government Affairs Committee continues work with STEM at the federal level, which ties in with our very successful TrigStar program. A new relationship has developed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB), in which our continued efforts for railroad abandonment issues may have found a somewhat sympathetic ear and the promise of aid in passage of required boundary surveys before railroads may vacate their interests. The “Map It Once” resolution in the House (HR-4233) has seen its proponents talking with NSPS for input as it forges forward. In new business, highlights include a declaration of support for the National Museum of Surveying, located in Springfield, Illinois. Look for more information upcoming about this fine museum. Also, a letter is being drafted to offer the NCEES aid in their current discussions of the definition of the term “Engineering Surveys”. This definition has concerned many in several states as the NCEES and state boards of registration continue to wrestle with what types of surveying engineers can actually perform, based on education, testing, and experience. Additionally, the Board of Governors voted to form a committee to discuss the aspects of developing a “Certified A.L.T.A. Surveyor” program. Initial thoughts were that while any licensed professional surveyor may perform such surveys, a surveyor that has developed expertise in this area could test and be issued a certificate. Also, some education arena could become developed toward this. More news as this develops. Thank you for your interest in NSPS, and I hope that you’ll consider supporting the new 100% membership program. I personally have long believed that our national voice should be a chorus of all professional surveyors, led by our state society’s members. It makes good sense, and the functions of the national voice have benefitted all surveyors for a long time. We now will have a chance to make this happen. And don’t forget the benefit to the Lobby Day efforts - when asked directly by legislators on how many people do you represent, being able to answer “all the surveyors”! I will try to answer any questions you may have, and continue to represent you to the best of my ability. Please contact me at pburn@gcwallace.com with any questions you may have. U
WFPS Report by Nancy Almanzan, PLS, and Matt Gingerich, PLS WPS Delegates, Nevada The Western Federation of Professional Surveyors (WFPS) Board of Directors meeting was held Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Fiesta Conference Center in Phoenix, Arizona and was attended by Matt Gingerich & Nancy Almanzan, Nevada Delegates to WFPS. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – HAROLD BALDWIN • Chairman Baldwin reported that the focus of this meeting will be to address the financial condition of WFPS and identify direction and sources of future funding. BUDGET • The 2012 budget for WFPS was reduced by approximately $16,000 to meet current operating expenses. Richard Heiren (Alaska), Earl Burkholder (New Mexico) and Greg Crites (Oregon) made generous donations to the scholarship fund. ALASKA • Membership: 244 • Conference: February 13-17, 2012 at the Hilton in Anchorage; 2013 – Alaska/Canada Boundary • ASPLS has set up a scholarship endowment for the 4-year Geomatics program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. • ASPLS has committed to 2 teachers for the 2012 TwiST Program. ASPLS has donated $1500 and a corporate sponsor has donated $500. • Alaska Board of Registration � A regulation requiring a 4 year degree to become a licensed Surveyor was approved and sent to Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell for signing. The regulation is to take effect on June 30, 2014. � Reviewing a statute change lifting the 8 year experience and education requirement for LS licensure. ARIZONA • Membership: 496 • Arizona will not be participating in the TwiST program • Arizona will be celebrating 100 years on February 14, 2012. APLS is currently involved in 2 projects: Monument Hill Trail & the geographic center of the state. • APLS is working on the following: � AD-HOC BTR Liaison to oversee complaints on registrants; Arizona Boundary Survey Minimum Standards; Number of years required to become licensed; Education requirement to become licensed – two or four year requirement; Continuing education requirement for re-licensure; Arizona state-specific test – Is it testing minimum requirements? • Board of Registration (BTR) - The Board is currently being inundated with complaints on registrants not recording surveys. The BTR is currently reviewing APLS’s proposed CE requirements for maintaining licensure. CALIFORNIA • Membership: 2100 • Conference – March 23-28, 2012, Silver Legacy Resort & Casino, Reno, NV. Joint conference with NALS. • CLSA has developed a right of entry brochure for homeowners and law enforcement. • CLSA has developed a tri-fold monument conservation brochure with laws applicable to California. • GIS Committee has developed a brochure addressing the relationship between GIS and Land Surveyors. • CLSA has committed to 2 teachers for the 2012 TwiST Program. • Legislation – The CLSA Legislative Committee is drafting language to propose at the 2012 Legislature on the following: Extension for setting monuments; Revisions to Streets & Highway Code; Revisions to LS Act to be consistent with BLM Manual title; Further define the word “establish” in LS Act 8762; Revisions to LS Act 8771; Allowing maps/ field notes not previously recorded to be added as an attachment. • Education Foundation � Over $46,000 awarded in scholarships � Considering establishing an endowment for a full time PLS professor at CSU-Fresno • CLSA is looking into enabling language for mandatory education for license renewal. The CA governor has indicated he will not support any requirement that would make it more difficult for practitioners to renew their license. CLSA needs different metrics in which to measure the benefits of mandatory continuing education and requested WFPS member states provide information regarding mandatory continuing education – its benefits and supporting data. • The center of population for California has been CONTINUED ON PAGE 37 u The Nevada Traverse Vol. 39, No. 2, 2012 35
Page 1: The Nevada Traverse Institutional A
Page 4 and 5: This publication is issued quarterl
Page 6 and 7: The President’s Report by Raymond
Page 8 and 9: Boundary Relic Has a New Home By Pa
Page 10 and 11: Terra Incognita.. continued from pa
Page 12 and 13: 2012 CLSA/NALS Joint Conference Wra
Page 14 and 15: CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERY LIVE AUCTI
Page 16 and 17: CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERY continued.
Page 18 and 19: CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERY continued.
Page 20 and 21: Nevada’s Four Year Degree Surveyi
Page 22: NV Four-Year Degree Program... cont
Page 27 and 28: Sustaining Members Following is a l
Page 29 and 30: Terra Incognita.. continued from pr
Page 31 and 32: Your Name Here Contact Editor Your
Page 33 and 34: Great Basin Chapter Report by Carl
Page 35: NALS State Board of Directors Meeti
Page 39 and 40: WFPS Report.. continued from page 3
Page 41 and 42: The Nevada Traverse Vol. 39, No. 2,
Page 43 and 44: Terra Incognita... continued from p
Page 45 and 46: Name: Firm/Employer: Business Phone
Page 48: The Nevada Traverse The Nevada Asso

THE NEVADA TRAVERSE - Nevada Association of Land Surveyors

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?