NEW APPLICANTS AND NEW MEMBERS - (09/28/99 - 11/04/99)
Applicants for certification must meetOH-Robert G. Harklau Applicant for Member AIPG’s standards as set forth in its Bylaws 400 Lazelle Rd., Suite 1, Columbus OH 43240. Sponsors: Jeffrey Schick, James Ferritto, CT-Clauson, Henry P. on education, experience, competence, Richard Kenter. P.O. Box 1116, Cheshire CT 06410. Sponsors: Carl Norman, David Seiling, Jason House. and personal integrity. If any Member or AK-Robert B. Hunter board has any factual information as to any 17957 Meadow Creek Dr., Eagle River AK NV-Michael J. Orobona applicant’s qualifications in regard to these 99577. Sponsors: Jerome Siok, Gary Pelka, 223 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Spring Creek NV 89815. Sponsors: Steven Koehler, John Norby. standards, whether that information might Mark Myers. CO-Katherine McMahon Schmitz be positive or negative, please mail thatTX-Mark J. Larson 2501 Learmont Dr., Midland TX 79705. 530 Albion Way, Fort Collins CO 80526. information to Headquarters within thirty Sponsors: Bert Smith, Donald Beaver, Fred Sponsors: Neil Sherrod, Doug Leafgren. (30) days. This information will be circu- Peterson. 9/28/99 - 11/04/99 lated only so far as necessary to process NM-Stephen R. Maynard New Certified and make decisions on the applications. 210 C San Pasquale NW, Albuquerque NM 87104. Sponsors: Leroy Halterman, Steven Professional Geologists Negative information regarding an appli- Ristorcelli, Craig Nelsen. cant’s qualifications must be specific and NY-Greenman, Michael M. CPG-10442 TX-Molly O’Kelley Prater 2150 72nd St., Brooklyn NY 11204, (718) 391- supportable; persons who provide infor- 17409 County Rd. 1325, Flint TX 75762. 1327 mation that leads to an application’s rejec- Sponsors: Glen Collier, Chester Safe, Hershel ‘Bud’ Jones. CO-Janzen, John H. CPG-10446 tion may be called as a witness in any 10720 Jordan Ct., Parker CO 80134, (303) 841- NY-Michael J. Teeling resulting appeal action. 2895 8812 Lovers Lane Rd., Corfu NY 14036. MN-Rapp, Keith B. CPG-10447 Applicants for Sponsors: Rick Frappa, Douglas Darrah, John Bolakas. 3191 Copper Oaks Pl., Woodbury MN 55125, (651) 687-3279 Certified Professional Geologist PA-Robert W. Zei 29 Bluff Rd., Thorndale PA 19372. Sponsors: MA-Bell, Michael J. CPG-10451 NV-Alan R. Coyner Thomas Maguire, Valerie Holliday, Harold Rollins. 101 Summer St., Boston MA 02110, (617) 880- 3447 Montezuma Way, Sparks NV 89434. 1154 Sponsors: Jonathan Price, Ron Parratt, Robert Roe. MI-Wollensak, Mark S. CPG-10452 EarthFax Engineering, Inc., 15266 Ann Dr., Bath The First International Professional Geology MI 48808, (517) 641-7333 GA-Ashworth, James K. CPG-10453 Conference (IPGC) - An Update 927 River Rock Dr., Woodstock GA 30188, (770) 752-7585, x102 President Tom Fails referred to this meeting in his August 1999 TPGPresident’s MO-Nikolaisen, Kerry L. CPG-10454 Message. At the time, the name was slightly different: “First International 4747 Brookton Way, St. Louis MO 63128, (314) 845-0535 Congress of Professional Geology.” Conference sponsors/organizers include the MA-Goldsmith, Wendi CPG-10455 European Federation of Geologists, AIPG, the Canadian Congress of Professional 7 Mall St., Salem MA 01970, (978) 740-0096 Geologists, the Spanish Geological Survey, and several other Spanish institu- tions. HRH Prince Felipe will be the Honorary President of the Conference, which New Members will take place July 10-14, 2000, at Alicante, Spain. Alicante is a scenic port and NE-Erickson, Donna S. MEM-0036 resort city in southeastern Spain, located where the Betic Alps plunge into the Thiele Geotech, 822 N. 40th St., Omaha NE Mediterranean Sea. 68131, (402) 556-2171 CO-O’Keeffe, Michael K. MEM-0038 A number of CPGs are already involved in the Conference, including President Versar, Inc., 11990 Grant St. #500, Northglenn Fails (First Vice President), President-Elect Pennington, Vice President Font, and CO 80233, (303) 452-5700 Executive Director Siok. All are involved as Session or Round Table Chairs or New Student Associate are presenting short courses (Robert Font on Geologic Hazards). CPG David Abbott will chair the Session on Ethics in Professional Practice, Fails the Session AZ-Ross, Bradley D. SA-0149 on Continuing Professional Development, and Pennington and Siok are Round 2226 E. Sunnyside Dr., Phoenix AZ 85028, (520) 226-9839 Table Chairs. Additional Session speakers and Round Table participants are sought. Please see the subjects list in the August TPG. The official languages of the Conference are English and Spanish, so you won’t need a short course. However, papers must be submitted in hard copy plus diskette or by e-mail no later than January 31, 2000. Oral presentations are limited to 15 minutes, with AIPG Membership Totals 5 minutes for questions. If you are interested in participating or learning more, As of As of please contact Executive Director Siok or President Fails for additional infor- 11/25/98 11/04/99 mation. CPG - Active 4,410 4,228 This Conference offers an opportunity to many AIPG members and their fam- CPG - Retired 517 508 ilies who enjoy international travel plus the opportunity to meet and network Cand. for Cert. 62 52 with many of our European colleagues. Spain is one of the least expensive and Member 10 36 most interesting tourist destinations in Europe. We have no information on Registered Memb. 13 17 accommodations so far, but expect something soon. If sufficient interest is indi- Associate Memb. 4 7 cated by potential AIPG attendees, we will investigate the possibility of group- Student Affiliate 70 86 basis air fares. Honorary 17 19 Look for additional articles and notices regarding the ICPG in forthcoming issues of TPGand on the Institute’s website. TOTALS 5,103 4,953 1999 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE December, 1999 OFFICERS Volume 36, Number 13
PRESIDENT PRESIDENT-ELECT Thomas G. Fails Dennis Pennington The Professional 4101 E. Louisiana #412 National Envir. Tech. Corp. Denver, CO 80246 P.O. Box 204 O: (303) 759-9733 Telford, PA 18969-0204 Fax: (303) 759-9731 O: (215) 723-9300 GEOLOGIST [email protected] Fax: (215) 723-9344 [email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY Robert G. Font John L. Bognar P.O. Box 795151 Leggette, Brashears & Graham Dallas, TX 75379-5151 4175 Crescent Dr., Ste. C O: (972) 516-4725 St. Louis,MO 63129 The First International Professional Fax: (972) 516-4725 O: (314) 845-0535 [email protected] Fax: (314) 845-3573 Geology Conference (IPGC) - An Update IFC [email protected]
TREASURER EDITOR 36TH ANNUAL AIPG MEETING PHOTOS, Kelvin J. Buchanan Myrna M. Killey HB EngineeringGroup Illinois State Geological Survey GIRDWOOD, ALASKA P.O. Box 2391 615 E. Peabody Dr. Reno, NV 89505-2391 Champaign, IL 61820 Meetings 2-6 O: (775) 786-4515 O: (217) 244-2409 Awards Banquet 27-28 Fax: (775) 786-4324 Fax: (217) 333-2830 [email protected] [email protected] Field Trips, etc. 29-30
ADVISORY BOARD REPRESENTATIVES Ronald E. Alexander Dawn H. Garcia 2000 WESTERN REGIONAL MEETING 9 1418 Park Court Hydrometrics St. Charles, MO 63303 3275 W. Ina Rd. #205 O: (636) 940-1203 Tucson, AZ 85741 MEETINGS, NOT REALLY BY CHANCE [email protected] O: (520) 544-3150 A REPORT OF THE AIPG NATIONAL EXECUTIVE Fax: (520) 544-3190 [email protected] MEETING AND RELATED MEETINGS IN ALASKA Dorothy Richter and Lynn Kantner F. Lynn Kantner Dorothy A. Richter 10-11 8145 Braun Road Hager-Richter Geoscience, Inc. Groveport, OH 43125-9400 8 Industrial Way D10 Kentucky Paleontological Society O: (614) 836-2201 Salem, NH 03079 Fax: (614) 836-2201 O: (603) 893-9944 Statement on the Teaching of Evolution 11 [email protected] Fax: (603) 893-8313 [email protected] AIPG 1999 Honors and Awards 20-26 NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS SPECIAL NOTICE 8703 Yates Drive, Suite 200 National Petroleum Forum in Westminster, CO 80031-3681 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM MDT; M-F January 2000 25 (303) 412-6205 • Fax (303) 412-6219 FRONT COVER– Exit Glacier, Seward, Alaska. Photograph by William J. Siok, CPG-04773. e-mail: [email protected] internet: http://www.aipg.org INSIDE AND BACK COVER- Photographs submitted by Ron Alexander, Bob Braunstein, Lynn Kantner, Susan M. Landon, Rob Rohlfs, and Gail Siok. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PUBLICATIONS MANAGER William J. Siok Wendy J. Davidson DEPARTMENTS [email protected] [email protected]
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT NEW MEMBERS, APPLICANTS, ETC. IFC Catherine A. O’Keefe PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - 1999 In Review, and the View Ahead 7-9 [email protected] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN - A New Year with Old Challenges 12 INSURANCE PROGRAM AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM MONTHLY REVIEW 13-14 Life and Health- (800) 424-9883 Seabury & Smith - Stephen Lovell or Debbie Brown PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND PRACTICES - Column 49 15-17 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY 18-19 Professional Liability Broker- (301) 770-0880 The Novick Group - Greta Glock The Professional Geologist (USPS 590-810 and ISSN 0279-0521) is published monthly by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, 8703 Yates Drive, Suite 200, Westminster, CO RENTAL CARS 80031-3681. Periodicals Postage Paid at Arvada, Colorado and additional mailing offices. ALAMO RENTAL CAR- (800) 354-2322 Member #BY-218167 POSTMASTER: The Professional Geologist, AIPG, 8703 Yates Drive, Suite 200, Westminster, CO 80031-3681. AVIS RENTAL CAR - (800) 222-2847 Subscriptions for all Members and Adjuncts in good standing are included in annual member- Member AWD #L123443 ship dues. Subscription prices are $20.00 a year for Members’ additional subscriptions and $30.00 a year for non-members for 12 issues (for postage outside of the U.S. add $10.00 for Canada AIPG FOUNDATION and $18.00 elsewhere). Single copy price is $2.00 for Members and $3.00 for non-members. Kel Buchanan Claims for nonreceipt or for damaged copies are honored for three months. Henkle-Buchanan Group Entire contents copyright 1999 by The Professional Geologist.Original material may be reprint- P.O. Box 2391 ed with permission. Deadline for articles and advertisements is six weeks preceding publication. Reno, NV 89505-2391 Advertising rates available upon request. Opinions and views expressed by the authors are their (775) 786-4515/FAX (775) 786-4324 own and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, its [email protected] staff, or its advertisers. 36th Annual AIPG Meeting, Girdwood, Alaska
1999 and 2000 Executive Committees. Front: Dorothy Richter, Myrna Killey, Marilyn Plitnik, Dawn Garcia, and Lynn Kantner. Back: John Bognar, Mike Lawless, Ron Alexander, Tom Fails, Robert Font, Dennis Pennington, Bill Hoyt, Bob Fakundiny, Jim Jacobs, and Bill Knight.
Treasurer Kel Buchanan and Executive Director Bill Siok, Vice President Robert Font, and 2000 President Dennis Pennington. Advisory Board Representative Dawn Garcia.
2 The Professional Geologist • DECEMBER 1999 36TH ANNUAL AIPG MEETING, GIRDWOOD, ALASKA
Photo after combined 1999 and 2000 Executive Committee Meeting. Front: D. Abbott, J. Travis, S. Landon. Second row: G. Aleshin, D. Richter, M. Killey, M. Plitnik, D. Garcia, Gunnar Hultquist (Sweden), Gareth Jones (Ireland). Third row: M.B. Kumar, W. Siok, L. Kantner, Edmund Nickless (U.K.), S. Testa, J. Bognar, M. Lawless, R. Alexander, T. Fails, R. Font, D. Pennington, B. Hoyt, B. Fakundiny, J. Jacobs, B. Knight, R. Slayback. B. Merrill, Gordon Williams (Canada).
Bobby Timmons and Bill Newton
The 1999 Executive Committee presents President Tom Fails with a memento of Jon Price, Tom Fails, and Gene Aleshin his year as AIPG leader.
Former Governor Jay Hammond, Marilyn Plitnik, Harriet and Dick Ragle, and and Dick Ragle Bob Braunstein Linnea Crosby
DECEMBER 1999 • The Professional Geologist 3 36TH ANNUAL AIPG MEETING, GIRDWOOD, ALASKA
Vice President Robert Font addresses the combined 1999 and 2000 Executive Committees and guests on October 6, 1999 in Girdwood.
1999 Executive Committee Tom Fails and Larry Rhodes
Annual Meeting Chairman Dick Ragle and Past Presidents Susan Landon, Bob Merrill, Russ Slayback, and Steve Testa Former Governor Jay Hammond attend the combined 1999 and 2000 Executive Committee Meeting.
4 The Professional Geologist • DECEMBER 1999 36TH ANNUAL AIPG MEETING, GIRDWOOD, ALASKA
Tom Fails Myrna Killey and Bill Hoyt Jon Price and Charles Dimmick
Patrick Leahy and John Dragonetti Edmund Nickless and Mark Rogers Bill Knight and Gary Van Guilder
DECEMBER 1999 • The Professional Geologist 5 36TH ANNUAL AIPG MEETING, GIRDWOOD, ALASKA
President Fails receives memento from incoming President President Fails recognizes outgoing Secretary John Bognar. Pennington during combined Executive Committee Meeting.
President-Elect Pennington recognizes 1999 President Fails. President Fails recognizes 1999 Vice President Robert Font.
President Fails thanks outgoing Advisory Board Representatives Lynn Kantner, Dorothy Richter, Ron Alexander, and Dawn Garcia.
6 The Professional Geologist • DECEMBER 1999 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - TOM FAILS
1999 In Review, and the View Ahead
This has been an interesting year... Progress was made on a number of issues of interest during 1999: First, we have survived financially. With the dues increase • Political relations outreach at the DC Fly-In and the for 1999 and the loyalty and faithfulness of nearly all of our National Conference of State Legislators; membership, the rapid financial decline of 1994-1998 has ended. Without the dues increase, AIPG probably would have • AIPG supplied 14 CPG reviewers of research grant pro- gone bankrupt this year. Our Total Assets as of August 31, posals to the National Science Foundation; 1994 were $340,255. By August 31, 1998 they had declined • An Earth Science Week project for 2000 is underway; to $218,123, but rebounded to $261,791 as of August 31, 1999. • Three officers attended the Annual Meeting of the We are on the mend and, although we still have a long way European Federation of Geologists at Budapest in June, to go, there will be no increase in National dues for 2000. entirely at their own expense, and will participate in the Headquarters continues to look for ways to cut expenses First International Conference for Professional Geology at beyond what has already been done through staff reductions Alicante, Spain next summer; and the Headquarters office move to a smaller, less expen- • A Comity Initiative proposal has been made to the mem- sive but adequately sized suite. Bill Siok's review of the pub- bership; lications program since 1985 reveals that only five out of fif- • Participation by two CPGs in a Water Resources Division, teen publications have earned a profit to date. Our financial USGS Task Force examining competition issues; and controls must be upgraded as necessary, and the financial • An easy transition to a new Executive Director. data generated must be thoroughly analyzed to determine One issue that remains unresolved is the Draft Policy on what actions are required. Competition between Government and the Private Sector, Regarding AIPG publications a new, more professional published for comment in the June 1999 TPG. A number of approach must be used in the future. A Marketing and public sector CPGs objected to the lack of balance, so the Advertising Committee (M&AC), formed during 1999 with Executive Committee tabled this particular Draft. The mem- members experienced in publications marketing, will be bership of the responsible Subcommittee on Competition has responsible for determining the potential market for new been expanded to include public sector participants under a AIPG publications, pricing them using book industry mark- new Chair, Tyler Gass. A new statement is expected to be up practices and effectively promoting their sale, mainly available for review during the first quarter of 2000 (see through major online book marketers such as Amazon.com pages 11-14 of the November 1999 TPG for discussions of and Barnes&Noble.com. (Additional members are needed by both sides of this issue). M&AC, especially those with some experience in publications As this has been a transitional yearin many marketing and/or advertising. Please contact Headquarters respects, some changes in past practices have been initiated or Chair Bob Colpitts.) This will require new publications to better distinguish AIPG as the true professional organi- with broad appeal to the educated layperson with an inter- zation for geologists and as geology's major advocate. It is est in things geologic and with attention-attracting titles. time to start emphasizing the unique qualities which dis- Better judgment as to what and how we publish is required. tinguish AIPG from the geoscience technical organizations Subjects and titles must be capable of attracting large audi- and to help our membership better understand and appre- ences. Pricing must be realistic and provide for profitability. ciate how National and the Sections can be positive forces in The new Committee for Publication Review and Evaluation enhancing their professional and economic lives. will be the filter through which all new AIPG publications Our new Annual Meetings Policy and manual are a begin- must pass. This Committee's responsibility is to recommend ning in this direction. We must make our Annual Meetings only publications that meet its stringent criteria to the more meaningful and attractive as mini-vacation destina- Executive Committee. Fortunately, we have two potential tions to enhance attendance. Starting in 2002, whenever pos- "best sellers" in the pipeline: Environmental Risk and sible the Annual Meeting is to be held in pleasant, relaxing Liability Management for Corporations and Consultantsby settings in communities or resort areas with qualities attrac- CFC Charles Fletcher and Evan Paleologos, coming late this tive to geologists and their families. Business districts of year, and the second edition of The Citizen's Guide to Geologic major cities, the sites of more than one unsuccessful meet- Hazardssometime next year. The latter will be marketed ing, generally should be avoided. While the Host Sections will both online and through conventional channels. If we can't retain considerable control over venue, program design, tech- make these two publications financially successful, the nical sessions, field trips, and social functions, National will Institute may wish to give serious consideration to reducing play a larger role with more control than in the past. Every our publications effort to TPGand an occasional necessary Annual Meeting will provide for sessions (2-3 hours in length) in-house publication. on Political Relations Activities and on Section Management/
DECEMBER 1999 • The Professional Geologist 7 Section Officer Training, plus a session (1-3 hours in length) Meeting. A call for volunteers for this Task Force and a on either Ethics or State Registration. A session for Students description of its mission will appear in a forthcoming issue will be encouraged, if practical. National will provide major of TPG. leadership and support for these sessions. By adding pro- Perhaps the most important action takenby the fessional sessions and reducing technical sessions to some Executive Committee at the Annual Meeting was unanimous degree, we hope to make future Annual Meetings more rel- approval of a recommendation by the Task Force for evant for a larger number of CPGs and to provide training Continuing Professional Development for a Certification and guidance on AIPG subjects of interest to them. Renewal Program for CPGs, based upon Continuing The long-delayed membership drive "Campaign 2001!" Education and Professional Participation. Some essential ele- will be launched late this year and continue through 2001. ments of the proposed Program are: Dawn Garcia will chair a reconstituted committee which will • It is not the intent of this proposal to de-certify any exist- involve the active participation of most members of the 1999 ing CPG in good standing by arbitrary imposition of new and 2000 Executive Committees. CPG applications are way requirements for continuing education or Certification down, compared to 1998. This decline MUST BE turned Renewal. around. Special emphasis is to be placed on Student recruit- • Participation would be voluntary for all CPGs certified ment and on the new Member and Registered Member cat- before the date of adoption of the enabling Bylaws; i.e. all egories for geologists who are not yet eligible for and/or do existing CPGs. not seek certification but who do want affiliation with an effective advocacy organization for geologists. Two of the • Participation would be mandatory for all new CPGs cer- Presidential Certificates of Merit awarded at the 1999 tified after the date of adoption of the enabling Bylaws. Annual Meeting went to a faculty member and student leader • Participating CPGs in the Certification Renewal Program whose work and dedication produced AIPG's second Student would maintain an Annual CRP Logbook supplied by Chapter at the Colorado School of Mines. A similar Certificate Headquarters. Qualified Continuing Education and was awarded in 1996 in connection with our first Student Professional Participation activities undertaken during Chapter's establishment at Wright State University. the year would be recorded as completed. Each qualified Students really appreciate the career guidance provided by Continuing Education and Professional Participation practicing CPGs at Career Days and Student Days. The activity completed and recorded would receive an appro- Student Chapters can become a major source of new Members priate point value as defined in the Annual CRP Logbook. and eventually CPGs. Award of the Presidential Certificates • The Certification Renewal Period would be six years, with emphasizes the importance of Student Chapters to the six Annual CRP Logbooks completed. A specified number Institute. of points in both Continuing Education and Professional Our political relations and advocacy programs must con- Participation would have to be earned during the six-year tinue and involve a greater portion of the membership. AIPG Certification Renewal Program. (The exact number of will have its fourth consecutive DC Fly-In during Spring, points is still undecided.) Regardless, the requirements 2000 and will participate in the National Conference of State are designed to be helpful and will not be onerous. Most Legislators annual meeting in Chicago. A few Sections are CPGs are probably already undertaking sufficient con- planning, or may have already carried out, AIPG Drive-Ins tinuing education and professional participation activities during their State Legislature's session. While certifica- (active membership in geoscience organizations, includ- tion continues as a major AIPG function, our political ing AIPG, and voluntary community activities) to satisfy relations and advocacy programs are increasingly CRP annual requirements for most years. becoming "AIPG's unique activity" in comparison to the • Participants seeking Certification Renewal and the asso- geoscience technical societies.These societies play an ciated upgrade to Certified Master Professional Geologist invaluable role in helping us keep abreast of our science but (CMPG) would file an application at the end of the six- simply are not designed for governmental and advocacy work, year CRP period with Headquarters for Certification especially at the state level. More than any other organiza- Renewal, together with their six Annual Logbooks and a tion, AIPG effectively represents all geoscientists to people fee to cover the associated Headquarters costs resulting in government and the public, something of increasing neces- from administration of the Program. One additional FTE sity and value in an increasingly competitive professional employee will be needed at Headquarters for this purpose, world. so the CRP must be self-supporting. If the CRP was in The geoscience training of some CPG applicants during existence now, the application fee would probably be in the past few years has caused increasing concern and prob- the $50 to $60 range. The application process for lems for the Section and National Screening Committees and Certification Renewal would parallel that for CPG appli- the Executive Committee. The classic geology course names cations. Copies of the application and logbooks would be are no longer used by many departments, making it difficult reviewed at the Section level, with recommendations for to assess the nature and quality of the 36 hours of geocience approval, rejection, or further investigation being made to education required for CPG. Instead course titles like the National CRP Screening Committee. "Geology and the Environment" are now common. This dif- • Applicants rejected for Certification Renewal would retain ficulty is compounded by the somewhat ambiguous nature their original CPG status. Applicants granted Certification of the "Recommended Courses for Degree in Geological Renewal would be recertified as Certified Master Sciences" on page 3 of the CPG Application. Clarification, Professional Geologists for the duration of the new six- addition of qualifying courses, and a general tightening of year Certification Renewal Program period. Based upon the mandatory course list may be required. A new "Task Force the date of original certification as a CPG, participation for a Required Curriculum" was established at the Annual
8 The Professional Geologist • DECEMBER 1999 in the new six-year CRP period would be voluntary or and most of the Chairs of the national Standing Committees mandatory, as noted above. was superb. Alaska Section deserves accolades for an excel- This is only a brief review of the Certification Renewal lent Annual Meeting in a beautiful setting. In closing, I thank Program. Some minor adjustments still must be made before all of you who have volunteered your time and effort to AIPG a copy of the Proposal and Annual CRP Logbook can be pub- and your Sections during the year. Would that there had been lished in TPG during the first quarter of 2000. As Task Force more of you! The Institute is still a long way from having our Chair, I will supply a more detailed article to TPG describ- problems behind us. PLEASE, if you are not active in the ing the Certification Renewal Program for publication in the affairs and activities of your Section or the national organi- interim. The membership will have the opportunity to vote zation, consider becoming involved as a Committee member, for or against adoption of the Certification Renewal Program especially in Membership Development. I was a typical apa- during the summer of 2000, probably on the same ballot used thetic CPG for many years until I became involved in polit- for the National Officer election. ical relations activities with Colorado Section in 1990. This A parallel recommendation to the Executive Committee turned out to be an enjoyable and interesting experience and by the Examination Subcommittee of the Task Force for introduced me to a number of new friends and contacts. And Continuing Professional Development was tabled. Additional look where I ended up! I've remained active at both the consideration of 1) whether AIPG should eventually require Section and National levels because I have recognized that: an examination FOR NEW CPG APPLICANTS and 2) the • AIPG can make a difference! type of examination to be used has been requested by the • Individual CPGs can make a difference for themselves and Executive Committee. It is not anticipated that an exami- other geologists by participation in AIPG activities and nation proposal will be voted upon by the membership dur- issues! ing 2000. • This participation will put you in contact with many geol- It has been my pleasure to serve as your President this ogists of all disciplines whom you probably never would past year. The major 1999 initiatives for more attractive and have met otherwise. effective Annual Meetings, for a Certification Renewal • Many will become your friends, co-workers, and associ- Program and, hopefully, for a more effective Publications ates, not just locally, but nationally and internationally. Program may bear real fruit in the coming years. Incoming They will broaden your life and career and expand your President Pennington and President-Elect Fakundiny have horizons. declared their intention to continue the transition toward a • The AIPG network can make this difference for you stronger, more effective advocacy-focused AIPG that was ini- through your personal participation! tiated by Past-President Stephen Testa in 1998 and has con- tinued through 1999. The support received from my Executive Committee, the Executive Directors and Headquarters staff, Get involved! 2000 Western Regional Meeting
The Pacific Section of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (PSAAPG) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) are "Working In Concert" and invite you to submit an abstract for presentations to be given at the Western Regional Meeting (WRM) to be held June 19-22, 2000 at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach, California. Other par- ticipating professional societies include the PSSEPM, SEG, SPWLA, AEG, DPA, DEG, EMD and AIPG. The technical focus of this first joint regional meeting between the PSAAPG and SPE is to demonstrate how petrole- um technology is demanding further collaboration between earth scientists and engineers. The technical sessions will address exploration trends, recent E&P achievements, and the use of advanced technologies to further develop our boun- tiful oil and gas fields in the western United States. A new highlight is our plan to showcase our industry's efforts to form lasting partnerships with our communities and schools. Please submit your Abstract by completing the abstract form on the SPE Homepage at www.spe.org/events/2000wrm/call- form.html. The abstract deadline is 10 December 1999. Authors will be notified in early January 2000. Obtain more information on this event through the PSAAPG Homepage at www.west.net/~psaapg and the SPE Los Angeles Basin Section Homepage at www.laspe.org. Professional societies wishing to join our event should contact Don Clarke at 562-570-3915 or at [email protected]. We intend to give you a rewarding experience. Please join us! Sincerely, Scott Hara, Program Committee, Co-Chairperson, Telephone: 1-562-436-9918, E-mail: [email protected] Don Miller, Program Committee, AAPG Co-Chairperson, Telephone: 1-661-665-5464, E-mail: [email protected] Need Help Writing An Abstract??
If you're the type who accomplishes technological feats but has a hard time writing about it, I will gladly help you write an abstract. With a few tips, you can have an abstract ready in no time. Ask for Lyman Handy at 714-525-6939 or e-mail me at [email protected].
DECEMBER 1999 • The Professional Geologist 9 MEETINGS, NOT REALLY BY CHANCE A REPORT OF THE AIPG NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETING AND RELATED MEETINGS IN ALASKA
By Dorothy Richter, CPG-07033, and Lynn Kantner, CPG-06205, 1999 National Advisory Board Representatives The Annual Meeting of AIPG always entails a formal, near- available online. The Task Force for Publication Review ly week-long sequence of national Executive Committee and and Evaluation was converted to a Standing Committee Advisory Board Meetings, and 1999 was no exception in that to reflect the long-term nature of the program. sense. What was exceptional, however, were the beautiful • The Task Force for Continuing Professional Development surroundings in which the meetings were held in Girdwood, recommendations for a Certification Renewal Program Alaska. The Alaska Section is applauded for providing a love- based upon Continuing Education and Professional ly setting for some very down-to-earth business meetings. Participation were approved. Continuing professional National Executive Committee Meeting. The National development requirements are a fundamental hallmark Executive Committee (ExCom) met for about 10 hours on of international professional certification organizations Sunday, October 3. President Fails presided. The entire and are essential for AIPG’s certification to be regarded ExCom, consisting of the six 1999 National Officers and four as meaningful in a dynamic professional world. The Task 1999 National Advisory Board Representatives, was present, Force has already completed an immense amount of work, as was Executive Director Siok. The meeting was also attend- but the program is still under development. The Task Force ed by several non-voting visitors, including various commit- recommends that the program be voluntary for CPGs cer- tee and task force members, some incoming 2000 National tified prior to the date that the by-laws are changed to Officers, some candidates for the 2000 National Advisory incorporate the program. The program will be mandatory Board, delegates of foreign societies, and other interested only for CPGs certified after the by-laws are changed. members. The business of AIPG is conducted at the ExCom Recertification would be performed on a six-year cycle, and meetings, and reports of the Officers and various committees successful completion of the program would result in an and task forces are presented. Highlights of particular inter- enhanced, as yet un-named, CPG status. AIPG’s 1999 est are listed below. Numerous other topics were discussed President, Tom Fails, will continue as chairman of the Task and are documented in more detail in the official meeting Force. minutes by John Bognar, AIPG Secretary. The minutes are • AIPG’s participation and support of the National Earth available from AIPG’s national office. Science Week was discussed and ideas for enhancing that • Membership development will be pursued vigorously effort were raised. through an effort now spearheaded by Dawn Garcia. Dawn 1999/2000 Advisory Boards Joint Meeting. President- has developed a list of ideas and implementation plans for Elect Dennis Pennington chaired the 1999/2000 Advisory a significant membership drive. Specifically targeted in Boards Joint Meeting on Monday, October 4. This important the drive will be new student chapters, new CPGs, new meeting is attended by the incoming and outgoing ExCom Registered Members, and new general interest members. and Advisory Board delegates from the Sections and involves Dawn will work with National and will closely coordinate sharing information and insights of the individual sections. with the Sections to increase membership in the Institute. So much information is exchanged that it is difficult to digest. Anyone interested in working with Dawn and the Summary reports of ExCom activities were presented by the Membership Development Committee is encouraged to four 1999 National Advisory Board Representatives. contact her at [email protected]. Chairman Pennington summarized the recurrent themes • A new Task Force for Required Curriculum was established gleaned from written section reports mailed to him prior to to evaluate and suggest changes to the education require- the meeting. Each section delegate present gave a brief oral ments for certification by AIPG. The section and national report on the activities, issues, and recommendations of their screening committees have struggled with applications for particular section. The experiences of the sections are diverse, CPG status from candidates with degrees in geology or but common themes include the need to invigorate partici- related fields that do not include currently ‘recommended’ pation at the section level, cooperative relations with other core geology courses. Many candidates want to substitute local professional organizations, and difficulties of arranging course titles that are vague and indicate interdisciplinary meetings in sections with widely scattered members. content for core geology courses, making it difficult for 2000 Advisory Board Meeting. The section delegates screening committees to evaluate the educational back- met with the year 2000 National Officers, 1999 Vice President ground of some candidates. AIPG’s current requirements Font, Executive Director Siok, and interested visitors on are somewhat ambiguous and clarification is needed. The Tuesday, October 5. 2000 President-Elect Fakundiny chaired objective of the Task Force will be to provide clear guid- the meeting. Candidates for the four National Advisory Board ance for both candidates and the screening committees. Representative positions on the 2000 ExCom made brief pre- • The economic realities of AIPG’s publications program sentations prior to a vote by the section delegates. The four were reviewed by Executive Director Siok. Bottom line — 2000 National Advisory Board Representatives elected are the publications program is deep in the red! Various options Marilyn A. Plitnik of the Alaska Section, James A. Jacobs of for restructuring the program were considered, including the California Section, William H. Hoyt of the Colorado raising prices, increased marketing through internet Section, and William V. Knight of the Oklahoma Section. sources, tighter controls on publishing costs, publishing Patrick Leahy, Chief Geologist of the USGS, made a presen- some material on demand and/or making some material tation about current issues and programs of the USGS.
10 The Professional Geologist • DECEMBER 1999 Joint Meeting of the 1999 & 2000 Executive reports were delivered by the Secretary, Editor, and Committees. The outgoing and incoming members of the President. Reporting for the AIPG Foundation, Charles ExCom met on Wednesday, October 6. Year 2000 President Mankin stated that the Foundation has received a generous Pennington chaired the meeting. Brief presentations were donation from a member, now deceased; also, the Foundation made by the foreign delegates, Edmund Nickless of the is offering grants to Sections involved in developing educa- Geological Society of London, Gunnar Hultquist of the tional programs. President Fails made a special presentation Swedish Association of Scientists - Geologists’ Section, about the proposed Certification Renewal Program based Gareth Jones of the Irish Geological Institute and the upon Continuing Education and Professional Participation. European Federation of Geologists, and Gordon Williams of The foreign delegates present made brief remarks about the the Canadian Council of Professional Geologists. 2000 relationship of their organizations to AIPG. The floor was President Pennington outlined the projected business to be turned over to President-Elect Pennington, who then pre- undertaken by the new ExCom, and the retiring ExCom sented a special Recognition Award, the last of several trib- members made final closing statements. utes during the week, to “President Tom.” Jack Travis of the AIPG Annual Business Meeting. 1999 President Tom Wisconsin Section outlined the program and beer benefits of Fails presided at the AIPG Annual Business Meeting on the next AIPG Annual Meeting in Milwaukee on October 10- Thursday, October 7, the final meeting of the week. Summary 14, 2000.
KENTUCKY PALEONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY STATEMENT ON THE TEACHING OF EVOLUTION
The Kentucky Paleontological Society was founded in 1993 fully respect the religious views of all persons, but we object for the purpose of promoting interest in and knowledge of to attempts to require any religious teachings as science. the science of paleontology. The Society is a network for the Our Executive Committee approved this statement. We exchange of data between professionals and serious ama- wish to make it clear that we do not restrict our member- teurs in the field. The KPS and its members have worked ship to avowed evolutionists. We insist only that our mem- with world-class paleontologists on exciting projects ranging bers conduct themselves responsibly and safely when doing from the discovery of a new genus of extinct echinoderm and field work and collecting specimens. the excavation of a rare early land vertebrate in Kentucky, The KPS encourages its members and other professional to helping excavate dinosaurs and other vertebrate fossils in scientific groups to give support and aid to those classroom New Mexico and Montana. Our mission is to advance science teachers who present the subject matter of evolution fairly by bringing untapped talent into the field, and to help cre- and encounter community objection. We also encourage ate a more scientifically literate public through our educa- administrators and individual teachers to oppose the inclu- tional efforts. Correcting misunderstandings about science sion of nonscientific concepts in the science classroom. is clearly part of any educational mission. We think that it is vital that all scientific organizations, including the KPS, stand against pseudoscience. On October 12, 1999, the KPS issued the following statement: The Kentucky Paleontological Society (KPS) is opposed to any attempt to teach creationism or omit mention of evolu- tion from public school instruction. Furthermore, evolution should be called “evolution” in curriculum guidelines and other documents; euphemisms such as “change over time” are intellectually dishonest for they attempt to conceal the terminology used by scientists. Paleontology relies for its evidence on two different but historically related fields, biology and geology. Biological evo- lution is the central organizing principle of biology, under- stood as descent with modification. Evolution is equally basic to geology, because the pattern of fossil distribution in the rock record makes no sense without evolution. Evidence for the progressive replacement of fossil forms has been ade- quate to support the theory of evolution for over 100 years. Paleontologists may dispute, on the basis of the available evi- dence, the tempo and mode of evolution in a particular group at a particular time, but they do not argue about whether evolution took place. The record of the evolution of life is exciting, instructive, and enjoyable, and it is our view that everyone should have the opportunity and the privilege to understand it as paleontologists do. Kentucky’s students deserve and require a high-quality science education, grounded in scientific evidence and free of sectarian influence. The content of science courses should be determined by the standards of the scientific community. Most people who subscribe to religious views have devel- oped belief systems that are compatible with evolution. We
DECEMBER 1999 • The Professional Geologist 11 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN A New Year with Old Challenges
William J. Siok, CPG-04773 There’s already been enough, and will undoubtedly be much ogists) regarding the role geologists and geology play in our more, hyperbole about the millenium and the year 2000. I society, economy, and culture. We’re very effective about cannot imagine myself capable of matching the strident, describing our career plight to each other, but not particu- excitable, promise-them-unimaginable-excitement and unfor- larly adept at advising colleagues in other professions: engi- gettable-experiences pitches for New Year’s Eve Celebrations neers, other scientists, legislators, teachers, or students. welcoming in the next 1000 years. I can, however, imagine AIPG is working diligently to remedy this by actively par- myself recognizing that although AIPG will continue into the ticipating in the annual NCSL (National Conference of State next century, we must continue changing the way we conduct Legislators), by organizing our own annual Fly-In to business if AIPG is to be a true representative and advocate Washington, D.C., and by supporting and promoting for the profession into the new century. Registration and other professional initiatives in the States. There won’t be any gala events or ballyhoo associated with Related issues include reciprocity and comity among state our 37th year. We actually have much to show for our 36 jurisdictions and between the AIPG and sister organizations. years, including all the professional accomplishments dis- The issue of reciprocity among state jurisdictions is compli- cussed within these pages for years and the personal and cated by sovereignty of states which correctly will not abro- professional ties each has established through the auspices gate their prerogatives to other states. If the Registration of AIPG. These do not mean, however, that we are due for a statutes under which Professional Engineering is regulated respite or should entertain false expectations, least of all is any guide, it is not likely geologists will enjoy a nation- because there’s a new 1000-year-period about to begin. In wide reciprocity among state jurisdictions. What we may see human terms, 1000 years is a VERY long time. In mundane instead is a gradual development and acceptance of uniform organizational terms, it’s also an enormous span. This being Practice Standards which would serve as a basis for any state the case, it’s appropriate for us as AIPG to think of the next to accept a registration credential from a second state pro- five years. vided the applicant from the second state meets unique Of course, the direction taken by AIPG is determined by requirements of the first, including payment of the license the membership through its elected representatives locally fee. This issue will be the subject of discussion, debate, and and on the national level. I have observed as a former mem- political activism in years to come. Development of a rea- ber of the Executive Committee and now as Executive sonable approach to the comity/reciprocity dilemma also dic- Director the significance of active members’ influence upon tates that we geologists continue to work cooperatively with the decisions made by the Executive Committee. The work our professional engineering colleagues through AIPG required to formulate, present articulately and convincing- National and our Sections. ly, and implement a major program change is sometimes over- Dennis Pennington,CPG-04401, AIPG President for whelming. Members who, out of dedication to an ideal, devote 2000, has stated that two of his priorities for the new year time and energy to effect positive change in AIPG are truly will be renewed efforts to increase membership and non-dues to be admired. There have been such initiatives begun in revenue sources. In regard to the first goal, Dawn Garcia, 1999. CPG-08313, has accepted the role of Membership Committee Tom Fails, CPG-03174, has spent a very significant part Chair. The objective here is to appeal to more of our col- of his waking hours toiling on behalf of AIPG. This year, as leagues, particularly Registered Geologists, who are not affil- President, he has prepared a concise, well reasoned and rea- iated with AIPG to join us in our efforts to educate the pub- sonable, proposal for Continuing Education related to AIPG lic and advocate for the profession. Certification. This proposal was unanimously endorsed by In regard to non-dues revenue, we are reassessing our pub- the Executive Committee at our Annual Meeting in Girdwood lications program with an eye to improving the bottom line. for further consideration, refinement, and eventual presen- This includes consideration of cooperative agreements with tation to the entire membership. The proposal, if accepted by entities that will provide AIPG with greater exposure, mar- the membership, will significantly increase the prestige and keting, and return on investment. The existing Sponsorship value of AIPG Certification. It has been stated elsewhere and Program has been moderately successful but in need of wider often, that an objective of AIPG Certification is to eventual- promotion, and AIPG efforts to procure grants will continue. ly be recognized as a geologic excellence standard equivalent The challenge for AIPG from a financial point of view is to to board certification of physicians. The proposal developed develop resources that will enable us in years to come to by Tom Fails is a step towards achieving this goal. This is a decrease the dependency of our annual operating budget upon program which will require much effort in 2000 and beyond. dues and to allow AIPG to devote more of the budget to advo- Another critical endeavor underway is professional advo- cacy activities. cacy. AIPG has long supported professional registration of AIPG initiatives which gradually take shape through the geologists and is exploring means of developing financial years are somewhat reflective of the evolving business and resources which can be used to support increased activities professional climate. AIPG now stands as a unique profes- on behalf of geologists seeking registration. AIPG also wish- sional association dedicated to promoting geology. Of course, es to support those sections whose jurisdictions have achieved the organization is effective, or not, in direct proportion to the status but yet require an organization to continually pro- the efforts made by its members. The path ahead is not so mote the profession, even after registration has been imple- difficult to see, but what is difficult is discerning whether mented. you, as Professional Geologists, are willing to help promote Related to advocacy is education. Advocacy can, in part, your own self-interest by your active participation in AIPG be defined as the education of non-geologists (and some geol- advocacy efforts.
12 The Professional Geologist • DECEMBER 1999 AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM MONTHLY REVIEW
Monthly update prepared by David Applegate, MEM-0002, and AGI GAP Director Margaret Baker • Appropriations Process Spills Into New Fiscal Year AGI Joins Other Societies In Support of • USGS Re-Organization Takes Shape Federal R&D • AGI Joins Other Societies In Support of Federal R&D In early September, AGI joined with twenty-four engi- • AGI Letter to Kansas Governor Graves on neering, scientific, and business associations to send letters Evolution Issue to all members of Congress regarding the proposed budget cuts for science and technology programs. A letter from AGI • Proposed NTIS Elimination Raises Hackles President David Stephenson was bundled with letters from • National Research Council Releases Report on Mining other society presidents in a show of broad support for sci- • Leinen to Head NSF Geosciences Directorate ence programs whose Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 budgets were cut by the House of Representatives. Organized by the Science, • Washington Visits by AGI Member Society Leaders Engineering and Technology Working Group (SETWG)-- • New Congressional Science Fellows Take Their Place on which AGI co-chairs--the campaign drew attention to the role Capitol Hill of federally funded research in the growing economy an the • Staff/Intern Arrivals need for continued investment. The AGI letter focused on cuts to the National Science Foundation and NASA's Office • New Material on Website of Earth Science and also urged full support for the U.S. Appropriations Process Spills Into Geological Survey and geoscience programs in the New Fiscal Year Department of Energy. October 1st is the beginning of Fiscal Year (FY) 2000, but AGI Letter to Kansas Governor Graves on with 9 of 13 appropriations bills as yet unsigned, most fed- Evolution Issue eral agencies are experiencing deja vuall over again. A con- On September 8th, AGI President David Stephenson wrote tinuing resolution will keep them at FY 1999 levels for at to Kansas Governor Bill Graves expressing support for the least the next three weeks or until final bills can be signed. governor and the Kansas Geological Survey in their strong Among science-related bills, only Energy and Water (H.R. stance against the new state science standards that elimi- 2605)--funding most of the Department of Energy--had been nate any mention of biological macroevolution, the age of the signed by the September 30 deadline. The Interior (USGS), Earth, or the origin and early development of the universe. The letter includes a 1981 AGI position statement on evolu- Commerce (NOAA), and VA/HUD (NSF, NASA, EPA) bills tion. Copies of this letter were also sent to the Kansas state are all awaiting conferences to resolve significant differences school board. The letter is included in an AGI update at between spending levels set by the House and Senate. After http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis106/evolution.html. weeks of debate and filibusters, the Interior bill passed the On September 23rd, the presidents of the National Senate on September 23rd after voting to extend a morato- Academy of Sciences (NAS), American Association for the rium on the promulgation of Minerals Management Service Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the National Science regulations on oil and gas royalty collection from federal Teachers Association (NSTA) announced that they were lands. In addition to spending differences, the two houses denying the Kansas State Board of Education's request to must agree on provisions relating to grazing, mining, and use portions of education documents developed by their other contentious issues. Scientists hope that the VA/HUD organizations in the new Kansas science education stan- conference will adopt the spending levels for NSF and NASA dards. The denial was due to the failure of the Kansas stan- set by the Senate, which are considerably higher than those dards to meet the claim that they "...embrace the vision and emerging from the House where both agencies suffered sub- content" of those documents. The presidents otherwise dis- associated themselves and their organizations from the stantial cuts. Kansas standards. More at http://www.project2061.org/news- USGS Re-Organization Takes Shape info/kansas.htm. U.S. Geological Survey Director Charles "Chip" Groat has Proposed NTIS Elimination Raises Hackles initiated a series of structural changes in the Survey's organ- Concern has been raised in the geoscience community over ization designed to break down barriers between the four an August 12 announcement by the Department of Commerce discipline-based divisions and shift power to the three of plans to eliminate the National Technical Information regions. In mid-September, Groat named new eastern, cen- Service (NTIS). NTIS serves as a clearinghouse of federal tral, and western regional directors who will be titled scientific and technical information. In 1987, Congress man- Associate Director and will have both line and budget author- dated that NTIS must support itself with user fees, but lower ity to a much greater extent than in the past. The chiefs of usage rates have led to increasing difficulty at covering costs. the geologic, national mapping, water resources, and biolog- Because the decrease in use of NTIS has been attributed to increased Internet access of government documents, ical resources divisions will also be retitled as bureau-wide Commerce proposes to close NTIS, move its archive to the associate directors and shifted to the director's office. A new Library of Congress, and shift responsibility to federal agen- Office of Outreach will house both congressional and public cies to make their own documents available through the affairs and report directly to the director. For more on the re- Internet. On September 14th, the House Technology organization, be sure to read the October and November Subcommittee held a hearing at which witnesses reminded issues of Geotimes, which will feature a two-part interview the subcommittee that many people still did not have access with Groat on his vision for the future of the Survey. to the Internet and that many older federal documents are
DECEMBER 1999 • The Professional Geologist 13 not available in electronic form. Among AGI member soci- President Ray Thomasson discussed the society's position eties, the Geoscience Information Society has been particu- statements with Members of Congress and staff, including larly concerned by these developments. Testimony on the House Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee hearing is available at
14 The Professional Geologist • DECEMBER 1999