NSPS Update Advocating for Surveying BY SEAN IRELAND, UTAH DIRECTOR, NSPS Advocacy for the surveying profession remains a top priority, and I recently had the opportunity to meet with representatives from three of Utah’s Congressional Delegate offices: Congressman Burgess Owens, Sen. John Curtis and Sen. Mike Lee. These discussions focused on two critical issues championed by the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS): protecting professional licensure and ensuring survey mark preservation in disaster cleanup. Each conversation underscored the growing need for awareness and legislative action to support surveyors across the country. Defending Professional Licensure Professional licensure ensures that surveying remains a regulated and respected profession, safeguarding both public and private interests. During my meeting with Congressman Burgess Owens’ office, I was pleased to receive strong support for this issue. The staffer I met with expressed enthusiasm, noting, “This is something the Congressman needs to see and would support.” I emphasized the critical role surveyors play in major infrastructure projects and in safeguarding private property boundaries. Currently, Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) is seeking cosponsors for a resolution reinforcing professional licensure standards, presenting a valuable opportunity for Congressman Owens to step up in support. It is highly beneficial for individuals in Utah’s 4th Congressional District to reach out to Congressman Owens’ office and encourage his support for this measure. The more voices we can gather, the greater traction we can gain. Rep. Joyce, a licensed doctor whose father was a licensed engineer and surveyor, understands the importance of our profession and the necessity of protecting professional licensure. My meeting with Sen. John Curtis’ office was also productive, though slightly less direct. The staffer I met was not the primary contact for licensure matters but acknowledged the importance of maintaining professional standards. Despite the office’s temporary relocation in the basement of the Russell Senate Building, there was still an understanding of the issue’s significance. Preserving Survey Monuments in Disaster Cleanup Another major topic of discussion was the importance of protecting and replacing survey monuments, particularly after natural disasters and large-scale cleanup efforts. My meeting with Sen. Mike Lee’s office was highly engaging, lasting nearly an hour. The staff were eager to understand the funding sources for surveying monuments and whether insurance covers their replacement. After answering their questions, I explained that insurance does not cover the costs of replacing these monuments, creating an ongoing challenge for surveyors. One staffer recalled a previous meeting with Dan Perry, where they discussed the history of markers such as the Benjamin Banneker stones. This allowed me to highlight both the historical and practical importance of survey monuments. Our discussion extended beyond preservation efforts, as I also introduced the topics of professional licensure protection and the Military TAPS Program, which helps transitioning service members enter the surveying profession. Key Takeaways from the 2025 NSPS Spring Meeting UCLS Foresights 8
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