OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UTAH COUNCIL OF LAND SURVEYORS In conjunction with the National Society of Professional Surveyors and the Western Federation of Professional Surveyors 2024 NSPS Annual Report UCLS Welcomes New Leadership for 2024-25 Old Spanish Trail PUB. 16 2024 ISSUE 1
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4 Letter from the Editor 5 Thoughts from the Chair 8 2024 NSPS Annual Report 11 Marc Brown, PE, PLS UCLS 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient 12 Nolan C. Hathcock UCLS 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient 14 UCLS Welcomes New Leadership for 2024-25 16 Old Spanish Trail 22 Western Federation of Professional Surveyors Report 26 2022 Surveyor of the Year Trent Williams 27 2023 Surveyor of the Year Christopher Donoghue 28 Ron Whitehead Celebration of Life and Final Point 29 Utah Council of Land Surveyors Conference Mapping the Future: Lessons From the Past, Tools of Tomorrow ©2024 UCLS Foresights is published by the The newsLINK Group LLC for the land surveyors profession of the state of Utah and similar organizations on a complimentary basis. UCLS Foresights is not copyright protected, therefore articles, except where specifically copyright noted, may be reprinted with proper credit given. Articles appearing in the Foresights publication do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint or endorsement of UCLS, its officers, board of directors or the editor. Contributions are encouraged and may be submitted to UCLS at ucls@ucls.org. Utah Council of Land Surveyors EXECUTIVE BOARD 2024 State Chair CHAD HILL Chair Elect DARRYL FENN Past Chair ANDY HUBBARD NSPS Representative DANIAL PERRY WFPS Representative MIKE NADEAU Treasurer BRAD MORTENSEN To contact any of the UCLS officers, please visit ucls.memberclicks.net/officers. Contents 16 8 On the cover: Mineral Corner in Big Cottonwood Canyon Donated by Meridian Engineering Inc.
Hello, friends and colleagues! As we reflect on the summer of 2024, we know how busy it’s been for all of us surveying here in Utah. Between projects, outdoor adventures and family activities, it’s easy to lose track of the exciting developments happening around us. But fear not — this issue is packed with valuable insights and stories that will inspire and inform you. From industry innovations to tips on enhancing your skills, there’s so much to explore. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, settle in and let’s dive into the latest updates and discussions. We’re excited to invite you to be part of our next edition! If you’re interested in joining our publication committee, we’d love to have you on board. It’s a great way to connect with fellow members and contribute to our community. Just reach out to me at amos@aegislandsurveying.com. We’re also on the lookout for your amazing photos, engaging articles and fun facts to share. If you have something to contribute, send it over to me at the same email. Your creativity and insights will help make our publication and newsletters even more special. Letter from the Editor AMOS WILSON, PLS UCLS Foresights 4
As this year is coming to an end, I was asked to look back at the 2024 UCLS Conference. When I reflect on the conference, a level of anxiety comes to me that I thought was gone for good. Even though the conference went great, we typically are our own worst critics. I wish I had done a few things differently. Overall, a few things come to mind — some I cannot share because this is a PG-rated article. All joking aside, I do want to start with a heartfelt thanks to all those who helped plan, present and participate in the conference. I had never planned a conference or been part of planning something to this magnitude. I had no idea how much work was needed to go into planning — presenters, meals, breaks, vendors, etc. A very special thanks goes to Susan for dealing with me and my crazy ideas and methods. She makes this conference happen every year. Thank you, Susan. To all the presenters and vendors at the conference, thank you! This sometimes is a very thankless job. Presenting is not always fun and is often scary in some situations. Many of you were asked to present by yourselves and, thankfully, you said yes. The feedback that I received on the information shared was very positive and informative. My favorite part, still to this day, was watching Marty kick over a total station (totally not operational) and seeing and hearing the Thoughts from the Chair CHAD HILL, CHAIR UTAH COUNCIL OF LAND SURVEYORS UCLS Foresights 5
crowd gasp as they saw a very expensive total station hit the ground. I knew it was a set up and I still cringe every time I see him do this. To the members of UCLS: Thank you for your attendance and participation at the conference. Continuing our education is critical to our profession. We are a small profession in Utah that is asked to do very critical jobs. I feel we excel at them. Some of the success in my career has been from the training and skills I have learned from members of the UCLS. For this next year, we have a new conference chair. His name is Sean Ireland. Sean has fully taken this new role very seriously and planned a great 2025 conference. He has been planning for months to make sure as much information and professional growth as possible can be offered at the next conference. I am very excited to see another great conference and to see all of my fellow UCLS members again. If you would like to help with the conference or any other committees, please feel free to reach out to me or any other board members, and we will gladly accept your help and expertise. Thank you again for allowing me to be a part of the UCLS and for your support. Kevin Bishop | Regional Sales Director 801-361-2457 | kbishop@carlsonsw.com GET IT DONE With Carlson www.carlsonsw.com Contact Your Carlson Dealer or Regional Director to Learn More The leading solutions for Drone to CAD UCLS Foresights 6
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2024 NSPS Annual Report BY DANIAL L. PERRY, MBA, PLS, NSPS STATE DIRECTOR Overview I arrived early to support the Student Competition and the UVU team in particular since they were the only school competing from Utah. The same type and style of competition was held, with a scavenger hunt on the first day and three field survey events on the second day. Namely, there was a triangulation exercise — back sighting the Washington Monument (which is an official NGS Monument), Level Loop with an old dumpy level with non‑adjustable tripod legs, and a four-sided compass and chain traverse course. There were 24 teams competing from HS, AAS or BS degree programs. Utah did not place. Tuesday was “Day on the Hill.” Wednesday had NSPS committee meetings of which I attended three. I am a member of the Government Affairs Committee, Workforce Development Committee and Education Committee. Highlights from these committee meetings, as well as the Western States Directors Council and the board of directors business meeting highlights, are found in the following sections. NSPS Government Affairs Committee Report A review of the Day on the Hill was made by all members of the committee. Utah is as follows: 2024 Legislative Agenda The consulting company, Miller-Wenhold, and their registered federal lobbyist, “JB” John Byrd, throughout the year, are involved with politics and legislation at the federal level. They have many connections with and understand the processes involved in obtaining and revising legislation at the federal level. JB does training for all NSPS board members regarding current issues they deem important to be brought to members of Congress and the various committees each serve on or chair. Along with the NSPS executive board leadership, they decide the best legislative strategy to be taken on behalf of the NSPS in regard to the various legislation and issues. Before the official NSPS board and committee meetings begin on Wednesday, board members participate in a “Day on the Hill,” which includes training and visits to senators and representatives and/or their staffs. The consultants set up the appointments and make other necessary arrangements, including a follow-up meeting and an annual report (about 20 pages) describing all legislative issues being addressed in some form on behalf of the NSPS. • TAP Pilot for 2025 NDAA Because of the high demand for surveying and mapping services and the significant shortage of available labor force, NSPS is requesting that members of Congress implement a pilot program into the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (an annual act that authorizes various activities by the Department of Defense (DOD)). This request for a pilot program applies specifically to the DOD’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which exists to help departing personnel obtain work in the civilian sector. NSPS has decided to offer the surveying and mapping profession as a pilot to show the DOD how to tie Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) directly to Civilian Positions, which has not happened in the past. For example, tying Geospatial Engineer-12Y or Field Artillery Surveyor-13S to a similar civilian job. The titles alone seem to show the private surveying firm that these are skills that can be employed in the civilian surveying and mapping profession. NSPS is behind this pilot program, and we asked members of Congress and Senate to “include a provision to the 2025 NDAA that would authorize a pilot UCLS Foresights 8
program in the DOD’s TAP to target members of the Armed Services, with relevant skillsets, training and military surveying, mapping and geospatial experience to transition into applicable career opportunities in civilian sector surveying.” • Surveying Licensure Protects Public Health, Safety and Welfare Across the country, various federal and state agencies and governments have been eliminating or restricting licenses of various types. In some cases, all licensing has been in jeopardy of elimination regardless of whether or not the licensing protects the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. Because of this threat to the surveying and mapping profession, the NSPS respectfully urges members of the House to cosponsor H.Con.Res.96 by contacting Tyler Mortier with Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) at tyler.mortier@mail.house.gov or 5-2431. NSPS respectfully urges U.S. senators to sponsor a companion “sense of the Congress” resolution, highlighting the important role licensing of surveyors, architects and engineers play in protecting the public health, safety and welfare. • Survey Mark Preservation in a Disaster Cleanup We are all aware of the need to preserve monumentation and survey marks. This is particularly true after a disaster (earthquake, fire, flood, etc.) claims or threatens to claim these monuments and marks. In the past, many monuments have been lost due to such disasters, particularly during the cleanup phase. NSPS respectfully urges Congress to include a provision in disaster planning and response legislation, ensuring that survey mark reestablishment and preservation by professional surveyors be included in both pre-cleanup discussions as well as access to recovery and disaster relief and assistance programs. 2024 Day on the Hill Highlights Sen. Lee’s Staff Visit I kept the 11:00 a.m. appointment with Jacey Albaugh, legislative correspondent for Sen. Mike Lee (363 Russell Bldg., Washington, D.C.). Although she was 30 minutes late, once she was present, she was very attentive, intelligent and able to understand all the issues and concerns I brought up on behalf of NSPS and the surveying profession in Utah. She was unable to commit Sen. Lee to the NSPS ask but did say she would investigate further because she is the legislative correspondent and chair of Sen. Lee’s Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) staff committee. She had the time for me to discuss the other issues in the packet we dropped off. After discussing the licensing issue along with the workforce development issues I brought up in the state of Utah, she committed to leaving the information with Stephen Hansen, legislative correspondent and staff committee chair for labor. Also, after discussing the TAP Pilot for 2025 NDAA issue, she committed to leaving this information with Karina Mariotti, military legislative assistant. Overall, this was a good initial meeting and will require my follow-up with each individual involved to see if we can still get a commitment from Sen. Lee on each of these issues. Sen. Romney’s Staff Visit No one committed to a previously arranged appointment, but I stopped UCLS Foresights 9
by and gave the same packet of information to Miriam Harmer, senior policy advisor. I will need to follow up. Rep. Curtis’s Staff Visit I kept the appointment with Rep. John Curtis’s staffer named Troy Dougall (son of John Dougall from Utah, who is running for John Curtis’ Utah District 3 House Seat). He had an open afternoon, so we spent an hour together discussing all three issues in the packet, as well as the surveying and mapping workforce shortage in Utah. His fiancé’s sister is in the middle of rethinking her college major choice, and he thought she would be interested in surveying and mapping. He was quite positive about each program but seemed most interested in Rep. Curtis’s involvement in the TAP Pilot for the 2025 NDAA program. I will follow up with Troy’s progress in this area. This concluded my visits to members of Congress and Senate. Each appointment constituted an initial visit and will require subsequent follow-up visits to discuss not only this issue but others as they arise. It is about building relationships. NSPS Workforce Development (WFD) Committee Meeting Some interesting statistics: • 300 million survey monuments in the USA. • 37,000 licensed surveyors in the USA. • After 20 years, 50% of engineers leave the career. Trent Keenan, the new committee chair, put together a promotional packet he calls Surveying 101, which will soon be available to all states. I plan to discuss this document at length with Chris Donaghue, UCLS Education Committee chair, when it becomes available. NSPS has really provided some excellent promotional resources and training. This has already started to have an impact over the past year with what seems to feel like an increase in awareness of the surveying and mapping profession. Some of the successes include: • Some states have approached the FFA program in their local areas, resulting in increased higher education enrollments. • Used GIS to attract new students. • State organization will establish a budget for recruitment and WFD. • Certificate programs at local technical schools (magnet or focused HS). • Contact city commissioners or council members about workforce development. • Repeat, repeat, repeat the surveying profession message. • State affiliate organizations (UCLS) to create a focus on WFD. • Get chapter presidents involved and committed to WFD and promotion. • Oregon PLSO produced a video ($6,600), and they have divided the foundation money into outreach and scholarships. Suggestions for things to do in Utah and the UCLS include: • UVU to pursue a possible surveying technology certificate MTech (previously Mountainland Technology). • Keep and report a running tally of all the outreach events in our state. • Put together a little suitcase with promotional materials (101 packet) for each chapter to use. • Collaboration with adjoining states may help pay for a marketing/recruiting person and call this person a career ambassador (outreach), which includes a nameplate and a gas voucher. • Hold a “Day on the Hill” in Utah. Education Committee They are just getting organized by a newly appointed chair. Nothing to report at this time. Western States Director’s Council • Provided a report on behalf of Utah since the NSPS Fall Meeting (September 2023). • A letter of reconsideration was written by the UCLS Executive Board requesting that the Utah DOPL review their decision to not cite a county planner who, according to the complainant (a private surveyor), was practicing surveying without a license. This case has caused quite a stir among the licensed surveyors in the state. DOPL decided not to overturn their decision, and the UCLS dropped any further comments or responses to DOPL. Board of Directors Business Meeting • A Military Committee was formed by the NSPS for the purpose of strengthening the relationship with the existing military personnel in the private sector and, in particular, the surveying and mapping profession. • Committee reports were made. • Announcement of new officers was made: ˚ Davey Edwards, President ˚ Linda Foster, President-Elect ˚ Tim Murphy, Vice President ˚ Craig Amey, Secretary ˚ Robert Miller, Treasurer ˚ Bob Akins, Past President • Nominations, appointments and elections for 2024-25 were held. • The fall meeting was held in October 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. UCLS Foresights 10
Marc Brown, PE, PLS UCLS 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Marc, speaking of his experience, said: “Land surveying has been more than a profession for me; it has been a fulfilling, lifelong journey. The physical, mental and spiritual challenges of this work have continually invigorated me. From scaling mountains and hammering rebar into the ground to researching historical surveys and interpreting old deeds, every aspect of surveying has tested and rewarded me. I started my career at 15 in Cedar City, Utah, under the guidance of my grandpa, Leo Palmer, and my uncle, Roland Palmer, a civil engineer and land surveyor. My first real experience came as an artillery surveyor in the Army, where I spent 30 months in West Germany during the Cold War. Upon returning home, I joined Echoff, Watson and Preator, where I worked under Ralph Watson, gaining valuable experience in surveying subdivisions. Eventually, my uncle Roland invited me to join his consulting business in Bountiful, Utah, which marked the beginning of my lifelong career in the state. In 1988, I moved to St. George to work with Bulloch Brothers Engineering, where I had the opportunity to survey various projects in Utah, Nevada and Arizona. Some of my favorite assignments included surveying state park boundaries in Southern Utah, where I marveled at the accuracy of measurements taken 80 years earlier. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with talented professionals like Keith Coe, Hiram Alba and many others. I also pursued my education, earning a degree in civil engineering from the University of Utah in 1986, which led to my PLS licensure in 1987. As the years passed, I founded Brown Consulting Engineers and continued working on diverse projects, from airports and highways to national parks and monuments. My career took me to places like Samoa and Palau, where I experienced the challenges of international surveying. None of this would have been possible without the support of my family and colleagues. My wife, Suzanne, was always by my side, helping with the business and even joining survey crews when needed. My daughters also pitched in, running blueprints and assisting with surveys on weekends. After over 50 years of surveying, I’ve grown to love the profession and the people within it. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the relationships I’ve built along the way. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.” Thank you to Marc; we all appreciate the inspiration and contributions you have given to us in this profession by being an exemplary representative of our heritage. Ken Hamblin, PLS, presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Marc Brown, PE, PLS UCLS Foresights 11
Nolan and his wife, Cindy, have six children and live in South Jordan, Utah. Nolan worked for Sandy City for 31 years as the Sandy City surveyor. Additionally, he worked a side practice surveying for individuals all over northern Utah, primarily in the Salt Lake and Tooele Valleys. He has been in land surveying for over 46 years. Nolan began his surveying career in 1977, working for Rollins, Brown, and Gunnell — starting as a chainman and rodman. He worked all over Utah and Wyoming, and did a lot of residential subdivisions in Provo and Orem. They also built dams, designed and did survey work. He realized how much he enjoyed working outdoors and decided to continue with this field of work. In 1979, a civil engineer left RBG and started his own company, Thurgood and Associates. Taking Nolan with him, they did a bunch of work for Robert Redford around his house near Sundance. They had to survey the line between Redford’s property and the national forest, running up a 25-foot rod over the tree line so they could drive in T-posts. From April 1980 to 1987, he worked at Ludlow Engineering in Nephi — he was the main surveyor there in a small family-owned business. When the recession hit, they found work in Payson, Arizona, staking highways. They would be down there for two weeks at a time, living out of an office. They would sleep on the floor in sleeping bags, getting up at 3 a.m. so they could start working right when it was light enough to see through the instrument. This was because it was so hot, and they would be done for the day by 2 p.m. In 1985, Nolan became a licensed surveyor. During his time with Ludlow, Nolan’s wife Cindy was sending out resumes all over the country. He started getting job offers from Florida, North Carolina, Vermont and Martha’s Vineyard. In November 1987, he accepted a job in Virginia with a man named Granville Hogg. It was a small survey business with three employees. He hired Nolan as his top surveyor, mainly doing boundary surveys and subdivided waterfront property on the bay side — pretty, little coves, very green, hot and humid. He never could get dry. In January 1990, he moved to Westminster, Maryland, to work at Harris, Smariga and Matz (today known as Harris, Smariga and Associates), an engineering company in Baltimore, Maryland. In June of 1991, he moved back to Virginia. Granville offered to make Nolan his partner. But when he left the first time, Granville had closed down. So, when Granville wanted to start up again, all their clients had gone somewhere else. He stayed there for few months and then decided to move on. In October of 1991, he moved back to Utah, and he went to work for Sandy City. Meanwhile, while working at Sandy, he also ran his own small family business on the side. He started doing side work in Tooele County in the summer of 1992, using his kids to go out and work on Saturdays. Doug Kinsman, PLS, presenting the award to Nolan C. Hathcock, PLS Nolan C. Hathcock UCLS 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient UCLS Foresights 12
In 2004, Doug Kinsman, serving as the elected county surveyor for Tooele County, was deployed for military service in the National Guard. During his deployment, Nolan was appointed to fill in as the county surveyor. This arrangement began in February 2004, with Nolan working 10-hour days at his primary job in Sandy and dedicating half-days on Fridays to Tooele County. When Doug returned from his service, he requested Nolan to continue working with the county. Nolan accepted this request and maintained his work for Tooele County until 2022. After 31 years, he retired from Sandy in March of 2022. Upon retiring from his position in Sandy, Nolan immediately transitioned to a new role at the Bureau of Reclamation. His tenure with the Bureau began just a few days following his retirement, and he continues to be actively employed there to this day. Nolan’s whole family was in attendance for this award. DID YOU KNOW? Enjoy your association news anytime, anywhere. Scan the QR code to visit our online publication to stay up to date on the latest association news, share articles and read past issues. ucls-foresights.thenewslinkgroup.org UCLS Foresights 13
UCLS Welcomes New Leadership for 2024-25 BY ANDY HUBBARD, PAST CHAIR, UTAH COUNCIL OF LAND SURVEYORS Swearing in of Chapter Officers: Devron Andersen, Trevor Jensen, Hayden Langston, Gary Christensen, Joseph Carr and Mike Stewart take the Oath of Office for their respective chapters and will serve for the next two years. The Utah Council of Land Surveyors (UCLS) held its annual conference this past February. As part of the conference, there was a leadership transition ceremony, marking a new chapter in its governance for 2024. This event, held at the Dixie Convention Center, saw the formal transition from my leadership, and was passed onto Chad Hill. Chad Hill was sworn in as the new chair, and Darryl Fenn was acknowledged and will serve as chair‑elect in preparation to serve as chair next year. The ceremony included the traditional Oath of Office, reaffirming the commitment of the newly elected 2024-25 officers to uphold the standards and mission of UCLS. The Oath was administered to Chad Hill, Darryl Fenn and the rest of the leadership team as they stood in front of their peers, raising their hands to pledge their dedication to the land surveying profession and the organization’s goals. During my time as chair of the Utah Council of Land Surveyors, I was truly honored to play a part in the success of this organization. I am incredibly grateful for the support I received from my colleagues and the entire UCLS community throughout the past year. The opportunity to serve and learn in this role has been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate the trust placed in UCLS Foresights 14
Swearing in of State Officers: Chad Hill and Darryl Fenn are seen raising their hands during the Oath of Office, a symbolic gesture of their commitment to the UCLS. Recognition of Andy Hubbard: Andy Hubbard is presented with a plaque in appreciation for his leadership as chair of UCLS. me. Now, as I transition into the role of past chair, I feel humbled to have been formally recognized for my service with a commemorative plaque during the ceremony. In a heartfelt moment, I had the privilege of passing the leadership gavel to Chad Hill, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for UCLS. Chad Hill, as the newly appointed chair, who was previously the Timpanogos chapter president, brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position. During his introductory message, he expressed his vision for the coming year and his commitment to continuing the council’s mission of promoting high standards and professional ethics in land surveying across Utah. Stepping into the role of chair-elect is Darryl Fenn, who has served in various positions in the UCLS and is currently a member of the Standards and Ethics Committee, was elected as chair for the 2025-26 term. Fenn is set to support Hill in the upcoming year, ensuring continuity and stable leadership within UCLS. The Utah Council of Land Surveyors is looking forward to a productive year under its new leadership team, with the shared goal of further advancing and protecting the land surveying profession in the state of Utah. UCLS Foresights 15
Old Spanish Trail In an effort to become a better surveyor, I applied for a geomatics degree from Utah Valley University in 2018. As part of the coursework, I was asked to prepare an investigative report on surveying history in Utah, and I decided to research the Old Spanish Trail. My research was personally enlightening and provided insight into my role as a land surveyor. I knew that the Spanish were prolific explorers (they had reached the Alaskan coast by 1775), and I had read about the 1776 Domínguez-Escalante expedition, but I knew there was more to the Trail than that. I discovered that parts of the Trail were explored and measured by other Spanish explorers, like Catholic friars, frontiersmen and traders. They each left behind pieces of the puzzle with their maps, notes and observations. I began to find amazing connections and convenient timing between these explorers and their expeditions, culminating in the Old Spanish Trail. The Trail opened opportunity, travel, commerce and communication across the Southwest. BY JEREMIAH CUNNINGHAM, PLS UCLS Foresights 16
The Trail opened opportunity, travel, commerce and communication across the Southwest. UCLS Foresights 17
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The notes and journals from the 1765 expeditions of Juan Rivera describe a route northerly from Santa Fe, New Mexico, looking for gold, silver and the legendary city of Teguayo. The expedition gathered parol evidence from an old Ute woman and left a marker near the Gunnison River for future explorers. Later, from the Pacific Coast, Fray Garcés, a Spanish friar, used a compass, quadrant and charts to calculate his latitudinal position between Los Angeles, California, and Oraibi, Arizona. His notes and journals describe his participation in peace treaties between warring tribes. The Domínguez-Escalante expedition had the Rivera notes and some of the same party members, and a timely letter written by Fray Garcés about his route from Los Angeles. They took the Rivera route to the Gunnison River (they found Rivera’s marker) and eventually reached Teguayo, the Utah Valley between Spanish Fork and Provo, before heading west to look for the overland route to California. Fray Garcés’ letter gave them a route back to Santa Fe when the weather turned foul. The Domínguez-Escalante expedition took measurements, spoke with local tribes, described weather patterns, observed the landscapes and wrote down everything they saw and found. Their expedition included a cartographer, Meira y Pacheco, who produced a beautiful map based on the expedition notes in 1778. José Antonio Armijo gathered all of this preceding evidence, along with accounts from traders and hunters, to plan a route to Los Angeles, striking out from Santa Fe in 1929. With a mule train full of goods, he had to be successful! His notes detail the route he took to retrace the Domínguez‑Escalante expedition, following their footsteps through the Crossing of the Fathers (currently below Lake Powell) and up to the Virgin River. From there, they headed to the verdant Las Vegas Wash and along the Mojave River, using the Fray Garcés route to Los Angeles. After this success, others used the Trail for decades for commerce and travel. UCLS Foresights 19
My research into the Trail helped me see the broader aspects of land surveying. Although most of the individual explorers who searched for the overland route from New Mexico to California were substantially unsuccessful in connecting the two destinations, they had the foresight to keep notes and journals. They intended for others to follow in their footsteps and to eventually be successful. Following footsteps most often means going where our predecessors went: literally being where they were and seeing what they saw. Success was measured by how well others used their work. The Trail’s explorers documented the routes, the terrain, the preparations, the peoples, the conflicts, the climates, the resources, the seasons and the scope of their expeditions. Sometimes they looked for their predecessors’ landmarks and markers. Often, the work needed measurements, like the explorers’ celestial observations or distances estimated in Spanish leagues. On the other hand, it could mean mending relationships between neighbors or peace-treaty participation. Sometimes it required researching the history of an area before deciding on the best route to take. It certainly includes documenting the work through field notes, journals and maps so that the latest work can be retraced. All of it is surveying, and these surveyors and explorers expected others to use and benefit from their surveys. We could not imagine the Old Spanish Trail without a surveyor’s foresight to record stories with notes and maps. How good are we telling our stories for the people that follow us? The Trail was successful because people used it. Do clients also use our surveys to be successful? For these explorers, the Trail was adventurous and exciting. I am proud to be part of a profession that gives me this feeling of excitement. UCLS Foresights 20
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Western Federation of Professional Surveyors REPORT BY MICHAEL NADEAU, PLS, CFedS, DIRECTOR, WFPS As I begin this report, I want to take a moment to honor and dedicate it to my predecessor on the WFPS board, Ron Whitehead. Since my last report, as many of you already know, Ron passed away on Sept. 25, 2023. Before I took over, Ron served as your representative to the WFPS for more than 20 years. While we don’t know the exact duration, we estimate it was over two decades of dedicated service to UCLS through WFPS — along with countless other contributions to the profession, not only in Utah but throughout the West and across the country. When people describe someone as the “salt of the earth,” Ron truly embodied that phrase. I can’t pinpoint exactly how long I knew Ron — probably since I began attending UCLS board meetings as the Salt Lake chapter president in 2007. Let’s call it 16 years. When I was elected chairman-elect of UCLS in 2010, I had the privilege of traveling with Ron to WFPS board meetings across the Western U.S. The following year, when I became UCLS chairman, the new chairman-elect wasn’t keen on attending the WFPS meetings. Without hesitation, Ron declared, “Mike will keep going this year then.” And the rest, as they say, is history. Little did I know, Ron was grooming me to one day take his place on the board. In 2012, Ron personally asked me to run for Utah’s WFPS director. I was taken aback and said, “No way! That’s your position; I could UCLS Foresights 22
never take that from you.” But Ron replied, “No, Mike. I’m stepping down from the board, and I want you to take over. I have family commitments, and you’re ready to lead Utah on the WFPS board.” I was humbled that someone who had served so long and with such distinction had handpicked me as his successor. Thanks to Ron’s encouragement, I accepted the role, and I’m still carrying on his legacy today. Like Ron, I’ve chaired WFPS and taken over every committee he led, including the legislative and conference committees. I’ve done so with pride because Ron mentored and prepared me for this responsibility, and I’m proud to follow in his footsteps. Over the last decade, Ron and I developed a wonderful relationship. His sense of humor could always brighten a room. I’ll never forget the UCLS dinner when we all introduced our wives. As I stood up, Ron called out from the back, “That’s not the woman you had with you in Idaho, Mike!” That was classic Ron — he could lighten any moment, even during heated discussions, with his perfect sense of timing. There are countless stories I could share — like the time in Oakland when our cab driver nearly wrecked us five times between the restaurant and the hotel. Or the time Carla from Washington almost got us into a fight over college football. Ron and I would often reminisce about those WFPS trips. While they were filled with hard work to advance the profession, they also brought us closer as friends. In 2019, I had the privilege of nominating Ron for the UCLS Lifetime Achievement Award. Sadly, I couldn’t attend the ceremony because I was at the WFPS Conference, but I’ll never forget the call I got from Ron the following Monday. “Was this award your doing, Mike?” he asked. I proudly answered, “Of course it was — congratulations, old man!” Ron wasn’t just a fellow surveyor to me — he was a mentor, a friend and someone who will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in peace, my friend. In Ron’s spirit, let’s move forward with the WFPS report. In my opinion, one of the most significant benefits of WFPS is the collaboration between the 13 member states. For instance, if UCLS faces challenges in passing a bill through the legislature, CLSA might have already navigated a similar legislative process on the same issue. CLSA can provide guidance, insights, ideas and lessons learned to assist UCLS in achieving success. Here are some highlights from each state, as summarized during our last meeting in June of 2024. Highlights From the 13 Western States Alaska (ASPLS), Gary Gervelis: ASPLS was not in attendance. The 2025 ASPLS Conference will be held Feb. 19-21, 2025. General information about APLS can be found on their website, alaskapls.org. Arizona (APLS), Mike Fondren: Current membership is 405. After the Senate refused to agendize the House bill, which would extend the Arizona Board of Technical Registration (BTR), APLS and APLS members participated in a grassroots effort to ensure the continuation of licensing in Arizona. Ultimately, a new bill was introduced that extended the BTR. Unfortunately, some troublesome restrictions were added. APLS thanked NCEES and WFPS for writing letters to support this effort. APLS will be hosting a strategic planning meeting in the fall where they hope to leverage the momentum of their Young Surveyors Network to allocate resources to outreach and member engagement. More information about APLS can be found on their website, azpls.org. California (CLSA), Kevin Nehring and Kristie Achee: The California Board of Registration is polling licensees regarding their interest in continuing education. More information about CLSA can be found on their website, californiasurveyors.org. Colorado (PLSC), Todd Beers: Current membership is 347. PLSC is pleased to announce that legislation has passed that mandates the Department of Registration to promulgate rules to establish continuing education requirements for professional land surveyors. PLSC will assist in the development of continuing education UCLS Foresights 23
requirements. PLSC continues to support the CST program and remains active in outreach activities. More information about PLSC can be found on their website, plsc.net. Hawaii (HLSA), Alika Garo: HLSA was not in attendance. General information about HLSA can be found on their website, hlsahawaii.org. Idaho (ISPLS), Austin Ishino: Current membership is 288. The 2025 ISPLS Conference will be held Feb. 2-7, 2025, at the Riverside Hotel in Boise, Idaho. The governor has initiated “zero-based regulation” to reduce regulation. ISPLS continues to monitor this issue. More information about ISPLS can be found on their new website, idahopls.org. Montana (MARLS), Russ Kluesner and Stew Willis: MARLS continues to deal with the Department of Revenue regarding the refusal to issue tax statements on separate properties after surveys have been filed. MARLS will be hosting a golf tournament in conjunction with their fall board of directors meeting. Flathead Valley Community College is using PLSs from across the state to fulfill lab work in the field. More information can be found on their website, marls.com. Nevada (NALS), Trent Keenan and Greg Phillips: Current membership is 307. Longtime Board of Registration Executive Patty Mamola has retired, and the board has appointed Mark Fakler, PE. A new four-year degree program at the College of Southern Nevada has been approved, and they are seeking an instructor. NALS continues to focus on outreach and has participated in multiple job fairs, STEM fairs and career technical education (CTE) events this year. More information about NALS can be found on their website, nvlandsurveyors.org. New Mexico (NMPS), Darryl Coster: NMPS was not in attendance. General information about NMPS can be found on their website, nmps.org. Utah (UCLS), Mike Nadeau: The Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) ruled that a county planner was practicing surveying without a license. UCLS reviewed the case and supported DOPL. However, the Utah attorney general overruled the action in favor of the county planner. The UCLS has published a Condominium Guide Document that can be found on the website. The UCLS Conference will be held Feb. 19-21, 2025, in St. George. More information about UCLS can be found on their website, ucls.org. Washington (LSAW), Ben Petersen and Luke Lymangrover: Current membership is 868, an increase over last quarter. LSAW has confirmed its conference dates and locations for 2025-28. The next conference will be held Feb. 26-28, 2025, at the Tulalip Resort & Casino. LSAW has authorized $20,000 to participate in a collaborative media outreach campaign with PLSO and ISPLS. Outreach in Washington has increased dramatically over the last quarter, with more volunteers taking an interest in participating in outreach events. A fall seminar will be held in the Tri-Cities area and will feature Dave Doyle and Gavin Schrock. LSAW is excited to announce that the Young Surveyors Network is being revitalized, and Alex Chose has been appointed the WA-YSN Representative. More information about LSAW can be found on their website, lsaw.org. Wyoming (PLSW), John Lee: Current membership is 124. PLSW held a training seminar in early November. Information about PLSW can be found on their website, plsw.org. WFPS Professional Surveyor (PS) Exam Study Course WFPS is in the process of developing a virtual study course for the NCEES PS exam. If you are interested in participating in this project, please email admin@wfps.org. WFPS Fundamental of Surveying (FS) Exam Study Course WFPS online FS Exam Study Course includes approximately 16 hours of videos and a manual. The program not only helps to bring affordable study resources to future surveyors but also generates revenue for our state association members. To date, WFPS has shared over $4,000 in profits with our state association members. Information on the program can be found at wfps.org. Steve Parrish Continuing Education Library WFPS has captured over 18 hours of webinars with respected speaker Steve Parrish. The webinars are available to purchase as a full library or as individual modules. For those who require a certificate of completion for continuing UCLS Foresights 24
About WFPS The Western Federation of Professional Surveyors (WFPS) was formed in 1979. The board of directors includes two delegates from each of the 13 western states. WFPS serves as a regional voice for land surveyors and meets quarterly to discuss practice issues affecting western state surveyors. For more information about WFPS and the state associations, visit wfps.org. education, exams are available. Please check with your state licensing board to confirm that continuing education credit for self-study webinars. Information on the program can be found at wfps.org. WFPS Editor’s Forum WFPS continues to host an Editor’s Forum to share information and exchange ideas for building better magazines. For information, please email the WFPS Executive Office at admin@wfps.org. What WFPS Can Do for You In line with my previous reports, I continue to encourage UCLS members to raise any surveying concerns that can be addressed at a regional level through the WFPS. As your director and representative to WFPS and the former WFPS chairman, I am here to represent you. So please don’t hesitate to contact me at mikenadeau.ucls@gmail.com. UNLOCK EFFICIENCY With Drone Technology For Surveying Precision and efficiency are key to your project’s success. With unmanned solutions from RDO Equipment Co. (formerly Rocky Mountain Transit and Laser), you can complete surveys faster and at a lower cost without compromising precision. DRONES • Wingtra • DJI • GEOCUE • MicaSense • RDOai • PIX4D SENSORS SOFTWARE MURRAY, UT RDOequipment.com UCLS Foresights 25
Trent Williams was honored with the prestigious Surveyor of the Year award for 2022, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the surveying profession. As the chair of the Education Committee, Trent played a pivotal role in overseeing the Fall Forum, where he successfully tailored the event toward the Certified Surveyor Technician program and recruited industry professionals to teach segments of the program to prepare attendants for the CST exams. In addition to his work on the Fall Forum, Trent collaborated with educators at the Utah STEM Fest, promoting the importance of surveying in the STEM fields. He also partnered with the Clark Planetarium to showcase the vital role of surveyors during National Surveyor’s Week. Despite his busy schedule, Trent managed to balance these professional achievements while maintaining a full-time position at Ensign Engineering and dedicating time to his family. His dedication to education, outreach and his profession makes him a deserving recipient of this award. Currently, Trent is serving as the co‑chair of the Legislation Committee. If you get a chance, make sure to reach out and congratulate him, or see how you can help with the legislative committee and bring more people into this great profession. 2022 Surveyor of the Year Trent Williams UCLS Foresights 26
Chris Donoghue received the 2023 Surveyor of the Year award this past spring. Chris has served as the Salt Lake chapter president and the liaison for the Education Committee. This year, he took on the responsibilities of the Education Committee and is now chair. Chris is a great example to everyone he interacts with. His outgoing and bright personality draws people in. He is always looking for ways to improve and help grow our profession. When working with educators and youth at education events, his enthusiasm for surveying is evident, and I know he has helped bring people to the profession. Or, at a minimum, his outreach has helped foster a positive perception of surveyors in the state. Last fall, he stepped in to teach Survey Math at SLCC when there was a need. There is no doubt he is deserving of this honor. If you get a chance, make sure to reach out and congratulate him, or see how you can help with the Education Committee and bring more people into this great profession. 2023 Surveyor of the Year Christopher Donoghue UCLS Foresights 27
Ron Whitehead Celebration of Life and Final Point PROVIDED BY MICHAEL NADEAU, PLS, CFEDS, WFPS DIRECTOR On Oct. 12, 2024, members of the UCLS, WFPS directors and family gathered at the Santa Clara, Utah, cemetery to honor the life of Ron Whitehead, who unexpectedly passed away on Sept. 25, 2023. The gathering was a celebration of Ron’s life and his achievements in the profession, and it included the setting of a Final Point Monument at his headstone to commemorate his legacy and final resting place. Ron’s wife, Lori, his daughter, Amber, and a host of family members, including siblings, grandchildren and others, were present. Friends and colleagues shared stories that captured Ron’s infectious laugh and the playful jokes he was known for. The event also featured Ron’s favorite cinnamon rolls, adding a personal touch to the occasion. During the setting of the Final Point, there was a small hiccup — an incorrect epoxy with a 4-6 hour set time had been purchased, making it difficult for the monument to stay in place on the vertical headstone. However, thanks to the quick thinking of some surveyors armed with duct tape and a pocket knife, the monument was secured until the final reveal the following morning. Mike Nadeau lightheartedly remarked, “Ron is laughing at us right now.” His niece added, “Ron would have actually told you to buy this kind, just as a joke!” — a sentiment that perfectly captured Ron’s sense of humor. Ron Whitehead was truly the embodiment of the phrase “salt of the earth.” The surveyors of the UCLS and WFPS are honored to have had Ron as a leader throughout the years, and his influence has left a lasting mark on the profession. Thanks to his dedication and passion, the profession is in a better place today. Thank you, Ron, for all you’ve contributed — you will be missed. UCLS Foresights 28
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Kris Kline Kris Kline has over 30 years of experience in land surveying. He is an experienced expert witness and consultant for boundary disputes. Kline specializes in difficult boundary determinations and problems requiring extensive research and analysis and is an experienced instructor for legal aspects of surveying, including adverse possession, riparian/littoral disputes, acquiescence, parol agreements and easements. Mapping the Future: Lessons From the Past, Tools of Tomorrow Feb. 19-21, 2025 Utah Council of Land Surveyors Conference UCLS Foresights 29
CONFERENCE AGENDA as of Nov. 2024, speakers and times may change — look for updates in your email. Wednesday, Feb. 19 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Early Registration for CFedS 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS CFedS Training Glen W. Thurow, NM P.S., CFedS Sunbrook 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CFedS Training Glen W. Thurow, NM P.S., CFedS Sunbrook 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Registration Lunch on Your Own 1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Honor Guard Utah Army/Air Force National Guard Welcome Opening Speaker TBD 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. CONCURRENT SESSIONS CFedS Training Glen W. Thurow, NM P.S., CFedS Sunbrook Business of Surveying (Part 1) Jeff Hirst Ballroom CDEF 3:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Refreshment Break 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. CONCURRENT SESSIONS CFedS Training Glen W. Thurow, NM P.S., CFedS Sunbrook Performance Indicator for Surveying Businesses Dan Perry Ballroom CDEF 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Walt Cunningham Scholarship Fundraiser Event Big Shots Golf: Social and Dinner Thursday, Feb. 20 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Breakfast and Late Registration 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. CONCURRENT SESSIONS ROW, Highways Riley Lindsay Sunbrook Prescriptive Easements Like You Have Never Seen (Part 1) Kris Kline Ballroom CDEF Drone Presentation The LIDAR Pros Ballroom AB Construction (Part 1) Jeff Larsen, SItech Entrada 10:00 a.m-10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CONCURRENT SESSIONS Utah Ombudsman Sunbrook Prescriptive Easements Like You Have Never Seen (Part 2) Kris Kline Ballroom CDEF Drone Presentation The LIDAR Pros Ballroom AB Construction (Part 2) Jeff Larsen, SItech Entrada 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Lunch, Award Presentations and Vendor Break 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. CONCURRENT SESSIONS IRWA ROW James Olschewski Sunbrook Public Highways (Part 1) Kris Kline Ballroom CDEF Drone Presentation The LIDAR Pros Ballroom AB ROW QA/QC Brad Mortensen Entrada 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. CONCURRENT SESSIONS ROW Utilities James Olschewski Sunbrook Public Highways (Part 2) Kris Kline Ballroom CDEF Drone Presentation The LIDAR Pros Ballroom AB ROS Best Practices Jeremiah Cunningham Entrada UCLS Foresights 30
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