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.

Looking Ahead

These meetings reinforced the value of continued advocacy and relationship-building with policymakers. The positive response from Congressman Owens’ office presents a clear opportunity for Utah’s surveying community to encourage his support as a cosponsor for the licensure resolution. Meanwhile, the engagement from Sen. Lee’s office suggests promising discussions ahead regarding monument preservation.

Moving forward, surveyors must remain proactive in educating legislators and the public on the importance of our profession. Our work underpins the nation’s infrastructure, property rights and historical preservation, making it critical that we secure the necessary legislative protections. By staying engaged in these discussions, we can help shape policies that will benefit the surveying profession for generations to come.

Military Committee: Expanding Career Opportunities for Veterans

One of the newest NSPS initiatives is the Military Committee, which was established to tap into the 10,000 service members who exit the military each week. The committee is working to secure a grant from NCEES to collaborate with “Hire Our Heroes,” an organization that sets up job recruitment events at military installations nationwide. The schedule for Hire Our Heroes is currently planned through June, starting on the East Coast and working westward.

The NSPS vice president, Jeff Clendenning, chairs the committee and has laid significant groundwork over the past year, attending recruitment events at various bases, including Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, home to the Military Services’ Surveying School.

For the upcoming year, the committee has set a goal of participating in 12 recruitment events. I plan to take part in events held in the Western states whenever possible. As a former army surveyor with the Corps of Engineers, I understand firsthand how military training and experience can set service members up for success in our profession.

Military personnel need our support transitioning from active duty to civilian careers. They are some of the most dedicated and hardworking professionals, making them valuable additions to the surveying industry. The committee is actively working to integrate these efforts with the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to help address the shortage of skilled surveyors. Additionally, we aim to encourage service members to utilize their education benefits to pursue degrees in land surveying and work toward professional licensure. If you are interested in being involved in these efforts, please reach out to me.

NSPS Structural Changes: Enhancing Member Engagement

Lastly, NSPS is implementing a significant change to improve engagement. Instead of meeting only twice a year, directors will now hold monthly Zoom meetings. This change acknowledges NSPS’s role as the national voice for the land surveying community and aims to ensure that members’ concerns are addressed more frequently.

Each month, these meetings will include updates on topics from the spring meeting, along with discussions on new issues brought forward by members. If you have topics or concerns that need to be addressed at the national level, please reach out to me. I will ensure that your voices are heard, and together, we will continue to build upon our profession’s foundation while advancing it into the future.