Greetings, fellow UCLS members!

As we welcome the arrival of summer, I am pleased to provide updates from the recent Western Federation of Professional Surveyors (WFPS) Board Meeting, held virtually on Feb. 7, 2025. While I personally prefer in-person meetings, this virtual format allowed participation from all 13 western states. Virtual meetings offer both advantages and challenges. On the downside, they limit the informal yet invaluable discussions that often take place outside of formal sessions — those “shop talk” conversations over dinner that can provide critical insights and strengthen professional relationships. Additionally, the absence of face-to-face interaction can diminish the sense of camaraderie that in-person meetings foster.

However, the financial benefits of virtual meetings cannot be overlooked. By eliminating travel and accommodation expenses, UCLS ensures responsible stewardship of our members’ financial resources. While I recognize the necessity of virtual meetings, I look forward to future in-person gatherings, where deeper engagement and valuable networking opportunities can take place.

Key Updates from the Board Meeting

• Expansion of the 2026 Western Regional Conference: As Conference Committee Chairman for WFPS, I am excited to announce that the upcoming 2026 Western Regional Conference in Las Vegas is growing! In addition to the WFPS, the event will now include Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona and Wyoming. Furthermore, New Mexico is in discussions to join as well, with confirmation expected soon. If finalized, this will bring six states together in one location. Mark your calendars for March 18-21, 2026, at the Horseshoe in Las Vegas — you won’t want to miss it!
• Outstanding Contributions to Outreach: Our colleague from Nevada, Trent Keenan, continues to make remarkable strides in advancing the profession. As Outreach Committee chairman, Trent has been instrumental in engaging the next generation of surveyors through initiatives such as Mentoring Mondays and Wisdom Wednesdays. His dedication deserves recognition — thank you, Trent!
• Scholarship Committee Update: The WFPS scholarship committee recently awarded its final two scholarships to deserving surveying students in the West, effectively depleting the fund. Given WFPS’s commitment to avoiding competition with state-level scholarship and education funding, the committee is currently inactive. The future of this initiative remains to be determined, but we will provide updates as discussions evolve.
• Potential “Mapping Pathway” to Professional Licensure: NCEES is exploring the development of a new “mapping science” pathway to professional surveying licensure. According to recent information released from NCEES, this pathway would establish a non-boundary professional surveying license focused on authoritative mapping disciplines such as remote sensing, hydrography, photogrammetry and geodesy. Licensees would hold the same professional surveying credentials as traditional surveyors but would be expected to practice within their specific area of expertise.

  This proposal raises important questions for our profession. I have my own perspective, but I am eager to hear your thoughts. What implications do you foresee for the profession, and how should UCLS respond? Please reach out to me or any UCLS board member to share your insights.

• CFedS Program Review and Its Impact: Several states have been affected by the federal government’s review of the CFedS (Certified Federal Surveyor) program. As you may be aware, this review led to the cancellation of CFedS training at our UCLS Annual Conference in February.
• Wyoming Corner Crossing Case and Its Implications: A significant legal ruling has emerged from Wyoming regarding “corner crossing” on checkerboard-patterned lands, where private and public land ownership alternate in square-mile sections. Hunters who crossed from one public section to another at the corners were initially charged with criminal and civil trespassing by a private landowner. However, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of the hunters, setting a precedent that could impact similar cases throughout the West, including in Utah. This ruling warrants close attention as it may influence land access rights across multiple states.