can usually be attributed to oversight. It would be much more useful and constructive to both the state and federal surveys if discussion were held prior to project approval, and preferably at the conceptual state in project development, for greater assurance of coordination.
Recommendation 8
The USGS should increase its efforts under its policy of informing the state geological surveys of program and project initiatives and intentions during the formative stages of their development. A positive step in response to the committee’s concern over this issue is the recent action taken by the USGS to assure early contact with states by including a check-off on project approval forms to indicate contact has been made with the appropriate state survey(s).
Coordination implies that state surveys will take equal measures to inform the USGS of their intentions. A clear statement by the USGS to indicate their commitment to improve coordination, and what they are doing to assure coordination, could provide the catalyst to elicit reciprocal participation on the part of state surveys.
PROGRESS TOWARDS A NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM
In 1985, in response to concern expressed by the committee and by users and makers of geologic maps, and through interaction with the subcommittee, the USGS took a very positive step toward addressing the issue of the need for a national geologic mapping program. This step consisted of preparation of a draft program proposal that defined goals, objectives, and long-range plans; the proposal was issued in 1987 as USGS Circular 1020.
The program has the following three main goals:
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Meet national needs for geologic maps.
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Improve coordination among all federal, state, and university producers of geologic maps to encourage cooperative efforts and avoid unnecessary duplications.
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Adopt new technologies and innovative methods for improving the geologic map production process and combining general geologic data with other earth-science and geographic data
