Kansas Society of Land Surveyors Section Lines

PLSS Foundation Unveils New Website, PDH Courses

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 13:00:00 GMT

On the eve of the release of the 2009 Manual of Surveying Instruction for the Survey of the Public Lands of the United States, the Public Land Survey System Foundation (PLSSF) was created through a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). Then and now, the foundation’s guiding purpose was to support the education of the survey profession in the proper legal procedures associated with retracing PLSS surveys and other Federal boundaries.

Additional goals include:

*The creation of a single point of contact for surveyors in the United States for knowledge and information about the PLSS;

*To fund educational opportunities, scholarships, and other training for the improvement of the survey profession as it relates to PLSS issues;

*To fund projects for research or special efforts related to PLSS issues; and

*To publish additional BLM materials which are of interest to the private and public sector surveying community but for which BLM has no budget to produce.

Via https://plssfoundation.org, the foundation has made available (for a fee) three initial professional development courses, including Accretions, Avulsions and Relictions in the Public Land Survey System. The courses, previously available only to Certified Federal Surveyors (CFedS), are now available to anyone that wishes to further their understanding of water boundaries within the PLSS.

Glen Thurow, Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) program liaison, remarked: “It is my belief that professional land surveyors nationwide will find this material interesting. After all, it is an excellent example of the kind of training CFedS receive and enjoy on an ongoing basis”.

About the PLSS Foundation Panel

Made up of nine volunteer surveyors, the PLSSF panel is committed to preserving the United States’ unique cadastral infrastructure through the support and study of the PLSS. To contact the panel or suggest an idea, please visit https://plssfoundation.org/contact/

KSLS is not the official distributor of this information.
It is being shared as a service to the members.
The mentioned courses have not been approved by KSBTP
for continuing education.

Surveyors Historical Society Rendezvous 2024

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 17:00:00 GMT

The Surveyors Historical Society’s Rendezvous 2024 will be September 18–21 at the Hotel Julien in Dubuque, Iowa. The Rendezvous is an annual gathering of those interested in the history of land surveying and includes education sessions and social events/outings.

Click here for the Rendezvous page on the SHS website. If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Paula Hammer, CAE, executive director of the Surveyors Historical Society, at phammer@ohiosurveyor.org or 614-798-5257.

KSLS is not the official distributor of this information.
It is being shared as a service to the members.
This webinar has not been approved by KSBTP for continuing education.

June 27 Webinar Presentation: Introducing the Kansas Ecological Review Tool

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:00:00 GMT

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ (KDWP) Ecological Services Division (ESD) is responsible for providing statutorily required ecological reviews of proposed development projects in accordance with the Kansas Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. Strategies used for ecological reviews are to address ecological concerns during the earliest stages of project planning by using the latest technology and scientific information in developing sound ecological recommendations. Actions that require a review are any that involve public funds, government assistance, require another state or federal permit, or potentially affect a current listed species or its critical habitat. To date, project information has been submitted to KDWP Ecological Services Division and results from the ecological review were provided within 30 days.

KDWP ESD has collaborated with NatureServe to develop an online Kansas Ecological Review Tool (ERT). The ERT will allow project managers to submit project details electronically and receive their review generally within 15 minutes. Ecological reviews from the ERT will provide clearance and best management practices (BMPs) or inform the project manager the project will require further review by KDWP Ecological Services Division staff. This presentation will discuss the ERT and ecological review process in more detail.

REGISTER HERE

KSLS is not the official distributor of this information.
It is being shared as a service to the members.
This webinar has not been approved by KSBTP for continuing education.

Resolution in Congress Seeks to Preserve Licensure of Design Professionals

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 20:09:37 GMT

Last week, Rep. John Joyce (R-Pennsylvania) introduced House Concurrent Resolution (H.Con.Res.) 96, a “sense of the Congress” resolution expressing the view that design professional licensure (architects, engineers, surveyors) is critical to public health, safety, and welfare; recognizing the role these professions play in our economy; and sending a signal to states that they should not affect these professions in occupational licensing reform.

“While the case for reform of licensing in some occupations is desirable, bills introduced in some state legislatures are too broadly drafted and fail to exempt or recognize the importance of licensing of design professionals. Introduction of this resolution sends a strong signal from Congress to the states that care should be taken to preserve the necessary and legitimate licensing of architects, engineers, and surveyors,” said John Palatiello, an advisor to the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS).

“As a medical doctor, Rep. Joyce has a first-hand appreciation for professional licensure, and as the son of a PE, LS, is well aware of the importance of licensure of design professionals,” Palatiello said. “We applaud his recognition of the distinction between these important professions and others where licensure may be of questionable value or benefit to the public.”

New for GKiS Brand Ambassadors

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 21:37:01 GMT

For all who are signed up as Brand Ambassadors (BAs) and those wanting to sign up, Get Kids into Survey (GKiS) has a brand NEW community. The idea is that Ambassadors will be able to support each other better and provide more resources each month to aid outreach.

All thanks to the sponsorship from Topcon. GKiS can’t thank them enough for helping to progress its volunteer program.

Find a local BA on the interactive map. Each map point shows the BAs within that area. Follow the links to their profiles so you can reach out to them.

Northeast Chapter 2024 March Seminar

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 18:33:45 GMT

THE NORTHEAST CHAPTER OF KSLS

PRESENTS

A MOCK TRIAL:
“HOBERT V. ROGERS”

8 Hours PDH

Friday, March 15, 2024

ROBERT J. DOLE HALL
WASHBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
2073 SW Washburn Terrace E, Topeka, KS 66604

Hurry! Late registration fee assessed after March 1.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

KSLS Supports SB 424 at the Statehouse

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:09:35 GMT

KSLS board members Bill Haverkamp, Topeka, and James Meis, Hays, appeared before the Kansas Senate transportation committee earlier today to support SB 424, providing for geographic positions or locations of points within the state of Kansas under the Kansas Plane Coordinate System Act. You can read the society’s written testimony here.

Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2023-11

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 20:59:11 GMT

The Kansas State Board of Technical Professions requested an attorney general opinion about the authority of registers of deeds. Recently, the Kansas AG’s office provided an opinion on that issue. In short, a register of deeds cannot require a submitting land surveyor to certify that a survey complies with all zoning ordinances and regulations. You can read the full opinion by clicking here.

FEMA Delays New Elevation Certificate

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:41:01 GMT

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which oversees the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), has announced a delay in the implementation of the new Elevation Certificate (EC) that had been announced June 29. Due to problems with access to the new form, the existing EC will be accepted until November 1, 2023. The new form can be accessed from the FEMA website, but technical difficulties continue to impede downloading. A guidance document provides assistance in the interim. Questions can be directed to FEMA at NFIPUnderwritingMailbox@fema.dhs.gov.

Revised FEMA Elevation Certificate Released

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 13:51:06 GMT

Use FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-152 (formerly 086-0-33) to provide elevation information needed to comply with community floodplain management ordinances; to inform the proper insurance premium; and/or to support a request for a Letter of Map Change to remove a building from the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Any form signed and dated after June 29, 2023, must be on the latest FEMA EC. The new form is accessible via the Resources and Forms page on the KSLS website or by going directly to the FEMA website.

Welcome to the Alpha Zone: A Preview of State Plane 2022

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:38:12 GMT

July 20, 2023 | 1:00-2:30 p.m. CT

Presenters:

Dr. Michael Dennis
Geodesist, Observations and Analysis Division, NGS

Krishna Tadepalli
Chief, Geodetic Applications Division, NGS

Webinar Description:

Modernization of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) is becoming a reality. Scheduled for completion in 2025, NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is releasing preliminary (“alpha”) versions of NSRS modernization products and services through a dedicated NGS alpha website. First among these is the State Plane Coordinate System of 2022 (SPCS2022). This webinar provides a preview of SPCS2022 through its various alpha products, including:

Preliminary SPCS2022 zone definitions, coordinates, and performance statistics
NGS Coordinate Conversion and Transformation (NCAT) tool support for SPCS2022
Downloadable distortion maps and datasets used to create them
Interactive web maps of SPCS2022 zone and distortion

The alpha release allows software developers, state stakeholders, and other NGS partners and customers to see SPCS2022 as it evolves toward completion. It also provides an opportunity to give feedback during the final stages of development, to ensure that SPCS2022 is an optimally designed part of the modernized NSRS.

Note: This webinar does not count for continuing education credit. KSLS is not the official distributor of this information. It is being shared as a service to the members.

REGISTER HERE

KCKCC Seeks Full-Time Surveying Technology Coordinator

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:52:40 GMT

Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) is currently searching for a full-time faculty member to provide high quality, learner-centered instruction for students enrolled in Surveying Technology related coursework at any KCKCC location while supporting the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.

Click here for the Job Classification; Position Details; Position Description; Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities; Position Qualifications and/or Education; Physical Requirements; Work Schedule; and How To Apply.

Kansas Association of County Surveyors - 11th Annual Conference

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:41:45 GMT

This year’s meeting is worth 4 PDHs and will feature a session on the recently adopted Minimum Standards with emphasis on what’s new and selected topics. The session will qualify for the KSBTP’s biennial 2 PDH requirement. A session on Kansas road/highway history will be beneficial for both county surveyors and those in the private sector.

There will be a session on rural road right-of-way issues encountered by counties.The conference will wrap up with a brief business meeting of the Kansas Association of County Surveyors.

For more details and the registration form, click HERE. Direct questions to KACS President Brent Thompson, PS, at brent.thompson@ibhc.com.

Help Needed: KCKCC Surveying Courses

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Ken Dedrick is asking for some help in preparing and conducting Surveying Technology labs at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Each of the Surveying I and Surveying II labs runs for most of a day.

Surveying I (6 students)

March 4
May 6

Surveying II (5 students)

March 11
April 29

Contact Wil Anderson (wil.anderson@ibhc.com) for more details about the contents of the labs and to volunteer your assistance.

DWR Training Opportunities

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:30:00 GMT

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources has upcoming training opportunities. Please check the website for details.

https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/floodplain/training

Kansas Statutes Annotated

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 20:00:00 GMT

The Kansas Statutes Annotated (current as of December 2022) now are posted as a hyperlinked table of contents in the Publications and Promotional Items store on the KSLS website.

Kansas Statutes Annotated

Spring Semester at KCKCC

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 21:30:00 GMT

An educated workforce is a productive workforce.

Spring enrollment is open at Kansas City Kansas Community College for surveying technology students, and Real Property Law, a class required for Professional Surveyor licensure in Kansas, is being offered this semester. (It is not offered every semester.) Steve Brosemer is the instructor, and the class is entirely online.

Here are the other surveying-related courses being offered at KCKCC in spring 2023.

SURV 0101, Surveying I – Ken Dedrick (Online)
SURV 0102, Surveying II – Ken Dedrick (Online)
ENGR 0106, CAD I – David Robinson (Online)

“Mr. Brosemer incorporates personal experience into his lessons to help students think critically about real-world situations they may encounter during their surveying careers.” – Cesalea Ray, KCKCC surveying technology student

“Surveying II taught me the most applicable content to my position as a survey technician. The trig starts to show its value in intertwining with the day-to-day survey tasks.” – Zach Litvak, KCKCC surveying technology student and survey technician at BHC

Go to the Admissions page at kckcc.edu to get started.

Scholarships are available from the KSLS Charitable Foundation for all students. Find the application form on its webpage.

Stolen Equipment

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 20:59:52 GMT

Frederick Excavating Inc. had some topcon equipment stolen on 10/31-11/1 from se Leavenworth County. Police reports filed in Leavenworth and suspect was apprehended in Wyandotte county. Items have not been recovered. If you come across them, please notify Det. Burchett with the Leavenworth county sheriff’s office. Items as follows:

Topcon Hiper V base: s/n 1448-13067

Topcon Hiper V uhf rover: s/n 1448-13515 Topcon FC5000 collector: s/n 262954

KSLS, Foundation Announce New Executive Director

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 14:51:48 GMT

Topeka Firm to Provide Association Management

The Kansas Society of Land Surveyors (KSLS) and the KSLS Charitable Foundation are excited to announce that they have selected Brad Parker, CAE, of Braden Heidner Lowe and Associates (BHL) in Topeka to serve as their next executive director. Parker officially assumed the role April 18.

In January, the former executive director, Evelyn Cable, announced her intent to retire, prompting the society and foundation to conduct a search for her successor.

“We are excited to introduce Brad Parker and Braden Heidner Lowe and Associates,” said KSLS Charitable Foundation Chairman Wil Anderson, PS, of Kansas City. “Please join the society and foundation boards in welcoming them to the land surveyors’ community.”

“Brad’s experience as an executive director for groups like KSLS, coupled with the full-scale association management services that BHL provides, will be an incredible asset to the society and its charitable foundation,” added KSLS President Lee (Tuff) Hermreck, PS, of Lenexa.

Parker is an association executive with BHL, working in its Topeka, Kansas, headquarters. He has more than 20 years of experience as an association executive for nonprofit professional and trade associations. He is a graduate of Kansas State University (bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism) and Friends University (MBA in management). He has experience in all aspects of association management and particular expertise in member communications and public relations. He earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives in 2016 and a Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Michigan State University in 2019.

BHL is a full-service association management and government affairs firm. It represents clients across North America, including state, regional, national, and international associations. It has been serving clients – many of which are professional licensure organizations – for several decades in all aspects of association management, including membership retention and growth, event planning, financial and strategic planning, and communications. It has offices in Topeka, Kansas, and Jefferson City, Missouri.

The new mailing address for KSLS and the foundation is 825 S. Kansas Ave., Ste. 500, Topeka, KS 66612, and 785-234-7983 is the new telephone number. E-mail still should be sent to the info@ksls.com address.

Report of Stolen Equipment

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 18:31:37 GMT

Agricultural Engineering Associates has notified us that their Topcon Hyper V GPS Receiver was stolen on Friday afternoon, October 1, while working on the east side of the Fort Scott Lake. Serial # 112-23885. The Tripod is lime green. A sheriff's report has been filed. Please contact Jennie McKee, Office Manager, at 620-756-1000 if you have any information on this equipment.

Ligado Update - Jason Johnson, PS

Kansas Society of Land Surveyors — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:55:01 GMT

Fellow KSLS and NSPS members -- there is new information regarding the Ligado issue and the U.S. Congress!

As a reminder, in April 2020 the F.C.C. approved the operating application for Ligado. Ligado being the reincarnation of what we knew previously to be "Lightsquared". This application approval by the F.C.C. happened very quickly and without hardly any notice. (make of that, what you will) Anyway, Ligado under its new name plans to pick up right where Lightsquared left off. And if allowed to would potentially create the GPS interference that Lightsquared was going to.

As a result, NSPS along with many of the previous national collations have jumped into action. Long story short, two bipartisan bills have now been introduced into the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House, respectfully known as S. 2166 & H.R. 4634 both with basically the same language and purpose. These bills would require Ligado to cover the cost to correct any interference that will be caused to GPS. This doesn't eliminate Ligado but would hold them accountable.

As your Kansas NSPS Director, I have been tasked with asking KSLS and you individually to contact our respective US Senators and US Representatives and directly ask them to Cosponsor these two Bills. Two different form letters have been created by NSPS for your use. All you need to do is fill in your information and then send it off to your US Senator and US Representative. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.

Jason Johnson, P.S. 1410

Kansas NSPS Director

j.johnson1410@gmail.com

House of Representatives Letter

Senate Letter