Notes on Federal and State Survey Cooperation

Overview of Federal and State Survey Collaboration

• Discussion regarding the cooperation and coordination required between federal surveyors and state authorities in relation to surveys involving state lines.

Federal and State Survey Coordination

• Importance of collaboration between federal authority surveyors and state entities for surveys related to state boundaries.

  • Federal surveyors must notify states about survey work being conducted.

  • Proper notification includes making the state aware of the specific activities concerning boundaries.

  • This requirement serves to establish goodwill and maintain communication, particularly for landowners impacted by boundary surveys.

Federal Interest in State Surveys

• Acknowledgment that federal agencies have a vested interest in overseeing and conducting boundary surveys.

  • States should be informed about the survey activities to ensure transparency and cooperation.

  • Notifying relevant stakeholders, especially landowners, is considered common courtesy, enhancing the relationship between surveyors and the community.

Variability among States.

• Recognition that each state operates differently in terms of survey policies and practices.

  • Specific mention of Alaska: The state has not adopted the national manual and instructions for surveys.

  • Implication that some states may have unique regulations or frameworks guiding survey work.

Policy Issuance and Updates

• Reference to recent changes in policy and guidelines related to surveys within federal agencies, specifically the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

  • Noted that there has been less frequent issuance of cadastral policies than federal updates.

  • The last national policy was issued in 2023, indicating a streamlined communication and update process; however, no significant impact on survey procedures from that policy was noted.

Historical Context of Surveying Policies

• Tasha's inquiry about the transition of policies from the years 1973 to 2009.

  • Mention of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Foundation, which aims to assist in the transition of surveying policies.

  • Wendy, the foundation's chairman, indicated she is present for discussions or inquiries surrounding these transitions and practices.

Conclusion and Next Steps

• Open invitation for further questions or exploration of topics related to surveying or specific policies within the framework of federal and state interactions in survey work.

• Encouragement for ongoing dialogue to clarify any additional points of interest or guidelines pertaining to surveying practices and regulations.