Page 22 - NYS_ESS_05-2025

National Society of Professional Surveyors

Director’s Report to New York State Association

of Professional Land Surveyors

Spring 2025

By Patricia P. Brooks, LS, NSPS Treasurer & New York Director

The Chronology of a Spring meeting: March 18th started early with a Metro ride into D.C.

The NSPS Spring meeting was held in Silver Springs, Maryland from March 17th and a long day of meetings with legislators. Our lobbyist,
through March 21st. The week passes so quickly and is always packed with activities. JB Byrd and his staff work for months scheduling
It is great to be able to recount some of the events as it is difficult to process everything legislative meetings for all the States. This year there
while it is occurring. were almost 90 attendees from 43 States attending 170
meetings. By focusing on the same three issues this
March 17th was a travel day with the arrival of our students from around the year: Survey Licensure Protection, Survey Mark
Country and Puerto Rico as well as many NSPS Directors. A logistics meeting was held Preservation, and Department of Defense Transition
for the participants of Day on the Hill in preparation of discussing our selected issue Assistance Program, all the State Directors felt we
items with legislators. I again want to mention that anyone interested in attending as a gained traction. I expanded on each of those initiatives
guest and/or joining us for the Day on the Hill is strongly encouraged to participate and previously and they are explained in detail on the NSPS
that includes any Young Professionals who are also a great asset in assisting with the website, or reach out to me directly to discuss if you
Student Competition. The Students attended an orientation meeting followed by hands prefer! Rick and I met with representatives from
on training opportunities with Les and Lisa VanHorn who travel each year from Senator Jillian Gillibrand’s office, Senator Chuck
Wisconsin to share their knowledge and equipment for the historical surveying Schumer’s office, and Congressman’s Patrick Ryan’s
exercises held on the Washington mall. office. The staffers were all very receptive and sent us
follow-up emails, providing us with the opportunity to
make requests for provisional inclusion in the 2026
NDAA budget for a surveying pilot program. A debrief
meeting was held in the evening followed by a meeting
of the committee chairs.

March 19th began with an “All Directors” meeting
as a new program addition to get all the Directors
together for a meet and greet. This provided the
opportunity for new directors to meet current Directors,
ask questions, and become familiar with the itinerary
SUNY Alfred group photo (L to R): Christopher Sacco, Bailey Auction Basket Donated to NSPS for the upcoming meetings. The rest of the day was
Ferguson, Fred Ginder, Joseph Randolph, James Nolan, Nicholas by NYSAPLS spent attending committee meetings:
Ford (Advisor), Jeffrey Ellis, Richard Carlson (Advisor), Ava
Bruehwiler, Kiehlen Steiner, Jolynn Merry, Lucas Bowen
• Great Lakes Regional Council: The Great Lakes
Council is a regional council comprised primarily
of the States touching a Great lake. We gather to
discuss issues of regional interest, and as
determined at our fall meeting, we select one or
two topics of interest to focus on. This meeting
focused on NCEES and the new testing they are
considering for implementation. The PLSS module
is proceeding and will be an option for States to
require for licensure in the Public Land States. The
Richard Brooks, LS in front of the NSPS Executive Director, Timothy Burch at podium with NSPS Mapping & Science exam, which may also be
Capitol Building officers: (L to R) Craig Amey, Secretary; Linda Foster, President; Tim
Murphy, President Elect; Jeff Clendenning, Vice President; Patricia called the Geomatics or Geospatial exam, would
Brooks, Treasurer; Davey Edwards, Past President

20 EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 61 • NO 3 / 2025 • MAY/JUNE