american institute of professional geologists –colorado ... 12-sep newsletter.pdf · american...

September 2012 Volume 33, Number 1

American Institute of Professional Geologists –Colorado Section

In this issue of CPG:

• Colorado Chapter News • July Executive Committee Meeting • Colorado Chapter Summer Highlights • Annual Summer Picnic

• AIPG Lobbyist • CGS & DNR Changes • Important Upcoming Dates • Lots of other really good stuff!

The Colorado Professional Geologist September 2012

The Board meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 a.m.; all members are invited to attend. Please contact a Board Member to confirm time and location.

Letters, articles, announcements, ads, etc. must be received by the Editor by the end of the third full week of the month preceding publication. The CPG goes to print the last week of the month. Letters, articles, ads, announcements, etc. accepted on a space and printing funds available basis. Submission of articles, etc. via email is the preferred method; copy can be accepted in most PC formats. Call or email Matt Rhoades for details on submission of copy or advertising at: 303.928.4262, [email protected]. Copyright © by the Colorado Section, AIPG. Material may be reprinted with attribution. This is your newsletter, use it. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and not the Colorado Section unless clearly stated otherwise.

Change of Address or email: change of address and email notices for the CPG should be sent directly to: AIPG National Headquarters 1400 W. 122nd. Ave., Suite 250, Westminster, CO 80234 303-412-6205 Email: [email protected] [The National office maintains the address list for all Sections.]

President Steve Sonnenberg Colorado School of Mines Golden CO 80401-1887 [email protected] President-Elect Cindy Cason E.T. Technologies, Inc. 10000 S Dransfeldt Rd #100 Parker CO 80134 [email protected] 303.680.9414 Vice President Tom Cavanaugh 7370 Braun St Arvada CO 80005-2823 [email protected] 303.726.1511 Secretary Jim Burnell 1313 Sherman St #715 Denver CO 80433 [email protected] 303.866.2611 x 8311 Treasurer/Editor Matt Rhoades WorleyParsons 1687 Cole Blvd #300 Golden CO 80401 [email protected] 303.928.4262 Leg-Reg Chair Larry Cerrillo 12640 W Cedar Dr Lakewood CO 80228 [email protected] 303.674.6484 Advisory Members Ed Baltzer Avant Environmental Services, Inc. 120 Mesa Grande Dr Grand Junction CO 81507 [email protected] 970.243.4461 L. Graham Closs CPG-7288 843 S Nelson Way Lakewood CO 80226 [email protected] 303.273.3856 Dick Nielsen [email protected]

Cover photo: View southeast of the cliffs surrounding Bull Canyon in the Uravan Mineral Belt western Montrose County, Colorado. The bleached, white, crossbedded sandstone of the Entrada Sandstone overlies the Navajo Sandstone and Kayenta Formations forming prominent cliffs. The Entrada, locally the Slick Rock or Slick Rim, is picturesque in these canyons and is overlain by the uranium bearing Salt Wash member of the Morrison Formation. Note the historic ore-hauling road mid-slope about 50 feet above the Slick Rim.


Donald E. Ranta, Ph.d., C.P.G. Chairman, Rare Element Resources Former President and CEO of Rare Element Resources, who is an exploration and mine development executive experienced in planning, implementing and directing successful exploration and evaluation programs throughout North

and South America. He has successfully directed and led innovative exploration efforts resulting in the discovery, evaluation and/or acquisition of several major deposits, including Montana’s McDonald gold and Mexico’s Santa Gertrudis gold ore bodies. Dr. Ranta is a former Vice President of Exploration for Echo Bay Mines and a Manager/Vice President for North American Exploration at Phelps Dodge Mining Company. He is also a former president and board member of SME.

Rare Earth Elements and the Bear Lodge Project, Wyoming Rare earths are critical to a host of high-tech, clean energy, and national defense technologies including computer hard drives, photovoltaic cells, compact fluorescent lighting, electric and hybrid vehicles, wind turbines, water purification, tele-communications, magnectic resonance imaging, and advanced weapons systems. These fifteen elements have been prominent in the news in the hard minerals

industry over the past couple of years as Chinese rare earth exports have shrunk despite rapidly increasing global

(Continued on page 6)

The monthly luncheon venue has changed to: Golden Corral located at Santa Fe and Hampden Ave.

(3677 S. Santa Fe Dr.)

Purchase of a lunch is required, and the cost for the program is $5.00. September’s program and the upcoming October and November speakers and topics are:

♦ October 16— Matt Rhoades topic: geologic and geotechnical observations during construction of a high-rise office tower in

Bogota, Columbia (read Matt’s bio and abstract on page 6)

♦ November 13—Chester Wallace topic: shallow hydrocarbon reservoirs and their relationship to stratabound minerals (read Chester’s bio and abstract on page 7)

December’s program will be announced soon!

Monthly Luncheons

September 18 update: A packed house listened to Dr. Don Ranta, who spoke on Rare Element Reources’ Bear Lodge Project


Colorado Chapter Summer High-

Lunch and much-welcomed shade near Briggsdale.

A surprise birthday party for our field trip leader, Dr. Lee Shropshire.

Tom Cavanaugh describes the uranium resources in roll fronts within the under-lying Cretaceous-aged Lara-mie and Fox Hills sand-stones.

Lee explains the inverted topography with Chadron channel sandstones on the sinuous ridges.


AIPG Executive Director, Bill Siok, thanks Lee for a memorable field trip.

Many of the Colorado Section members joined the AIPG National Executive Committee on a field trip June 15th to Pawnee National Grasslands in northeast Colorado to examine the Tertiary Cretaceous boundary in outcrops, and to see the Pawnee Buttes. A full bus traveled through Greeley, where we picked up our tour guide, Dr. Lee Shropshire, Professor Emeritus of the University of Northern Colorado. Everyone enjoyed celebrating Dr. Shropshire’s birthday while he shared his knowledge of the K-T boundary in northeast Colorado.

Barbara Murphy questions Lee about the channel sands eroding the coaly beds behind them.

Dinosaur bones in the Chadron conglomerate



July Executive Committee meet-ing and field trip

Craig Goodnight, Ed Kolb and Ed Baltzer examine convoluted cross beds in outcrops across the ravine from Ed Baltzer’s home (in back-ground)

Tom & Ed look at vandalized petroglyphs near his home

Ed Baltzer points out detailed petroglyphs shown in closeup below. Note the snake drawing above his head.

Ed Kolb fills his plate while Ed Batlzer and his wife, Betty, super-vise.

Tom Cavanaugh, Joey Gillespie, Craig Goodnight, Ed Kolb, Ed Balt-zer (our host), and Dick Nielsen enjoy dinner after the Executive Committee meeting.

In our efforts to involve more members from the western part of the state in the Section’s decisions and activities, Ed Baltzer, from Grand Junction, serves on the Executive Committee as an Advisory Board member, “attending” the meetings via conference call. On July 20, Ed hosted the Executive Committee’s meeting in Grand Junction and led the backyard field trip. Although short of a quorum, stimulating discussions and a delicious dinner made this a memorable outing.

Views north of the Green River cliffs and the trail up.

We continued the field trip on Saturday, with a few of us taking a self-guided tour of the Green River oil shale and related geology near Rifle, using RMAG and AIPG road log guides of I-70 and the Roan Plateau. The

weather, scenery and outcrops created a magnificent ex-perience. If you haven’t driven the BLM’s JQS Trail up the west east face of the Roan, it is worth the trip, and in good weather, most 4x4s can easily make it.

The JQS Trail makes some great road-cuts.

Signs never stop the determined geologist!

On top, Tom Cavanaugh finally finds a map….

…. and Ed dances on the cliff looking for the best samples.

Ed Kolb & Ed Baltzer study the GPS and cool the engine.

Ed Baltzer provides scale for vertical Mesa Verde sandstones at Rifle Gap.

Ed Baltzer and Tom Cava-naugh examine great speci-mens of Green River oil shale and fossils.


"Geotechnical Considerations in Constructing a High-rise Building in Bogota, Colombia"

Matthew Rhoades Rhoades Consulting Services

Englewood, CO

October 16 Luncheon Program

demand. China, which mines and produces about 96% of global rare earth elements, has shut down, centralized, and consolidated a substantial portion of its rare-earths production capacity while raising export tariffs on products it still ships worldwide. Implementation of internal policies to consolidate and more

tightly regulate its rare-earths production sector caused China to announce it expected to become a net rare-earths importer within four to five years. Rare Element Resources is developing the Bear Lodge rare-earth-element (REE) project in northeastern Wyoming with exploration and evaluation plans leading toward completion of a Feasibility Study in 2013. The REE mineralization is hosted in carbonatite bodies and oxidized equivalents that intrude alkalic intrusive rocks of Tertiary age. Significant gold mineralization is distributed

peripheral to and partly overlapping the REE mineralization. Measured and Indicated REE sources in the near-surface oxidized zone are 7.5 millions tons averaging 3.79% REO, and Inferred resources of

oxidized material are 25.7 million tons, averaging 2.83% REO. A preliminary feasibility study has

been completed with favorable economic results.

(Continued from page 3)

Abstract:

Bogota, Colombia is a city of more than 8 mil-lion people and is situated at an elevation of eight thousand feet. Resource-related economic developments in Colombia have created a strong market demand for high-end hotels in Bogota. The subject of this presentation is the foundation construction of a new, 200-room, high-rise hotel and the equipment and personnel involved in building it. With a tight construction area located amongst other high-rise towers, there are numer-ous considerations and processes required to effectively manage the site and keep construction moving steadily. A birds-eye view of the project from neighboring buildings provides great infor-mation on the geotechnical and construction methods used to build this tower.

Biography:

Matt Rhoades is a consulting geologist with a diverse background in environmental consulting and mineral exploration. Matt has worked in programs involving goundwater remediation, mine dewatering, resource development, and aquifer characterization. Matt has worked in numerous conventional mining exploration pro-grams in the western U.S. and in South America. He has 25+ years of professional experience.


Stratabound mineral deposits are distributed in a predictable manner in ancient sedimentary basins. A key to locating stratabound mineral deposits is to decipher fluid-migration systems in ancient sedimentary basins. In the Paradox Basin, which contains U, V, Cu, Ag, Au, and PGM occurrences, brine- and oil-migration pathways are preserved in diagenetically altered strata. Migration pathways, which are confined to structural compartments, can be mapped in subsurface drill-hole data and in surface exposures, and these pathways lead to the most likely sites or stratabound mineral deposits.

Metal-bearing oil-field brine, oil, and gas are generated together from organic source rocks in deep and warm parts of subsiding sedimentary basins. These fluids are expelled from great depths into permeable migration pathways, and migration of basinal fluids is confined by impermeable layers (seals). Because oil-field brine is warm, reduced, and acidic, it is chemically reactive and the brine alters strata through which the brine migrates. Permeable strata are permanently modified by migrating fluids, and secondary porosity caused by chemical destruction of minerals and mineral cements by alteration diagenesis enhances permeability along migration pathways.

Mapping migration pathways, plus identification of structures that controlled late-stage fluid migration, permits location of the most likely sites to contain stratabound mineral deposits. In the Paradox Basin, low-temperature Metal-Maturity Windows dominate because the basin was not buried deeply enough to bring source rocks into the high temperature regime. Coupled with 3-D seismic data, these process-predictive methods can be effective exploration tools and these methods can be applied to all ancient, oil-producing sedimentary basins in the world.

NEW CONCEPTS IN EXPLORATION FOR STRATABOUND MINERAL DEPOSITS IN THE PARADOX BASIN, UTAH AND COLORADO

Chester A. Wallace1, Jon P. Thorson2 and David C. Jacobs3

1 Windy Point Exploration, LLC 7294 S. Sourdough Dr. Morrison, CO 80465 [email protected]

2 Consulting Geologist 3611 S. Xenia St. Denver, CO 80237

[email protected]

3 GeoGrande Consulting P.O. Box 1606 El Prado, NM 87529

[email protected]

November 13 Luncheon Program

CHESTER A. WALLACE 7294 S. Sourdough Dr.

Morrison, Colorado 80465 Tel 303.697.8636; Mobile 303.908.1400

[email protected]

Specializes in the interpretation of depositional

environments and in sedimentary basin analysis, with diagenetic geochemical modeling techniques and applications to stratabound mineral explora-tion. Twenty years of field experience in complex thrust and strike-slip terrains in Proterozoic and Phanerozoic rocks. Fifteen years of field research in Phanerozoic rocks of Saudi Arabia. Twenty-two years of experience at U.S.G.S. in reconnaissance and detailed geologic mapping, structural analyses, stratigraphic studies, and resource evaluations.

Dr. Wallace has been field chief on many map-

ping projects, and has published 70 maps and writ-ten reports, including 11 maps at 1:250,000-scale geologic maps in Saudi Arabia. He currently serves on the Faculty of the Oklahoma State University Field Camp, and is a Consultant for Hydrocarbon and stratabound mineral exploration in North America. Education: University of California, Santa Barbara, Ph.D. Geology. Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, B.A. Geology Cite Universite de Besancon, France, Certificat des Etudes Etragers. Resource Patents: Pending patent: USPTO 12/415,157: System, method, and

apparatus for exploration. Provisional patent USPTO Application # 61547849: Methods to locate deep freshwater reservoirs.


The Section’s annual picnic is an event not to be missed. The con-summate hosts, Doug and Karla Peters have established a favorite annual tradition at their spec-tacular home above Golden. A relaxing environment, great fel-lowship, and an abundance of good food and beverages confirm that fun has become standard fare. Once you have experi-enced the spectacular views, you can see why Doug’s photos are frequently featured on Channel 4 nightly weather reports. Quite honestly, Doug, the photos don’t do justice to the real thing, and neither do the following photos. If you want to see for yourself, you’ll have to add next year’s summer picnic to your Bucket List.

Doug Peters’ hospitality includes excel-lence as the grill master.

Karen, Weinrich, Betsy Murray and Carole Russell enjoy a laugh.

Graham Closs & Jim Russell toast the annual picnic festivities.

Vickie Hill (AIPG HQ Membership Man-ager) and husband, Tom, enjoy the spectacu-lar views.

Jim Burnell explains what a “little bit” means to Larry Cer-rillo

….time to eat….

Bill Wilson, Sue & Dave Abbott (more great views in the background).

Sue Abbott, Bill Wilson and David Abbott enjoy the afternoon on the deck.

Larry eats his food before Karen’s dog can get it. More great views from Doug & Karla’s deck.

Another perfect day for CO AIPG’s annual picnic.

David Abbott pontificates with Jim Russell

Karla Peters enjoys a break from hosting with friend, Betty Summers


Betsy C. Murray ♦ Twenty-year history representing clients before the Colorado legislature and regulatory agencies ♦ Strong advocate for clients with state budget issues ♦ Former Councilwoman, Grand Junction City Council/CML Board Member, member Grand Junction

Airport Authority Experience: Contract Lobbyist (1990-Present); Denver Water Department: Community Affairs Liaison (1989-

1990); Colorado Division of Wildlife: Legislative Liaison (1986-1989) Education: University of Kansas, B.S. of Science, Education (1972)

Yes, and her name is Betsy Murray. As a contract lobbyist, Betsy keeps the Section informed about Colorado legislative affairs, especially specific legislation that might impact geologists, geology, water, mining, mineral resources, oil and gas or related subjects. In real world politics, most legislation passes or withers on the vine long before it reaches a vote. She works closely with our “Leg/Reg Committee” to be certain that we are aware of proposed or pending legislation and who is behind it. We have been proactive in addressing many topics of concern. Most recently with budget cuts, the Colorado Geologic Survey was on the chopping block. The CO Section of AIPG, with Betsy’s

guidance and assistance, was instrumental in keeping the CGS from being absorbed by another agency, and repositioning it more to the Colorado School of Mines. If Colorado’s geology and how it is regulated is important to you, come to our Executive Committee meetings. They are open to all members, and your input is welcomed. Meet Betsy and support your Legislative and Regulatory Committee. Betsy has great insights into the political process, and through her voice, our voice is heard! Learn more about Betsy from her resume below.

Colorado Section AIPG has a Lobbyist?

Geologic Map Day October 19, 2012 Geologic maps tell the story of each state's natural history through time, what rocks and miner-als are there, how rivers and waterways were formed, where landslides and earthquakes have hap-pened, and much more. Learn how to make geologic maps and how to read and understand them on Geo-logic Map Day. Go to http://www.stategeologists.org/ and click on your state to find your state's geologic map and educa-tional materials about your state's geology.

"In Minnesota we use geologic maps to keep our drinking water safe and to show why we have sink-

holes. They are a brilliant tool to answer questions about the land and water posed by everyone from students to our state and national leaders" notes Dr. Harvey Thorleifson, President of AASG and State Geologist of Minnesota.

Additional resources for learning about geologic maps can be found on the AGI Geologic Map Day web page (http://www.earthsciweek.org/geologicmap/). Earth Science Week 2012 will be celebrated October 14-20. To learn more, please visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/.


August 30, 2012 Interested Individuals and Organizations, As you may know, the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) is one of seven divisions within the Colorado De-partment of Natural Resources (DNR). Given your current or past interactions with CGS, we are providing an update on changes that will be affecting the Survey in the next fiscal year, and asking for your input. Changes in Funding The national economic downturn has significantly impacted the budgets of State agencies over the past sev-eral years. Current economic forecasts show modest economic recovery, but many difficult decisions con-tinue to be required to ensure we wisely manage our much depleted resources. Agencies across state govern-ment must prioritize the use of all available funds to deliver critical programs. The Operational Account of the Severance Tax Trust Fund provides funding for the operations of 5 divisions within DNR. The Operational Account also provides funding for a number of disparate programs, including Low Income Energy Assistance Programs (LEAP), species conservation, aquatic nuisance species control, the forestry grant grogram, and the water supply reserve account grant program. Roughly $49.6 million are re-quired to fund the authorized programs. Unfortunately, over the last 5 years, revenue into the Operational Account has averaged about $41 million. As such, in an average year, funds are inadequate to fund all au-thorized programs. In the current fiscal year, legislative staff economists project that an estimated $18.6 million in severance tax revenues will flow into the Operational Account. To balance spending to this relatively low level of revenue, current law requires that some programs be proportionately cut by an estimated two-thirds in FY 2012-13. As a salient example of the impact, this revenue situation will force the State to reduce funding of forestry grants by two-thirds at a time when forestry-related issues are gaining in importance given recent wildfires and the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic. As such, the Department of Natural Resources has been examining all of its Operational Account expenditures and is reducing or eliminating lower priority programs. With regard to CGS, this funds from Severance Tax will be used to fund only the most critical programs that contribute directly to the health, safety and welfare of the public. Specifically, the operations of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, which serves to reduce the impact of avalanches on recreation and industry through forecasting and education will continue. The Survey will also continue to provide local planners, local elected officials and the private sector with land-use reviews to reduce or eliminate vulnerability to geo-logic hazards, and to determine areas of hazards that could threaten public safety or result in economic loss to the citizens of Colorado. Some work will be discontinued, including: 1) working to define and map groundwater; 2) advising state & local governments on ground water quality and quantity; 3) updating maps of commercial mineral deposits and reporting on the status of the mineral industry; 4) analyzing, advising and reporting on quantity, compo-sition, properties, etc. of energy resources; and 5) reporting on the status of the energy industry. Making these cuts will allow the Governor’s Office and the General Assembly to reallocate nearly $1 million to other high priority programs currently funded through Severance Tax.

Following is a letter sent from DNR Executive Director, Mike King, to a number of organizations describing the changes in funding for the CGS, which in our opinion is too radical and not justified. The Colorado Section of the AIPG drafted a letter which was sent in response. We encourage you to also send your comments to the Governor John Hickenlooper, Mr. King, and your state representative.


Transfer to Colorado School of Mines In the summer of 2011, DNR approached the Colorado School of Mines to explore interest in merging Colo-rado Geological Survey into Colorado School of Mines. Transferring the Survey to the university provides a number of potential benefits. For example, over one-third of all state geological surveys function as part of a university, and presence withing the university community allows for Survey scientists and engineers to stay at the forefront of innovation and help create new knowledge in their fields. In addition, Mines’ strong culture of working with industry (with over 40% of Mines’ research sponsored by the private sector) and success with National Science Foundation and other Federal funding agencies broad-ens the potential funding base for the Survey. The Survey can leverage expertise of Mines faculty, research-ers and graduate students to expand external grant support nad strengthen work in other priority areas such as water, minerals, and energy resources. From the university’s perspective, the transfer provides the opportunity for expertise of Survey scientists and engineers to complement the institution’s role and mission, especially in the areas of mapping and geo-hazards. As a Survey, CGS has access to grant programs that Mines faculty do not have, allowing for greater funding opportunities. Also, campus location increases internship and part-time employment opportunities for Mines students. On June 4, 2012, the Governor signed into law HB 12-1355 concerning the transfer of the CGS to the Colorado School of Mines. The transfer required DNR and Mines to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the move. The MOU will address the functions and objectives of the Survey, the transfer of em-ployees and property, the transfer of exiting contractual relationships and the transfer of budget appropria-tions. DNR plans to transfer to Mines only the functions that we believe are critical to the health, safety and welfare of the public and that can be reasonably supported through sustained severance tax funding. The programs and services identified above as being discontinued will be discontinued by DNR prior to the transfer of the Geological Survey to Mines. Request for Input The MOU required by HB 12-1355 will be completed by late October, with a report to the Legislature no later than December 31, 2012. A team comprised of staff from DNR/CGS and Mines are beginning work to de-velop the document and we would like your input. Agency transfers such as this are not unprecedented by any means, but they are infrequent. Given your current or past interactions with the Survey, we are very in-terested in any questions, concerns, and/or suggestions you may be able to provide to facilitate the develop-ment of an effective MOU and a smooth an productive transfer to the School of Mines. Written input is welcomed via email or regular mail, however mail is preferred. If you would to share ques-tions, converns or suggestions please send them directly to me ([email protected]) or to Kim Burgess ([email protected]). If by regular mail: Department of Natural Resources, Executive Director’s Office, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 718, Denver, CO 80203. We would appreciate receiving your input no later than September 17 to allow the team time to carefully consider it. As the process to develop the MOU progresses, we will also provide an opportunity to share information through an open house. That event has yet to be scheduled, but we will contact you when the date and loca-tion are set. Thank you in advance for your input. Sincerely, Mike King


American Institute of Professional Geologists

Colorado Section

Cynthia L. Cason, CPG/PG 2013 Colorado Section President

303-680-9414 [email protected]

September 12, 2012 John W. Hickenlooper, Governor 136 State Capitol Denver, CO 80203-1792 Dear Governor Hickenlooper: The purpose of this letter is to encourage you to support maintaining the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) at least to its current budget level. I am writing to you on behalf of the Colorado Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (CO-AIPG) - a national organization of geologists, earth scientists, and engineers. I am the incoming President of CO-AIPG, and also a working professional geologist and proud resident of the State of Colorado. It is our understanding, per HB 12-1355, that the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) will be transferred to the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) facilitated by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which is currently being drafted. We understand that the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is planning to reduce the CGS budget (derived from severance taxes) from $2.4 to $1.25 million and to discontinue critical geologic pro-grams. AIPG believes that these changes will be detrimental to the State of Colorado. Critical services on the chopping block include: evaluating and mapping groundwater resources, advising state and local governments on groundwater quality and quantity, updating commercial resource maps, and reporting on the status of the mineral and energy industries. These services must not be eliminated since they are essential to promoting and supporting a sound Colorado economy. The CGS is an excellent organization which provides necessary information to industry and the public. An argu-ment that industry should conduct the research on minerals and energy is unrealistic. The largest (and often for-eign) companies will conduct research on the resources of Colorado, but they do not, as a general rule, release that to the public. Private research is proprietary and conducted for competitive advantage; consequently, very little of value will be released to the public. The CGS is a much more effective and reliable institution for conducting research for public use. The CGS also consistently meets the hallmarks of efficiency, effectiveness, and elegance that are key elements in the Colo-rado Blueprint for economic development standards. One of the key purposes of the CGS is to “promote eco-nomic development of mineral resources", which is accomplished by:

• providing reliable data on Colorado’s natural resources to decision-makers, • educating the public on the importance of mineral resources, • preserving relevant data and records, • providing new and updated geologic maps, • advising counties on potentially mineable resources, • providing forecasts for Colorado's natural resource industries to the University of Colorado Business

School's annual Economic Outlook, and • conducting and publishing studies that will aid companies interested in developing Colorado’s resources.


The Survey has produced many key publications which have been heavily utilized over the years and have sig-nificantly impacted natural resource development and tourism. Niobrara oil and gas studies, the Colorado Groundwater Atlas, and geothermal energy research are examples of important baseline information provided by CGS. The rapid, highly successful development of coal bed methane resources in Colorado was directly related to thirteen (13) CGS publications preceding the boom. The Colorado Geological Survey Facebook and website pages currently average about 23,000 hits per day. CGS’s contributions are invaluable in educating the public, teachers, and schools about the importance of geol-ogy in our everyday lives – particularly in a state where the geology is on display everywhere! Your Honor, we are concerned that you may not be aware of the planned deconstruction of the CGS occurring behind closed doors - without fully educating the legislature and certainly without public input. We understand and encourage the move to CSM, but we request that you intervene to keep the CGS intact and well funded. Our geological survey must provide geologic information that is important and relevant to organizations that pay severance taxes and to the State as a whole. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, AIPG Colorado Section Cynthia L. Cason, CPG/PG Section President, 2013 cc: Mr. Mike King, Director Division of Natural Resources [email protected]

Colorado Joint Budget Committee 200 East 14th Avenue, 3rd Floor LEGISLATIVE SERVICES BUILDING Denver, CO 80203 Representative Cheri Gerou, Chair District 25 - Jefferson County [email protected] Representative Jon BeckerDistrict 63 - Adams, Cheyenne, Crowley, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Morgan, Washington, and Yuma Counties [email protected] Representative Claire Levy District 13- Boulder, Clear Creek, and Gilpin Counties [email protected] Senator Mary Hodge, Vice-Chair District 25 - Adams County [email protected] Senator Pat Steadman District 31 - Adams and Denver Counties [email protected] Senator Kent Lambert District 9 - El Paso County [email protected]


Consider contributing to the Rex Monahan Scholarship Fund. Why? The Colorado Section’s Scholarship Fund is new and growing slowly with other members’ contributions. The Scholarship Fund was established to support one or more undergraduate and/or graduate students in Colorado as they pursue geological degrees. The Section has not yet made an award from this fund because we are working to build the fund to a point where it can provide funding for at least one award to one student and eventually sustain itself at the same time. From one award, we expect to expand the fund and award more students.

Please support the students who are the future of

the geologic profession.

********************************************** YES! I wish to support the Scholarship Fund in

providing assistance towards tuition or travel to field camps, research and thesis preparation, travel to present the results of thesis work, and recognizing excellence in scholarship and leadership. Here’s my check made out to AIPG-Colorado Section, and sent to: Matt Rhoades 1687 Cole Blvd #300 Golden CO 80401 [email protected] 303.928.4262 In the amount of: _______ $25 _______ $50 _______ $100 _______ $500 _______ other Name: Address: Telephone: E-Mail:

The Scholarship Fund and Future Geologists Thank You!

WANTED: PHOTOS

Send us your photos to include in the

newsletter.

I can’t use ‘em all, but I’m always looking for filler. Email to Matt Rhoades:

[email protected]

♦ First choice-Colorado ☺☺ ♦ Second choice-geology photos ☺ ♦ Third choice-great scenery from wherever ♦ Last choice—your wedding pictures

Statewide Geologists Needed!

The current Section Board membership is predominately from the Denver Front Range area, and the Section seeks to involve colleagues throughout the entire state. We often participate with the Grand Junction and Four Corners geological societies, especially for summer field trips. To all AIPG members outside the Metro Denver area, please consider representing your “corner” of the State. Your active participation is welcomed, and will greatly enhance the Section’s statewide presence. Modern telecom-munications will allow the Section to conduct future meetings utilizing Skype or a similar video conferencing. Contact Tom Cavanaugh at [email protected].


Advertise Advertise Advertise in the CPG!in the CPG!in the CPG!

The Colorado Professional Geologist is looking for advertisers. Consider placing an ad for yourself or your company in the CPG.

Business Card size: 3¼” wide by 21/8” high Members & their employers: $100/yr Non-members: $120/yr

Quarter page: 3¼” wide by 4¼” high Members & their employers: $200/yr Non-members: $240/yr

Half page: 6½” wide by 4¼” high Members & their employers: $400/yr Non-members: $480/yr

4 issues per year Current distribution: 500 per issue Individual issue prices will be 1/4th of the

full year price for the size ad desired. Ad copy should be discussed with Matt

Rhoades, 303.928.4262.

David M. Abbott, Jr.

Consulting Geologist LLC AIPG CPG, FAusIMM, EurGeol, PG-TX, UT, WY

evaluating natural resources, disclosures about them, reserve estimates, and geological ethics & practices

Tel: 303-394-0321 Fax: 303-394-0543

2266 Forest Street Denver, CO 80207-3831

[email protected] or [email protected]

Those members who have been receiving our informational e‐mail mailings already know how useful they are in keeping up with the numerous, and often short‐notice, geoscience activities and events in the Front Range and Colorado in general! Our mailings include information on other non‐Colorado events and short‐notice items on Colorado legislative issues, job postings, and other information we feel may be of interest to CO‐AIPG members. Many of these items are sufficiently short on timing that they cannot be included in the quarterly newsletter; therefore, the items can not come to the notice of members for whom we do not have an up‐to‐date e‐mail address. This is why we NEED your e‐mail address — to keep you well informed on such timely events and notices. Please keep us updated on any changes to your email address. Send to: Tom Cavanaugh—[email protected].

We NEED Your Current Email Address!

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE : http://www.aipg.org/StaticContent/anonymous/sections/CO/COaipg.htm

Colorado Professional Geologist Colorado Section, AIPG Matt Rhoades 1687 Cole Blvd #300 Golden CO 80401

Dated Material Please Deliver Promptly!

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS COLORADO SECTION

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The Colorado Section of AIPG newsletter welcomes submission of technical or informational articles for publication. Articles may be submitted via e-mail to the editor at: [email protected]. (Microsoft Word format is preferred.) Hard copy submissions may be sent to:

Matt Rhoades

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Contact Matt Rhoades at 303.928.4262 for additional information.

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