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Information Concerning Virginia’s Division of Geology and Mineral Resources
          (Forwarded by Mary D. (thank you, Mary)
     
Virginia Geological Field Conference Folks,
We had a very impressive and well-attended field conference last weekend [October 11-12] in southwestern Virginia, which for me is a testament to the interest and need for geological research in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Unfortunately, with Virginia's looming budget crisis the State is planning to severely cut if not eliminate the Division of Geology and Mineral Resources (DGMR).  Here are some of the planned cuts

9 (out of a staff of 21) will be laid off
1 staff member will be transferred to the Division of Oil and Gas
4 staff members will be reassigned to support the Abandoned Mine Land project
DGMR will be left with a staff of 4 on state-funded positions (of which 3 are currently supervisory) and will not, in any substantive way, be able to serve the Commonwealth.  Details of the plan are on pages 14-15 of the Governor's budget reduction plan, available at http://www.governor.virginia.gov/tempcontent/FinalPlan_10-8.pdf

We have an obligation to fight these cuts with vigor.  DGMR has served the Commonwealth well and needs to be maintained, even through the lean times.  For me it is clear that these cuts are a deliberate action to eliminate DGMR; consider the fact that within the Department of Mines, Minerals & Energy, of which DGMR is one of six divisions, the only layoffs are being incurred by DGMR. Not only are these cuts are extremely shortsighted, but inherently unfair.

What can be done about this?
 
The most important decision maker who is likely to consider input from DGMR customers is the Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  He needs to know how people use DGMR products/services, especially if they use them to make money or protect people and property, and why DGMR is important to the Commonwealth.  Company letterhead is preferable.  He is
Patrick O. Gottschalk
Secretary of Commerce and Trade
P.O. Box 1475
Richmond, VA 23218
 
The Acting Director of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy is
Benny R. Wampler, Acting Director
Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy
P.O. Drawer 900
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
 
A letter to the Governor can't hurt either
Governor Timothy Kaine
Patrick Henry Building, 3rd Floor
1111 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219

People should contact their own Delegates and Senators.

A VGFC yahoo listserv has been set up to facilitate discussion for those who wish (http://groups.yahoo.com/, search thevgfc).

We need to act quickly and with forceful clarity on this matter.

Thanks,
Chuck Bailey
President, Virginia Geological Field Conference