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| Professional Geologists |
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2003 Annual Report
General Information
Agency to which Group Reports: Administration & Information
Agency Contact: Geri L. Allen, Executive Director; ph: (307) 742-1118; 1465 N 4th Street, Suite 109, Laramie WY 82072-2066
E-mail: wbpg@state.wy.us
Web site: wbpgweb.uwyo.edu
Other Locations: None
Year Established: 1991
Statutory References: W.S. 33-41-101 through W.S. 33-41-121
Authorized Personnel: 1 full-time; 1 part-time
Meeting Frequency: Minimum of four meetings required per year
Organization Structure: Does not apply
Clients Served: General public, licensees, Wyoming state and local governments, business and industry, and the geologic profession as a whole.
Budget Information: Earmarked Funds $107,995
Narrative
Agency Mission
The mission of the Wyoming Board of Professional Geologists (Board) is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by promoting the practice of geology by professional geologists and by providing fair and balanced regulation of the geologic profession. This mission is accomplished by licensing only those persons who meet or exceed the minimum statutory requirements of education, experience, and competency necessary to be called professional geologists. This licensing process currently involves examinations to establish an applicant's competency to practice as a professional geologist. The Board's regulatory responsibility includes the discipline of professional geologists licensed in Wyoming as well as seeking the prosecution of unlicensed persons who violate the Geologists Practice Act.
The Board balances its regulatory responsibilities with service and support to the public, as well as to its licensed professional geologists. The Board is objective and ethical, as well as responsive to and considerate of the needs of its various constituents. Quality, cost-effective services are provided, whether for information, testing, professional support, the administrative process of licensing, or other services. Fees charged are those reasonably necessary to support the Board's activities in a responsible and accountable fashion.
Accomplishments/Efficiencies
By the end of FY2003, the Board had licensed 3,495 professional geologists (some are now deceased and others have not renewed their licenses). At the end of FY2003, there were 2,903 active professional geologists and 64 active geologists-in-training. Since its inception in 1991, a total of 4,189 applications have been received by the Board, with 56 applications rejected for not meeting minimum statutory requirements and one for submitting a fraudulent application.
In FY2003, the Board staff mailed one application packet while the number of applications downloaded from the Board(s web site is unknown; received 39 applications for licensure; proctored 45 national examinations; processed 58 verification of licensure requests from other states; granted licensure to 28 geologists, 14 by examination, and 14 by comity; and granted certifications to 8 geologists-in-training. The Board distributed rosters (printed and on CD), bulletins and consumer pamphlets to licensees, state agencies, county libraries and other parties.
On the national level, the Board continued its active role within the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG). The Board had members serving on the By-Laws Committee, the Examination Committee and the Task Analysis Committee. The Board also appointed a designee to serve on the ASBOG Council of Examiners. In FY2003, the number of states using the ASBOG examinations rose to 29. Continued contacts made on the national level have expanded the number of working alliances beneficial to the Board.
Although the majority of the geologists licensed as professional geologists in Wyoming reside out-of-state, there are approximately 362 licensed professional geologists who do currently live in Wyoming. Of those residing outside Wyoming, many have worked in Wyoming in the past, and all anticipate working in the State at some time in the future.
Strategic Plan Changes for Next Year
As a licensing board the Board of Professional Geologists is not subject to the strategic plan requirements.
The Board focus for FY2003, will be to further expand public awareness and access through continued development of its web site and e-government options, through publishing bulletins and through broader disbursement of its revised consumer pamphlet. The Board will pursue contacts on the state, national and international levels to expand the number of alliances beneficial to the Board, its licensees, and the general public. The Board will act on any complaints received referencing violations of the Wyoming Geologists Practice Act as well as for violations based on professional disciplinary actions taken in other jurisdictions.