THE WYOMING STATE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM

The Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) Geologic Mapping Program has three objectives: (1) producing geologic maps to ensure and encourage responsible development of coalbed natural gas (CBNG) and stewardship of associated ground and surface water in Wyoming; (2) mapping the more populated areas of the state to assist cities and counties in siting and land-use planning by providing geologic, hydrogeologic, and mineral resource information to ensure and encourage responsible development; and (3) mapping to characterize and assess mineral resources, to better understand geologic and hydrogeologic systems, and to advance scientific investigations and knowledge of Wyoming’s geology, thereby encouraging responsible use and conservation of the state’s energy and mineral resources.

Current mapping projects focus on Wyoming’s Greater Green River Basin (vast natural gas, oil shale, CBNG, and uranium resources), the outcrop/recharge area of the Permian/Pennsylvanian Casper Formation (the city of Laramie’s primary groundwater aquifer), and surficial geologic mapping in the areas of new commercial and industrial activities.

The goal of the WSGS is to create geologic maps that will help the residents of Wyoming to responsibly use and develop the resources of the state in a beneficial and environmentally sound way.