GEOLOGIC MAPPING AT THE IDAHO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY: SUCCESS RESULTING FROM THE USGS STATEMAP PROGRAM

Since 1993, the Idaho Geological Survey (IGS) has garnered over $2.6 million through the annual federal STATEMAP Program and predecessor programs to map roughly 15,000 square miles of the state. Thirty two percent of Idaho is now covered by modern digital mapping. Research this year involves intensive field study in five project areas by a scientific team that consists of twelve geologists led by five IGS principal investigators. Maps are digitized for cartographic production and a statewide GIS database. The Idaho Geologic Mapping Advisory Committee, a multi-representational group, has designated long-range planning priority areas where new geologic mapping is determined to be vital to the economic, social, and scientific welfare of Idaho. Traditionally, state requirements for geologic-map information focused on natural resources, mostly in sparsely populated areas. These requirements have shifted dramatically in the last 20 years to multiple-issue needs in both rural and urban counties that are experiencing high population growth, development impact, and increased resource extraction. These issues include geologic hazards, transportation and lifeline zones, and water, energy, and mineral resource development and conservation. The long-range plan provides for completing geologic mapping of 30' x 60' quadrangle tiles in priority corridors. The plan also allows flexibility to: (1) accommodate shorter term single-issue needs, (2) solve critical earth science problems, and (3) take advantage of opportunities with other funding partners. In 2009 geologic mapping in long-range plan areas is funded by the Idaho Department of Lands, the Idaho Transportation Department, and the USGS STATEMAP and EDMAP programs. Productivity under the STATEMAP Program has been exceptional; since 1998 published quadrangles include 118 at 1:24,000 scale, 10 at 1:100,000 scale, and 2 at 1:50,000 scale. The maps are made available on-line as "Digital Web Maps" one year following field work. Part of the mapping success can be attributed to use of temporary hires from academia who return each summer for several weeks of intensive field work. This allows a large number of expert mappers in the field for a relatively small funding investment.