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WestFed Report SitePlan.com type websites and suggesting that NSPS prioritize
addressing the issue.
Educational Initiatives and Resources: The meeting spotlighted
By: Trent J. Keenan, PLS educational endeavors, including updates on the continuing edu-
cation library and the creation of an Ad-Hoc committee to create
The Western Federation of Professional Surveyors (WFPS) held a new study program for the Professional Surveying (PS) exam
its last board meeting at the Horseshoe in Las Vegas, Nevada, at chaired by Trent Keenan, PLS, reflecting WFPS’s commitment
the junction with the 2024 Western Regional Surveying Confer- to supporting our next generation in their professional develop-
ence on March 22, 2024. ment. Trent is also currently working on an Outreach 101 kit that
will include resources for K-12 presentations.
Key Developments and Resolutions that came out of the meet-
ing are: NCEES has revamped and is maintaining the BEaSURVEYOR.com
website and can provide outreach resources.
Leadership Transitions and Officer Installations: The meeting
opened with a leadership transition. Russ Kluesner took over BEaSURVEYOR.com carabiners have been received. Arizona,
as Chair from Ben Petersen, who now serves as the Immediate Colorado, Nevada, and Washington all ordered carabiners. There
Past Chair. Trent Keenan was appointed as Chair-Elect and Greg are a few hundred still available.
Phillips as the Secretary/Treasurer, respectively. The board posi-
tions change on the WestFed board every two years, so Russ will State-Specific Updates and Initiatives: Representatives from
be our Chairman for the next two years. various states reported on local advancements and challenges,
covering legislative updates, educational program developments,
Approval of Minutes and Financial Reports: The board unani- and membership growth. (See WestFed Highlights in this edition)
mously approved our October 2023 meeting minutes and ac-
cepted the financial reports. As a side note, the only funds the Future Plans and Closure: The board scheduled the next Zoom
board has to work with are based on the WestFed Conference meeting on June 22 and then the October Board meeting will
every two years. There are no membership dues associated with be held in St. George on October 12, which will include a special
WestFed; all the funds come from the Bi-Annual Conference. session to honor Ron Whitehead by setting a Final Point in Ron’s
remembrance. Ron was a HUGE part of the WestFed and Utah
Committee Leadership and Appointments: Chair Russ Kluesner Land Surveyors family for many years, so it’s only fitting that we
announced the appointment of several key committee chairs, tie a board meeting and Final Point together in October.
focusing strategically on areas such as Bylaws, Conference Plan-
ning, Outreach, Legislative Issues, Nominations, and Scholar- Summary:
ships. These appointments emphasize the board’s dedication to The March 2024 WFPS Board of Directors meeting showcased
using structured committee efforts to advance their goals. WestFed’s effectiveness on governance issues. It highlighted
the collective efforts of state associations and members to
Chair Russ Kluesner appointed the following committee chairs. address professional, educational, and legislative challenges.

Bylaws – Greg Phillips As WestFed moves forward, it fosters a community among
land surveyors in the Western United States, ensuring that the
Conference – Mike Nadeau profession stays dynamic and impactful in the face of changing
technological conditions.
Outreach – Trent Keenan
Legislative – Mike Nadeau

Nominating – Ben Petersen
Scholarship – Mike Fondren
Updates on Conferences and Events: The ongoing 2024 West-
ern Regional Survey Conference was a focal discussion point
at this meeting, with its high attendance, including significant
participation from WestFed members. Plans for the 2026 con-
ference are already in motion and will be back at the Horseshoe
Resort.
Legislative and Professional Advocacy: Mike Nadeau reported
on the Sense of Congress that NSPS has introduced to distin-
guish land surveying as a profession as opposed to an occupa-
tion.

Mike Nadeau also highlighted important legislative develop-
ments, including MySitePlan.com lost their appeal with the
judge ruling in favor of the California Board of Registration. Mike
reported that several similar websites are popping up and that
we must stay vigilant in reporting unlicensed practices to our
state boards.

The board motioned to send a letter to the National Society of
Professional Surveyors (NSPS) expressing concern regarding My-

24 The Nevada Traverse Vol.51, No.2, 2024