Inter-Regional Surveying Team on the Chippewa

Last October, 13 surveyors and surveying technicians traveled from five states and the District of Columbia to spend a week on the Chippewa National Forest in support of the Inter-Regional Survey Initiative. The Initiative aims to accomplish an impactful project in a short amount of time while providing opportunities for shared mentorship and learning across the agency.

The Initiative invites project proposals from any forest or region. Ted Sommer of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest proposed this project while detailing into the Regional Surveyor position. He supported the Reservation restoration during his detail and saw the opportunity to use the Initiative to both learn and invest in tribal relations. Because his proposal was selected, Ted had the honor of directing five survey crews by assigning teams and setting the fieldwork schedule for the week. Ted also roamed between crews, prioritizing as necessary and announcing any changes to plans. 

Region 9 leadership supported the Initiative despite scrutiny of all travel funds because of the need to locate critical boundaries created by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act, P.L.116-255. Accomplishing this work in-house was not an option due to surveyor vacancies on the Chippewa, and the Initiative attracted skilled professionals to support the Forest. The survey crews advanced USDA Strategic Plan Goals related to expanding opportunities in rural and tribal communities and inspiring and retaining an engaged and motivated workforce. 

A meaningful project is the foundation of the Inter-Regional Survey Initiative.  During the week, the crews focused on priority areas related to public use, resource management needs, and infrastructure questions. Boundary lines are now marked to standard at Birches Boat Launch, West Pike Bay Summer Home Group, Takagami Summer Home Group (southeast Pike Bay), Strawberry Point Summer Home Group, Oak Point Resort, and Star Island. Crews also flagged approximate lines for heritage resource purposes north of Norway Beach. In areas around Pike Bay and Oak Point, crews performed corner search to lay the groundwork for future boundary projects. To document their work, surveyors prepared Forest Service Corner Cards that will be shared with Cass County and become part of the Chippewa records.