Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors News & Events

A New Chapter in the Story of Patrick Marsh: Wisconsin land surveyors help bring history, nature, and public education to life

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:22:49 GMT

A Landscape with a Long Story

Thanks to the support of Wisconsin land surveyors, we celebrate the March 10, 2026, groundbreaking of the future site of 10 interpretive panels that will tell the sweeping story of Sun Prairie’s Patrick Marsh — from glacier to wetland, from early Indigenous history to the first European settlers, to its 1990s comeback as a vibrant, biodiverse ecosystem. The full Story of Patrick Marsh installation will open to the public on June 1, 2026.

At 340 acres, Patrick Marsh is Sun Prairie’s largest park. It stands as a living classroom, a wildlife refuge, and a community treasure restored through decades of collaboration among local leaders, volunteers, schools, and conservation partners.

The Story of Patrick Marsh project is inspired by Bill Wambach, a land surveyor and Wisconsin Department of Transportation engineer whose dedication to conservation helped shape the marsh’s modern identity. During the reconstruction of Highway 151 in the early 1990s, Wambach played a key role in developing Patrick Marsh as Wisconsin’s first wetland mitigation bank, demonstrating how transportation infrastructure and environmental stewardship can align through thoughtful planning and precise land management.

Surveyors Who Shaped the Region

Surveying history is woven directly into this landscape. The interpretive panels highlight the foundational work of Lucius Lyon, who established Wisconsin’s Point of Beginning in 1831. In 1833, John Mullet and John Brink documented the Patrick Marsh area during the federal Public Land Survey, establishing the township boundaries that would become Bristol Township. One year later, Orson Lyon and his crew returned to subdivide the township into sections — creating the framework that guided settlement, land ownership, and resource management for generations.

A Viewing Platform That Brings Surveying to Life

“Thanks to the support of the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors, The Story of Patrick Marsh also features a viewing platform that will educate visitors about how surveyors use a meander corner as a land reference,” says longtime Wisconsin land surveyor Dan Birrenkott, co-chair of the Story of Patrick Marsh Committee.

Sponsored by the Wisconsin land surveying community in memory of Frank Thousand, the platform will give visitors a rare opportunity to see how meander corners function in boundary interpretation — a connection between surveying practice and the landscape itself.

Acknowledging the Surveying Community

The Story of Patrick Marsh would not be possible without the generosity and leadership of Wisconsin’s land surveying community. This project has been strengthened by contributions from the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors, the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors Foundation, the Madison Area Surveyors Council, and the WSLS Northeast Chapter, along with support from individual surveyors and firms statewide.

Their collective commitment has helped fund the interpretive panels, the educational viewing platform, and the long-term vision for enhancing public understanding of Wisconsin’s surveying heritage. “To date, we have raised approximately $75,000 – about half of the funds needed to complete this project,” says Birrenkott.

Through their contributions, Wisconsin surveyors are not only honoring the legacy of those who first mapped this landscape — they are investing in its future. To learn more about, contact how to contribute to this project, contact Birrenkott at (608) 712-1331.

“We are very proud of this project,” says Birrenkott. He invites the land surveying community to visit Patrick Marsh this summer with friends and families. “It’s a beautiful place to share the history of land surveying in Wisconsin and the story of your chosen profession.”

Author Note

This article is written by Joyce Hastings, a member of The Story of Patrick Marsh Committee. Through her brother Dan Birrenkott’s storytelling and passion for this project, she has gained a greater appreciation for the role professional land surveyors play in our everyday lives – past and present.

Annual Institute Registration Open

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:46:42 GMT

Registration is officially open for the WSLS Annual Institute, happening January 21–23, 2026 at the Kalahari in the Wisconsin Dells! Join surveyors from across the state for three days of education, connection, and professional growth.

Don’t forget to book your room! The WSLS room block at the Kalahari is now open. Reserve early to secure your spot: https://book.passkey.com/event/51086897/owner/49796246/home

Award Nominations Close November 1

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:07:12 GMT

WSLS is accepting nominations for three awards: the Young Surveyor, Professional Land Surveyor, and Lifetime Achievement awards. These award are designed to honor the contributions and dedication of our members who work to promote and advance our society.

Nominations are open now and will remain available until November 1, 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognize your peers who have made impacts in our field. The awards will be presented during our Annual Institute, celebrating those who have been selected according to the established guidelines. We encourage all members to participate in this process and look forward to celebrating the remarkable achievements at the Annual Institute!

Forms available here.

First Year Summer Scholarship Now Open

Mark Kamin — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:04:15 GMT

The First Year Summer Scholarship is now open for application. Please visit https://wsls.org/WSLS-Foundation-first-year-student-scholarship for more details.

Application closes May 15th.

Summer Meeting Registration Now Open!

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:37:43 GMT

Get ready for sunshine, learning, and lakeside fun! Registration is officially open for our Summer Meeting, hosted by the Northern Lakes Chapter, at the Holiday Acres Resort in beautiful Rhinelander, WI from August 14th to 16th.

Earn up to 8 Professional Development Hours while enjoying a relaxing getaway with your family. Holiday Acres Resort offers stunning scenery and plenty of activities. Bring your boat and experience the best of Wisconsin's Northwoods!

Register today!

WSLS Member Wins National Map/Plat Contest

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:40:23 GMT

Congratulations to WSLS Member, Troy Hewitt, PLS at Robert E. Lee & Associates, Inc. for winning the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) 2024 Map/Plat Design Competition in the Subdivision Plats category! Troy's map was submitted after he won at the WSLS Annual Institute.

Don’t forget to submit your map to the WSLS Map/Plat Contest by December 7. Who knows—you might win the national contest, but you'll never know if you don’t enter!

Annual Institute Room Block: Now Open

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:20:43 GMT

Room block released for the 76th Institute occurring January 22-24, 2025 at the Kalahari in the Wisconsin Dells!

Room block: Please use this link. The hotel cut-off is Saturday, December 21, 2024.

Registration will be available soon. For more information, please view the Annual Institute page.

Accepting Nominations for Awards

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:21:25 GMT

The Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors is committed to honoring the achievements and dedication of our members. To celebrate those who go above and beyond for the advancement of our society, we have created three prestigious awards to be presented at the Annual Institute.

Nominations are now open until November 1. We invite you to nominate your peers who have made significant contributions to WSLS and the land surveying profession.

To submit a nomination, please go here.

Welcome to the Redesigned WSLS Website!

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:20:22 GMT

We’re excited to announce the launch of our freshly redesigned website! Our new website provides a modern, user-friendly design that makes it easier than ever to stay informed and connected.

What's New?

Enhanced Navigation: Find what you’re looking for quickly with our improved menu structure and search functionality.
Mobile-Friendly Design: Enjoy a seamless browsing experience on any device, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Updated Content: Access the latest information on events, ways to become involved, and grow in the surveying field.

We invite you to explore the new site and discover all the enhancements designed to serve you better. Your feedback is invaluable, so please let us know what you think!

Summer Meeting to be held in Spring Green

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:30:00 GMT

Join us for the WSLS 2024 Summer Meeting!

The Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors’ Southwest Chapter invites you to the Summer Meeting from July 25-27, 2024, at the beautiful Spring Valley Inn in Spring Green, WI!

Highlights:

Enjoy the charming town of Spring Green
Educational sessions with speakers
A visit to the Spring Green Monument
Exciting activities like a golf outing and trap shooting contest
Membership meeting to be held on July 27 at 1 pm

Location: Spring Valley Inn, 6279 CR-C, Spring Green, WI 53588

Dates: July 25-27, 2024

Cost: $125/person (includes seminar, CEUs, meals, and 2 drink tickets)

More Information & Registration: WSLS Summer Meeting 2024

Upcoming Seminars by the Northeast and Northwest Chapters of WSLS

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:36:11 GMT

Two fantastic events are lined up for April 19, hosted by two WSLS Chapters! Join us for a day filled with networking and learning opportunities

WSLS Northeast Chapter’s Spring Seminar
Sessions: Tribal Lands-Sovereign Nations Have Rights Too &
Transportation Project Plats 101
Register here: Northeast Chapter of WSLS Spring Seminar

WSLS Northwest Chapter’s Spring Seminar
Sessions: PLSS Lost Corner Methods & Ethics
Register here: Northwest Chapter Spring Seminar

National Surveyors' Week

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:59:41 GMT

On February 23, 2024 Governor Evers proclaimed March 17th - March 23rd as National Surveyors Week and March 21st as Global Surveyors Day. For more information regarding this week, please visit the NSPS website: https://www.nsps.us.com/page/NSW.

Thank you to John Hohol for contacting the Governor's office.

You may view the Proclamation here.

Registration open for 75th Annual Surveyors' Institute

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:58:15 GMT

Registration is now open for the 75th Annual Surveyors' Institute at the Kalahari in the Wisconsin Dells! More information and registration details can be found here.

Hotel room block closes December 24, 2023 or until the resort is sold out. Please book your room here.

Interested in exhibit or sponsorship opportunities? Head on over to the store for more information.

Call UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 for assistance with registration.

Email UW-Stevens Point Conferences at uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu if you need assistance with registration and/or with questions about conference content.

Reminder: Nominations open for 2023 WSLS Awards

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:09:21 GMT

The WSLS Outreach Committee is accepting nominations for three outstanding WSLS surveyors to be recognized for their work at the WSLS Annual Institute. The three categories which nominations are being accepted are:

Professional Land Surveyor of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Young Surveyor of the Year

Nomination materials are located in the 'Members Area' and WSLS members will need to log into the website to access. Materials are due November 1.

We look forward to celebrating the work of three extraordinary WSLS members in January!

National Surveyors Week

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 20:00:00 GMT

On February 24, 2023 Governor Evers proclaimed March 19th - March 25th as National Surveyors Week and March 21st as Global Surveyors Day. For more information regarding this week, please visit the NSPS website: https://www.nsps.us.com/page/NSW.

Thank you to John Hohol for contacting the Governor's office.

You may view the Proclamation, here.

WSLS DEI Survey

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:00:00 GMT

The WSLS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Ad-hoc Committee is conducting a demographic and DEI information survey, as charged by the WSLS Board of Directors. Survey results will be used to better understand who our members are and how important diversity, equity and inclusion is to our membership.

WSLS Remembers Frank Thousand

Anne Hauer-Mossman — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 21:36:17 GMT

Last week, our long time Executive Director, Frank Thousand, passed away peacefully in the company of his family.

His obituary is available here. WSLS is grateful for his faithful service to our association, and we send our condolences to his family and loved ones.

Registers of Deeds and WSLS discuss CSM requirements

Joseph Tew — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:51:09 GMT

Four WSLS members served as part of a panel discussion at the Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association (WRDA) summer conference at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin on June 7, 2022. John Casucci, Jim Selhoff, Jeff De Muth and WSLS President Bryan Meyer were all a part of the 90-minute session. The panelists were from different parts of the state. Nearly 50 Registers were in attendance.

The session came about due to some concerns expressed by WSLS member and past President John Casucci in an October 2021 letter to Executive Director Frank Thousand. Casucci expressed concerns over a lack of standard requirements for Certified Survey Maps statewide. Thousand shared Casucci’s concerns with the WSLS Board of Directors. President Meyer made contact with WRDA members Tiffany Ringer (Wood County), Sharon Martin (Washington County) and Staci Hoffman (Jefferson County), and plans were made for this session to take place.

Several Registers submitted questions in advance of the session to serve as talking points and to give the four panelists time to research and be ready with answers. The panelists also interacted with the RODs with questions from a land surveying perspective.

The questions/topics discussed:

The weight of the paper used for Certified Survey Maps: While many RODs require a minimum of 24-pound paper, many RODs do not.

Keeping the original CSM: Many Counties still do keep the original map. Some Counties do not. The Counties that do not, often return the CSM to the surveyor or the client. Some counties have an agreement with the surveyor to destroy the original CSM once it has been scanned into the ROD system.

3” x 3” square for recording information: This topic brought some conversation since it is not necessarily listed as a requirement of Chapter 236. Other portions of statute do list the 3” x 3” square as a requirement for recorded documents. Depending on the recording system used in a particular County determines if the area is needed (often in the upper right-hand corner of the CSM).

E-Recording of Certified Survey maps: It was agreed that things are trending in the direction of e-recording but not every County is set up for that yet. It was agreed that this topic would be a good session at the WSLS Annual Institute.

Allowing electronic signatures: Some Counties are able to accommodate electronic signatures, and some are not. Most Counties still require a “wet” signature.

Other topics: Who enforces Chapter 236? Why does scale on a map matter? What is the biggest “pain in the …….” when we reject or refuse to record a CSM? Cost to Surveyor? Cost to customer? Delays? Hurt feelings?

One eye opening topic near the end of the session was brought to light - the fact that many young people are unable to read cursive. Both WRDA and WSLS agreed that this is a requirement of both professions in order to read older recorded documents.

The session was remarkably focused, purposeful, and respectful. One panelist indicated that it all went very well and he believed we made inroads to some solutions in areas of mutual concern. Both WRDA and WSLS agreed that we should keep communicating.

The end result of this session was that the RODs (led by Staci Hoffman) will formulate a spreadsheet which lists the various CSM requirements for each of the 72 counties. A document like this can go a long way toward helping surveyors know the requirements as they work in a new/different County.

Bryan Meyer
President of Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors

Presentation Link

posted June 16 2022 jtew

Here’s your chance to help!

Wed, 25 May 2022 15:28:52 GMT

Here’s your chance to help!

Dunwoody College of Technology Surveying & Civil Engineering Technology program is hosting several events this summer that will introduce prospective students to Land Surveying as a career.

These events are planned to provide hands on experience to middle school and high school students. Planned activities include performing routine survey tasks such as measuring and drawing to scale, Pacing - calculating and measuring, improvement lay-out, as well as other fun.

The Dunwoody faculty is looking for survey industry volunteers to help direct these activities for each event. Knowledgeable industry volunteers will help make this a valuable experience for all the students.

The event dates and contacts are:

Wednesday, June 22^nd: Pathways to Careers (P2C) 9:00am – 3:00pm.

(60 HS students –12 volunteers needed)

Contact Jake Blue jblue@dunwoody.edu

Thursday, July 28^th: Minnesota Trades Academy (MTA) 9:00am – 1:30pm.

(30-45 HS Students --up to 10 volunteers)

Contact Heather Gay: hgay@dunwoody.edu

August 8, 9, 10^th: Dunwoody Summer Camp.

(20 middle school girls from the YWCA --2 volunteers needed)

Contact Heather Gay: hgay@dunwoody.edu

These promise to be fun events and a great way to promote our profession!

Contact the Dunwoody Staff above to reserve your space today!

Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors
6600 City West Parkway, Suite 300, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
E: info@mnsurveyor.com P: 952.479.4204 F:952.444.6363

JACOBSON APPOINTED TO NATIONAL FEMA COUNCIL

Wed, 25 May 2022 14:55:41 GMT

Ronald K. Jacobson, Ironwood Michigan, has been appointed to a three year term on the FEMA Technical Mapping Advisory Council as the Surveying Member effective May 13, 2022. The Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC) is a federal advisory committee established to review and make recommendations to FEMA on matters related to the national flood mapping program authorized under the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012.

The national flood mapping program provides flood maps to inform communities about the local flood risk and help set minimum floodplain standards so communities may build safely and resiliently. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) established under the program help determine the cost of National Flood Insurance Program flood insurance which helps property owners financially protect themselves against flooding.

Representing the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors, Jacobson is the only land surveyor on the 16 member national Council. He will be responsible for attending and participating in Council and subcommittee meetings and conference calls, providing written input on the annual report and deliverables and certifying non-lobbyist registration status annually.

“I appreciate Ron’s willingness to serve on the Council and know that FEMA will benefit from his ideas and experience,” stated Nimisha Agarwal, Deputy Associate Administrator (Acting), Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration.

Ronald is an alumni of AD Johnston High School, Bessemer MI and Michigan Technological University with a dual BS in Forestry and Land Surveying. With nearly 40 years of land surveying experience and 15 years of flood plain mapping for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plus his experience and expertise, he will provide valuable assistance to FEMA on matters related to flood hazard mapping as part of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Jacobson is a licensed land surveyor in six states and currently is the Survey Manager for Coleman Engineering Company, based out of the Ironwood MI office. Coleman Engineering Company is a multi-disciplinary engineering firm employing approximately 100 people between four office locations in Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Negaunee Michigan and Green Bay Wisconsin. Founded in 1969, the firm has continually provided a variety of professional engineering and surveying services to municipalities, government agencies, commercial/industrial companies and residential clients. With professionals licensed in multiple states, Coleman Engineering Company provides a diverse range of professional engineering services throughout the Central Great Lakes Region.

New Executive Director

Sun, 22 May 2022 22:29:25 GMT

At the Board of Directors meeting on May 21, the Board approve the selection of the Welch Group as the new WSLS Executive Director. The Board approved the proposed contract. Finally, WSLS President Bryan Meyer and Robert Welch signed the contract. Bob will be starting on June 1, 2022.

NGS releases new version: NCAT 2.1

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 14:32:52 GMT

Governor's Proclamation

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 19:43:10 GMT

NSPS Joint Government Affairs Committee report

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:47:42 GMT

There is a link to the NSPS Joint Committee on Government Affairs in the Library. You will need to be logged in to access the link.

The report contains all the items NSPS is working on on your behalf. It is very interesting.

GPS on Benchmarks August Report

Sat, 04 Sep 2021 14:39:39 GMT

WisDOT GPS on BM status Map.pdf

Version 7 Statewide Parcel Layer Release!

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 22:09:35 GMT

The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) and State Cartographer’s Office (SCO) are pleased to announce the release of the Version 7 (V7) Statewide Parcel Map Database, the newest iteration of Wisconsin’s statewide digital parcel map.

	·	Wisconsin V7 Statewide Parcel Map Webpage – For statewide downloads (as file geodatabase), individual county downloads, schema documentation, and more
	·	Wisconsin Statewide Parcel App
	·	Wisconsin Statewide Parcel Map REST Services

		THIS DATA IS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE, HOWEVER, IF YOU USE WISCONSIN’S PARCEL DATA, WE ASK THAT YOU LET US KNOW IN THE V7 FEEDBACK FORM

Knowing why the data matters to your business needs is crucial for us to justify offering this service into the future.

After you have gotten a chance to take a look, thank you for letting us know how you use statewide parcel data!

Sincerely,

Peter Herreid

Grant Administrator

Wisconsin Land Information Program

Mike Friis

Program Manager

Wisconsin Land Information Program

Joint Southwest and Madison Chapters meeting

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 13:28:05 GMT

Now for a number of years the two Chapters have held a joint meeting. They usually try to find a location that was easy to get to by members of both Chapters. This year the meeting was at Brigham County Park which is right next to Blue Mounds State Park but without the stickers. President Harvey addressed the group. The members were happy to be meeting in person in a great location. The Southwest Chapter provided the shelter and Madison brought the food. MASC President Bob O'Neill did the cooking. Both Chapters had brief business meetings. And mother nature provided the sunset.

New Administrative Code published June 1

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 17:52:57 GMT

I went looking and found the new version of A-E 7 is online. Check out the Legislative page and look up Administrative Code or just click on the link https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/0ALAEUDLmaTZnUk9PVA

Professional Land Surveyors Section

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 12:41:19 GMT

At the Examining Board meeting it was announced that there are a shortage of members both professional and citizen on many of the Sections. In the Professional Land Surveyors Section, only Nathan Vaughn is actually a current professional member. The other two are serving with expired terms. If anyone is interested in serving, they will need to fill out the application on the Governor's website. The one Citizen member's term expires on July 1, 2021. There is also one vacant Citizen member position.

2021 Photo Contest

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 01:11:27 GMT

Don't forget to vote by email to info@wsls.org and indicate your three favorite photos. Cash prizes for the winners. Please vote by May 15. Winners will be in the June issue of the Wisconsin Professional Surveyor. You can view the photos by clicking clicking on Members Area and then Library or clicking here

New WSLS Website

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:05:04 GMT

Congratulations,

You have landed on the new WSLS Website. There are a number of new and exciting things for you to review including a new shop with the much anticipated medallions.

Examining Board Meeting April 14, 2021

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:14:36 GMT

Team,

Today the Examining Board gave final approval to A-E 7 and A-E 6. Long wait is finally over!

Also they gave "sort of" final approval to the permanent rule implementing the retired status license. This rule still needs to clear its final approval from the passive review of the legislature -which is very likely to occur by next week.

There was no discussion from the full board of any of these rule approvals.

Bob

Robert Welch

The Welch Group

16 North Carroll Street, Suite 600

Madison, WI 53703

608 819 0150

bob@thewelchgroup.org

Scholarship Thanks

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 01:34:32 GMT

Recently WSLS has received a thank you card from a scholarship recipient.

Please see below: