[OKGIS] FW: Certified Federal Surveyor Program-CFedS

Robert Stokes robert-stokes at cherokee.org
Thu May 10 09:00:01 CDT 2007


Some of you may be interested in this...

 

 

Robert Stokes
GIS Administrator

Cherokee Nation GeoData Center
P.O. Box 948
Tahlequah, OK 74465
Office: 918-453-5625
Cell: 918-207-2798
Fax: 918-458-7647
robert-stokes at cherokee.org

www.cherokee.org

 

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"It appears we have appointed our worst generals to command forces, and
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________________________________

From: Cara Cowan - external email address 
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2007 6:16 AM
To: OPC
Subject: Certified Federal Surveyor Program-CFedS

 

Certified Federal Surveyor Program-CFedS
Updated March 13, 2007 

 

http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm>  

 

________________________________

Program Objective: "To enhance the level of knowledge and expertise in
the professional land surveying community for work performed in Indian
Country". 

The Certified Federal Surveyor program (CFedS) has been approved by the
Secretary of the Interior and the Special Trustee in the Office of the
Special Trustee (OST). It is one component of the "DOI Indian Trust
Lands Boundary Standards" which were created by BLM Cadastral Survey and
BIA Realty in response to the DOI Fiduciary Trust Model (FTM). The CFedS
Program is intended to be a significant addition to the resume and
credentials of the private professional land surveyor and Tribal
surveyors. The program will provide the BIA and Tribes with a listing of
qualified surveyors recommended to be used as needed by the various
Agencies and Tribes.

The Certified Federal Surveyor program will:

*	Increase the pool of qualified surveyors to complete the backlog
of surveys in Indian Country
*	Ensure surveys on Indian lands comply with regulations and
policies decreasing the chance and expense of rework
*	Offer Tribal surveyors the ability to better serve their Tribe
with enhanced skills and knowledge
*	Provide opportunities to increase self-determination

 <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/BILS/blmstripe.png>       

________________________________

Registration Begins March 15, 2007
To Register Click here <http://www.cfeds.org/> 

Registration begins March 15 and will close April 15th. The training
materials will be shipped the last week of April, training will begin
May 2nd and the examination is scheduled for September 7, 2007. 

* The Registration Form should take only about 15 minutes to complete. 
* You will be required to pay the $800.00 tuition at the time of
registration. Payment may be by check, purchase order or credit card.
Tuition is non-refundable.
* We can accept up to 600 students in the program at one time so we
should be able to accommodate all qualified applicants. 
* The certification program is designed to take approximately 120 hours
to complete. 
* The training is delivered on a set of 27 DVD.s with a combination of
video lectures, computer based problems and reading assignments.
* Applicants will have access to instructors via e-mail and monthly
conference calls.
* Resource materials will be included on the DVD set.
* The certification examination will be administered September 7, 2007
* The certification examination shall be taken in the presence of a
proctor approved
by the CFedS Certification Panel.
* It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange for the proctor.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange compensation for
the proctor and that the facility and testing environment meet any
special requirements of the applicant.
* Applicants will have 6 hours to complete the examination.

CFedS Certification Panel

Don Buhler has announced the appointment of the first CFedS
Certification Panel. The Panel has been established to provide
administrative oversight for the program. Panel member are:

Steve Ackerman, PLS
Wahpeton, N.D. 

John Farnsworth, BLM
Oregon State Office

Roger Green, BLM Indian Lands Surveyor
Fort Snelling, MN 

Helen Roberts Latall, Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians
Albuquerque, NM 

John Lee, BLM 
Wyoming State Office

Brenda Schilf, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Billings MT 

Frank Starky, Hoopa Tribe
Hoopa, CA 

Greg Tuttle, PLS, Salt River Project
Phoenix, AZ 

________________________________

-CFed Training Information
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/Manual/pdffiles/cfedtrng.pdf>  - General
Information -pdf file 

CFeds Trailer <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm> - Preview
of Coming Attractions. This is a Flash animation requires the
Macromedia/Adobe "Flash" plug-in.

Press Release
New Program Will Train and Certify Professional Land Surveyors
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/Manual/pdffiles/Pressrelease031506.pdf> -
Pdf file opens in new window.

The Certified Federal Surveyor program will:

*	Increase the pool of qualified surveyors to complete the backlog
of surveys in Indian Country
*	Ensure surveys on Indian lands comply with regulations and
policies decreasing the chance and expense of rework
*	Offer Tribal surveyors the ability to better serve their Tribe
with enhanced skills and knowledge
*	Provide opportunities to increase self-determination

Questions not answered below? Contact 

Ron Scherler -
Certified Federal Surveyor Program Manager
Phone: 602-906-5568
E-Mail: Ron_Scherler at blm.gov

________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

Surveyor FAQ

What is the CFedS Program?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#whatis> 
Who will be managing the CFedS program?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#whowill> 
What is the purpose of the CFedS program?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#purpose> 
Who is eligible for the CFedS program?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#eligible> 
Will the CFedS certification allow me to work in States where I am not
presently registered?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#workinstates> 
How do I become certified?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#howcertified> 
Why would I want to be certified?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#whycertify> 
Do I have to be certified to provide cadastral services in Indian
country? <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#doihaveto> 
Where will the training be held?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#wheretraining>  
What courses do I have to take?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#Whatcourses> 
Are there tests involved?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#aretheretests> 
Can I test out of any of the courses?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#testout> 
Are there continuing education requirements?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#ceu> 
When can I register for the program?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#whereregister> 
Will the training qualify for continuing education credits?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#qualifyceu> 
Will I receive college credit for the course?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#collegecredit> 

Tribal FAQ

What is a Certified Federal Surveyor?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#WhatisaCfed> 
Why was the Certified Federal Surveyor Program created?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#whycfed>  
Is the BIA required to use Certified Federal Surveyors for all cadastral
services? <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#biarequse> 
Are Tribes required to use Certified Federal Surveyors for cadastral
services? <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribesreq> 
Who pays for surveys executed by Certified Federal Surveyors?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#whopays> 
Will surveys executed by Certified Federal Surveyors cost more than a
survey by a local surveyor?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#costmore> 
Who is eligible to become a Certified Federal Surveyor?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#whoeligible> 
How does a surveyor become a Certified Federal Surveyor?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#howbecome> 
Can Tribal surveyors become Certified Federal Surveyors?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalsurveyors> 
When will the first surveyors be certified?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#whenfirst>  
Will there be Certified Federal Surveyors in my area?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#cfedmyarea> 
Are Certified Federal Surveyors federal employees?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#arefedemply> 
How can I find a Certified Federal Surveyor in my area?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#locatecfed> 
Are surveys executed by Certified Federal Surveyor federal authority
surveys accepted by BLM?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#surveysaccpeted> 
How can I find out more about the program?
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#moreinfo> 

Surveyor

What is the CFedS Program?
Answer: The CFedS program is a certification program designed to provide
Registered Professional Land Surveyors with training necessary to
execute boundary surveys in Indian Country, to basic federal standards.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq> 

Who will be managing the CFedS program?
Answer: A panel established by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and
composed of members selected from BLM, the Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA) and the private sector will oversee the program. 
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

What is the purpose of the CFedS program?
Answer: The CFedS program has been authorized by the Secretary of the
Interior to enhance the delivery of cadastral services in Indian
country. 
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

Who is eligible for the CFedS program?
Answer: Registered Professional Land Surveyors in good standing.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq> 

Will the CFedS certification allow me to work in States where I am not
presently registered? 
Answer: No. This is not a licensing program. You must have a current
license for the State in which you are working
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq> 

How do I become certified?
Answer: You must complete a training module equivalent to a three-credit
college course (approximately 120 hrs.) and pass the Certification
Examination.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

Why would I want to be certified?
Answer: The CFedS certification is intended to be a significant addition
to the resume and credentials of the Registered Professional Land
Surveyor and Tribal Surveyor. Upon completionof the program, the
surveyor's name will be placed on the CFedS Roster. Individuals, Tribes
and the BIA will be encouraged to select surveyors from the CFedS Roster
when contracting for cadastral services in Indian Country. BLM cadastral
survey contracts will include credit for those who have completed the
CFedS program.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

Do I have to be certified to provide cadastral services in Indian
country? 
Answer: The program is voluntary, but certain services must be performed
by a CFedS to be accepted by the BLM.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

Where will the training be held?
Answer: The course will be delivered by various forms of distance
learning. 
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

What courses do I have to take?Answer: The training will include
portions of the BLM's Advanced Cadastral Survey and Land Tenure in
Indian Country courses along with new material covering Standards for
Indian Trust Lands Boundary Evidence. 
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

Are there tests involved?
Answer: Successful completion of the training portion of the
certification program will require completion of several quizzes and
tests within the various training modules. In addition to the training,
a comprehensive Certification Examination must be passed to receive the
CFedS certification.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

Can I test out of any of the courses?
Answer: No. The training courses must be completed to be eligible to
take the CertificationExamination.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

Are there continuing education requirements?
Answer: Yes, however the exact requirements have not been determined at
this time. 
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

When can I register for the program?
Answer: The program will be fully operational by September 30, 2006. 
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

Will the training qualify for continuing education credits?
Answer: The State(s) of your registration will make that determination.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq>  

Will I receive college credit for the course?
Answer: Not at this time
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#svyrfaq> 

Tribal

What is a Certified Federal Surveyor?
A Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) is a state licensed land surveyor
who has successfully completed the certification process established by
the BLM Cadastral Survey Program. CFedS will perform a wide range of
cadastral services within the state(s) he or she is licensed to practice
land surveying. Certain services will be under the direction and control
of the appropriate BLM Chief Cadastral Surveyor. CFedS will provide more
avenues for accomplishing cadastral services for Indian trust assets and
restricted fee lands.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

Why was the Certified Federal Surveyor Program created?
The Department recognizes that accurate trust management begins with
good surveys and that the private sector provides an excellent resource
for accomplishing these surveys. However Indian and Alaska native lands
have some unique survey issues. Many essential records are found only
within the Bureau of Indian Affairs offices, special procedures have
often been used for surveys on Indian lands and there are cultural and
jurisdictional considerations that surveyors working in Indian Country
must be aware of. 
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  


Is the BIA required to use Certified Federal Surveyors for all cadastral
services?
The initial goal of the CFedS Program is to assure that all cadastral
services executed in Indian country are performed in accordance with BLM
standards. The long term goal is for all boundary surveys to be
accomplished under the direction and control of the appropriate BLM
State Office Cadastral Chief (Cadastral Chief). However, there is no
requirement that BIA use a CFedS for cadastral services at this time.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

Are Tribes required to use Certified Federal Surveyors for cadastral
services?
The CFedS program is a voluntary program to train and certify
professional licensed surveyors to perform boundary surveys and related
cadastral services to basic federal surveying standards. Tribes, BIA,
individuals, and other federal agencies will be encouraged to select
surveyors from the CFedS roster when contracting for boundary surveys or
other cadastral services. The four certifications contained in the
Indian Trust Lands Boundary Standards must be completed in part, by a
BLM Cadastral Surveyor or a CFedS. Of course, Tribes may choose to use
only CFedS for all surveys of tribal land.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  


Who pays for surveys executed by Certified Federal Surveyors?
The funding sources have not changed. A survey that has traditionally
been paid from Tribal funds will continue to be funded by the tribe,
surveys traditionally paid from BIA funds will continue to be funded by
the BIA. 
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

Will surveys executed by Certified Federal Surveyors cost more than a
survey by a local surveyor?
In some cases there may be additional charges because the CFedS is
required to provide a survey that meets certain federal standards. These
standards have been developed by BLM and are designed to ensure that
surveys or other cadastral services are legally defensible, provide a
complete record and provide all the information necessary to support the
accurate management of trust assets.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

Who is eligible to become a Certified Federal Surveyor?
Registered/licensed land surveyors under state law in at least one
state, who have had no disciplinary actions resulting in the loss of
surveying privileges within the last 5 years, are eligible for the CFedS
program.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

How does a surveyor become a Certified Federal Surveyor?
Registered/licensed land surveyors must complete a series of
distance-learning training course equivalent to a three credit college
course (approximately 120 hours to complete). Training includes seven
modules with various problems, case studies and quizzes which must be
completed. The training program prepares the surveyors for the six hour
Certification Examination. The completion of annual advanced continuing
education modules will be required to remain on the CFedS roster. 
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

Can Tribal surveyors become Certified Federal Surveyors?
Yes, but they must be a registered/licensed land surveyor under state
law in at least one state, who have had no disciplinary actions
resulting in the loss of surveying privileges within the last 5 years to
be eligible for the CFedS program.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

When will the first surveyors be certified?
The initial CFedS Certification Roster is scheduled to be released March
1, 2007.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

Will there be Certified Federal Surveyors in my area?
There will be over 100 surveyors certified by the Spring of 2007 with a
second certification examination scheduled for late summer of 2007. By
the end of 2007 we expect to have CFedS in every state, with a total of
between 200 and 500 nationally.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

Are Certified Federal Surveyors federal employees?
No. Certified Federal Surveyors are surveyors registered/licensed by the
State, however they may provide official cadastral services under the
direction and control of the BLM.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  


How can I find a Certified Federal Surveyor in my area?
The CFedS Roster will be available on the official CFedS website. Look
for more specific information on the Roster after the first
certification examination in February of 2007.
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

Are surveys executed by Certified Federal Surveyor federal authority
surveys accepted by BLM?
Certified Federal Surveyors may be used by BLM to execute federal
authority surveys and it is the long term goal for the Secretary of the
Interior that all boundary surveys in Indian country be executed under
federal authority. However, initially many of the surveys executed by
CFedS will not be federal authority surveys. 
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

How can I find out more about the program?
Contact your Regional BLM Indian Lands Surveyor (BILS).
<http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/BILS/bilscontact.htm>  
(back to top) <http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/cfeds/cfeds.htm#tribalfaq>  

  

	Cara Cowan Watts

	Cherokee Nation Tribal Council

	District 7 - Will Rogers

	P.O. Box 2922

	Claremore, OK 74018

	C: 918 752-4342

	F: 918 341-3753

	Email: <mailto:cara at caracowan.com> cara at caracowan.com

	Url: http://www.caracowan.com <http://www.caracowan.com/> 

	American Indian Science and Engineering Society:
http://www.aises.org <http://www.aises.org/> 

	Important Cherokee Nation Links - Utilize these websites for job
opportunities, understanding services and more!

	Cherokee Nation: http://www.cherokee.org
<http://www.cherokee.org/> 
	Cherokee Heritage Center: http://www.cherokeeheritage.org
<http://www.cherokeeheritage.org/> 
	Cherokee Nation Housing: http://www.hacn.org
<http://www.hacn.org/> 

	Cherokee Nation Enterprises: http://www.cherokeecasino.com
<http://www.cherokeecasino.com/> 
	Cherokee Nation Industries: http://www.cnicnd.com/
	Talking Leaves Job Corp: http://www.tljcc.com
<http://www.tljcc.com/> 

	Sequoyah High School: http://www.sequoyah.k12.ok.us/

	 

 


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