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Science, Society, Solutions
The Exploration Continues:  Land Observation Systems

First in the 2004 "Science, Society, Solutions" series
Other Science, Society, Solutions Briefings

More than 200 years ago, Lewis and Clark set out to explore and survey our Nation´s natural resources. Today, the need to observe, evaluate, and understand these resources and the Earth´s ever-changing landscape continues. Learn how the USGS carries on this legacy of exploration by using modern technology to detect earthquakes, measure the quantity and quality of water resources, and view the Earth´s dynamic surface.

Directions to Longworth House Office Building:

Travel east on Rt. 66 over the Roosevelt Bridge; right on Independence Avenue. Follow Independence until you come to the Botanic Gardens, turn right at the Botanic Gardens on Canal Street. After three blocks, Canal Street merges into South Capitol Street. A $6.00 pay parking lot is on the right on South Capitol Street and under the Southeast Freeway. The Longworth House Office Building is located between South Capitol Street and C Street.

Chip Groat

Dr. Groat became the 13th Director of the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior in November of 1998. He is a distinguished professional in the earth science community with over 25 years of direct involvement in geological studies, energy and mineral resource assessment, ground-water occurrence and protection, geomorphic processes and landform evolution in desert areas, and coastal studies. Chip has held positions throughout his career in both academia and the public sector. Chip received his Bachelor of Arts degree in geology from the University of Rochester, his Master of Science in geology from the University of Massachusetts, and his Ph.D. in geology from the University of Texas at Austin. He has also served on over a dozen earth science boards and committees and has authored and contributed to numerous publications and articles on major issues involving earth resources and the environment.

Dan Ashe

Mr. Ashe is the Science Advisor to the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He was appointed to this position in March 2003, and advises the Director on the application of science in support of the agency mission. From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Ashe served as the Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System, directing operation and management of the 93 million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, and the Service´s land acquisition program. During his tenure as Chief, the Refuge System experienced an unprecedented and sustained period of budget increases for operations, maintenance, construction and land acquisition. From 1998 to 2000, Mr. Ashe also directed the Service´s migratory bird management and North American wetlands conservation programs. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Ashe served as the Fish and Wildlife Service´s Assistant Director for External Affairs where he directed the agency´s programs in legislative, public, and native American affairs, research coordination, and state grants-in-aid. From 1982 until 1995, Mr. Ashe was a Member of the Professional Staff of the former Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 13 years on Capitol Hill, Mr. Ashe served in several capacities, advising the Committee´s Chairmen and Members on a wide range of environmental policy issues, including endangered species and biodiversity conservation, ocean and coastal resources protection, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Marine Sanctuaries Program, the Clean Water Act, wetlands conservation, fisheries management and conservation, and offshore oil and gas development. In 1982, Mr. Ashe was awarded a National Sea Grant Congressional Fellowship. Mr. Ashe earned a graduate degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Washington in Seattle, where he studied under a fellowship from the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation. Mr. Ashe earned a B.S. in biological sciences from the Florida State University. Mr. Ashe is very active in local civic affairs in Montgomery County, Md., where he and his family reside. Mr. Ashe´s father, William (Bill) C. Ashe, was also a career employee of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Brad Doorn

Dr. Doorn coordinates the remote sensing program for the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program is the focal point within the U.S. government for assessing the global crop production and crop conditions that affect world food security. Dr. Doorn is responsible for commercial satellite imagery purchases and U.S. government agreements dealing with acquisition of satellite imagery and other geospatial products. Dr. Doorn has 20 years of experience in the remote sensing and mapping field. More than nine years were as U.S. Army as a Corps of Engineers Topographic Officer and five years in private industry before returning to the government in his current position. He earned a B.S. in Geological Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and a M.S and Ph.D in Geodetic Science and Surveying from The Ohio State University. Other professional duties include serving as the President for the Potomac Region of the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS).

For more information about this topic or the briefing series, please contact the USGS Office of Communications.