Surveys and Maps Branch
As the name suggests this branch is composed of two teams. Both teams provide support Land Acquisition and Refuge Operations.
The Survey Team works with the Land Acquisition Branch to review and prepare legal descriptions, provide boundary surveys and maps of new acquisitions, and provide Surveyor's Certificates and reports as needed to aid in procurement of title insurance. The team also provides boundary surveying services and provides guidance for land dispute resolution for refuges.
The primary mission of the Mapping Team is to create and maintain Land Status maps for the Region. These maps of individual refuges depict the Land Acquisition Boundary as well as what lands are owned or managed by the Service, and what limitations of ownership may exist on those lands. Is addition, the team provides limited GIS services and produces general purpose maps as well as Briefing Book and Migratory Bird Acquisition maps for the region.