According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, March 16-22 is National Surveyors Week and March 21 is Global Surveyors’ Day.
Surveyors are experts in measuring the surface of the earth who work in both the private and public sector marking property boundaries, measuring topography, researching land records, and more. This profession dates back to ancient times (3000 BC) and is the second oldest profession in the world. Historic records note that Egyptians used a land register to re-establish farm boundaries after flooding from the Nile River as early as 1400 BC. In New York State, state land surveyor positions have been around for more than 100 years – that predates DEC! Land surveyors have been a big part of acquiring state lands since at least 1885 when legislation established the Forest Preserve.
The DEC has 16 licensed land surveyors who work with almost every division but are based in the Division of Lands and Forests’ Bureau of Real Property. This team is responsible for acquiring all new DEC lands, ensuring boundary lines are established and maintained, and investigating management issues such as encroachments, right-of-ways, and easements over state lands all across New York State. Altogether, they’re in charge of surveying and marking over 5.1 million acres of state land and more than 18,000 miles of boundary. DEC surveyors also work with the Division of Law Enforcement when they are called to assist with enforcement actions such as timber thefts, solid waste violations, hunter-related shooting incidents, and land clearing in a protected area.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
