You really think the wastelands of Wyoming would be mapped if it wasn't for them? Left to private enterprise, only the areas financeable to corporations would be mapped in detail. That leaves a lot of unmapped areas. The USGS maps are of vast importance to more than just geologists. The fact that we have them is a huge assets to corporations and individuals alike. The best part is they are available at a minimal cost (and free to anybody with a computer and internet access) so they are accessible to everybody.
Now, to the original point, I have no idea what their funding is or how much could/would/should be cut or increased. Hopefully whatever happens they won't be lost as a most basic resource that has been in the American tradition since well before President Jefferson financed Meriwether Lewis to document the vast unknown between the oceans.
Steve G.
Current Events » in reply to You really think nobody would sell maps if it wasn't for them?
re: You really think nobody would sell maps if it wasn't for them?
The whole thread (39 posts)
- Heritage reams Bush on spending
- Just fold Social Security in with the income tax
- What is with you guys and the USGS?
- YEAH !
- To "green" for the repugs. You expect them to support things like water quality testing near industrial donors? (n/t)
- It could work if
- Suprisingly, I pretty much agree with you.