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TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is
honored to have the nation’s longest sitting State Geologist. Florida Geological
Survey (FGS) Director Dr. Walter Schmidt earned this title after 22 years of
service to the state as State Geologist.
The head of the Florida Geological Survey is designated the “State Geologist”
by statute. There have only been five State Geologists heading the FGS
throughout its first 100 years, demonstrating stability and continuity within
the agency that maintains geoscience data and inventories as well as sustains
corporate memory to support the many and diverse needs of the public. All fifty
states and Puerto Rico employ a state geologist.
“Dr. Schmidt has been a valuable member of the DEP team since 1974,” said DEP
Secretary Michael W. Sole. “The stability, continuity and institutional
knowledge that his uninterrupted service provides is an irreplaceable resource.
Walt is a great public servant.”
Since 1974, when he joined the FGS, Schmidt has published more than 100
various reports, maps, and articles, and reviewed, edited, and approved more
than 450 FGS publications. During his career, Schmidt has served as Chair of the
Geology Section of the Florida Academy of Sciences, Chair of the Florida Board
of Professional Geologists, President of the Southeastern Geological Society and
President of the Association of American State Geologists.
“State geological surveys are exciting, challenging places for geoscientists
to work and mold their careers. I find the cross-disciplinary expertise
developed, and the sense of serving the public good to be professionally and
personally rewarding,” said Schmidt. “I appreciate the opportunity to be a small
part of such a diverse and exciting place to work, in a state so rich in natural
resources and natural beauty.”
The Florida Geological Survey (FGS) has served the State of Florida since
1907; this year marks the centennial celebration for the FGS. FGS provides data,
research and associated interpretations on solid-earth systems such as aquifer
systems, geologic frameworks, landforms, energy, non-energy mineral resources
and geologic hazards. The Bureau is the only agency within state government that
provides information and interpretive data about geologic and earth science
related information to governmental agencies, land-use planners, environmental
and engineering consultants, mineral owners and exploration companies, industry
and the public. Program outreach regarding earth science education and the
pre-historic development of our state is also available for the public and
educators. The information is essential for resource conservation and
protection, sustainable development issues, human health protection concerns and
implementation of successful environmental regulatory programs.
For more information about Florida Geological Survey, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/.
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