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2023 UCLS Conference – the gathering of Utah’s all-star surveyors.

By February 16, 2023September 27th, 2023Events

This year’s annual Utah Council of Land Surveyors (UCLS) Conference, was held February 8-10, 2023 at the Dixie Center in St. George Utah. The conference theme was “Being an All-Star Surveyor” which was widely attended and included several professionals from Meridian Engineering. The conference is organized for Survey professionals to stay current with best practices, the latest laws, and preview the newest technology for the profession.

Meridian’s right of way and survey teams were happy to be involved throughout the conference, comprised of break-out sessions of key industry topics such as standards and ethics, eminent domain, business practices for surveyors, understanding utility easements, public roads and private lands legal discussion, and discussion on the future of surveying and mentoring the next generation.

Some of the big highlights and accolades that occurred at the conference impacting our firm:

Brad Mortensen awarded UCLS Lifetime Achievement 2022

Meridian’s QA/QC Manager Brad Mortensen, PE, PLS was honored with the 2022 UCLS Lifetime Achievement award. Brad received the award based on his volume of service to the Land Surveying Profession over his lifetime in the profession, including past-chairman of the Utah Council of Land Surveyors, current UCLS ad hoc Committee Chairman, developing the 2022 State Plane Coordinate System into existence for Utah with the NGS, was instrumental in developing the 2015 and the 2017 update of the UDOT Surveying and Geomatics Standards Manual, and is the current Treasurer to the Executive Board of the Utah Council of Land Surveyors. Brad is also an adjunct instructor in the Salt Lake Community College Surveying Program where he teaches Control Surveys to the future generation of surveyors.

A new remote-controlled survey robot called Anymal made an appearance. Check out this little drone doggy from Switzerland. https://photos.app.goo.gl/4rQyKnB3BRXmz9fL9 

That is a photograph of the presentation titled “Business Aspects of Land Surveying” 

Presented by keynote speaker, Jay Seymour.

After the conference, a small group from Meridian, including spouses, was able to gather for dinner at the Anasazi Steakhouse with long-time Meridian colleague, Bryan Westover of HDR and his wife Jennifer at the rear, Darryl and Wendy Fenn, Tyler and Cass Baron, and Mike and Sheri Nadeau to the front. It was a unique experience. You order your entree including swordfish, steak, or salmon and it is brought out on a hot stone to finish cooking to your liking along with your separately plated meal. 
The volcanic rock is heated up to 600 degrees in a special oven for 6-8 hours and then placed onto special design stoneware plates that withstand the heat. Entrees were followed by a chocolate fondue including toppings like marshmallows, apples, pineapple, pretzels, cheesecake, strawberries, grapes, rice krispy treats, creme puffs to “dip” in the melted chocolate!
Five crowns game with Chuck from ESI and his wife at the Edge Grand Desert Resort. In the middle are Bryan Westover of HDR and his wife Jennifer.
Another group outing including Meridian’s Travis Daley, the Baron’s, the Westover’s and the Fenn’s playing Bingo.  The gals found a really old bingo set at an antique store in St. George along with some booby prizes for the winners like Slim, a barbie potty, a whoopie cushion, a magic towel, and a crossword puzzle book. It was another fun night at the resort lobby. 

Jennifer Westover and Wendy Fenn

The last day Friday, Jennifer and Wendy hike in Snow Canyon and enjoy the sunshine while the boys finish the conference.  They said it was wonderful!

Overall, our team looks forward to this annual event for receiving professional development credits, gaining extra knowledge regarding the profession, and networking with like-minded surveyors from Utah. Recharging in the St George sun is always an added benefit!

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