CFEDS News-

I had been thinking about registering for CFEDS training but the cost and continuing eduction requirements have always kept me from taking the plunge. I tried to find out from CFEDS folks what has been the track record of the contracts issued state by state so I could make a educated business decision.

To date I have not received any feedback from CFEDS regarding their history of contracts awarded to CFED surveyors. Is that because there hasn't been any or there has been a very little amount not worthy of reporting?

I can see why registration is down; there really is no market place and the promised future work has never materialized.

I would recommend that the CFEDs training program be given at no cost to the profession as it was built with tax payers funds to begin with. Now there would be a service to the profession.

I would feel sorry for those who previously took the CFEDs training course who were duped by BLM, but as they always say: buyer beware!

I am one of those that was "duped" by the BLM. Well that's not my word for it but someone labeled it as such.

As a Colonial surveyor I went forward with my eyes open. I don't think that the initial cost was prohibitive, not for the materials I received and the education that came with it.

I have not received any projects from my CFedS Certification, although I did market that fact to the two primary groups here in my area, the National Seashore and the Indian Nation. Both are active in survey needs but the CFedS certification meant nothing, as near as I can tell.

I really didn't expect to showered with projects, but I did think that it might make a difference.

I am not disappointed however. I learned a new facet to the profession that was shrouded in mystery to me, and I believe it made me a better Colonial surveyor.

I do not agree with the mandatory continuing education, and because of the BLM inflexibility in the continuing education requirements I have allowed my certification to lapse. I sit on our State Professional Development committee and even though I sponsor 3 seminars a year based on legal issue primarily, I was not allowed to use those credits to any satisfaction of the BLM. It has to be their seminars, paid only to them. There is not any other allowance made for CEU's, Can you say unfair trade practice?

Dtp

And the work continues to get done.....I wonder how?