LGS Strategic Plan

Enhance both the perception and the reality of LGS Research Activities

Publicize to the world and the scientific community in particular the quality research work being performed by the LGS by means of publications, maps, reference works, workshops, field trips, seminars, presentations, and exhibits at professional conferences.
Produce geologic maps, geologic bulletins, water resources bulletins and similar publications as are typical of most other state geologic surveys in the country.
All LGS staff members must commit themselves wholeheartedly to both the theory and practice of total quality in their research; LGS research must not simply be good, it must be superior and noticeably so, and it must be timely.
The LGS must aggressively portray itself as a quality research organization that is necessary to the well being of the University and the State by constantly emphasizing its good performance in publications, presentations, seminars, on the Internet, and in satisfactorily answering the numerous questions and requests for information from the public.
To identify and obtain new sources of soft money funding for the LGS by means not necessarily limited to the following: computerized research aids, personal contacts, assistance from the LGS Advisory Board, contact/data sharing with geological surveys in other states, and direct contact with government agencies not previously considered as potential funding sources, and to develop cooperative research programs with the U.S. Geological Survey.
Additional soft money funds need to be coaxed from existing soft money sources by aggressively identifying their needs and convincing them that the LGS can and will meet those needs for them; in some cases this may mean making them aware of needs that they do not yet realize they have.
Demonstrate to the University research administration that certain federal funds from sources such as the United States Geological Survey could have and can be obtained only with the aid of matching hard money funds from the University; obtain a commitment from the University to provide future funds for these purposes.
Demonstrate to the University via presentations of LGS scientific, contractual, and political successes that the LGS has great value to both the University and to the State. Emphasize the amount of research money brought in by the LGS without significant hard money funding and point out how much more money is essentially lost through the lack of matching funds; point out how the LGS is logistically hamstrung by the lack of hard money; make it easy for the University to support the LGS at the legislature by ensuring that the Legislature is aware of the value of the LGS; to find out exactly what is required to acquire hard money funding, and to commit to doing it.
Convince the Legislature, via direct communication by the University to legislators and via indirect communication to the legislature by government agencies, industry representatives, interest groups, and members of the LGS Advisory Board, that that LGS is of sufficient value to the State, the government agencies of the State, and the industry and interest groups of the State as to merit hard money funding.
Encourage and promote existing LGS staff need to attend relevant scientific/computer/research training seminars/classes as available, to regularly examine scientific publications and the Internet, to regularly attend and make presentations at scientific talks, gatherings and conventions, and to regularly present papers at professional conferences and meetings. Particular attention needs to be paid to ensuring that the staff is aware of and regularly uses computerized research aid programs.
Insure that LGS research equipment is maintained, updated and/or replaced regularly and does not become obsolete; to insure that sufficient equipment is available that there are no conflicts and/or bottlenecks in need and usage. A list of projected justified needs should be compiled, kept, and updated regularly so that the acquisition and distribution of such items occurs on an organized and prioritized basis and not on a haphazard one.
Develop new research methods, techniques, and opportunities by means of examining scientific publications and the Internet, and by attending scientific talks, gatherings and conventions; adapt them to LGS use as appropriate, affordable, and beneficial; attempt to obtain University funding for high-tech equipment/technology by demonstrating research funds obtainable with the aid of such equipment/technology.

Develop new LGS programs

Work with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the United States Geological Survey, and regional and local groundwater and drainage agencies to develop an effective, recognized, broad-based, and funded water resources program. To determine what is required for the LGS to have such a program and to implement those changes.
Assist more schools and schoolteachers to inform and educate students about how the earth sciences affect their daily lives.
Develop multidisciplinary research projects in cooperation with other earth science, energy, and engineering related departments and research units at LSU.
Work with the other earth science, energy, and engineering related departments and research units at LSU to put together multidisciplinary research projects and attempt to secure external funding for such projects.