CCGO, the California Council of Geoscience Organizations, is moving along toward incorporation. A second organizing meeting was held February 15 in Berkeley and a third organizing meeting was held March 23 in Pasadena. 

CCGO is a proposed coalition of geoscience-based professional/technical organizations and businesses with an interest in two overlapping areas: the quality of geologic practice in California, and the implementation of reasonable laws and regulations that incorporate geoscience-based rationale. 

Attending the February 15 meeting were representatives of these organizations: Groundwater Resources Association of California (state level and San Francisco Bay Branch); Association for Women Geoscientists (San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and national); American Association of Petroleum Geologists (Pacific Section); Northern California Geological Society; Association of Engineering Geologists (all three California sections plus national); American Institute of Professional Geologists (California Section); Inland Geological Society, and South Coast Geological Society. 

The group reaffirmed the mission and vision statements adopted at the first meeting, and then moved on to defining the structure and operating methodology of CCGO via a review of proposed bylaws. A bylaws committee was established to refine the draft document based on suggestions provided at the meeting. The AEG section chairs present agreed to look into subsidizing some initial legal advice, perhaps leading to the preparation of Articles of Incorporation. 

The approach to financing CCGO was explored. CCGO member organizations seem to be of two types, organizations composed predominantly of geoscience professionals, and organizations composed predominantly of geoenthusiasts (to use Geotimes terminology). The dues structures of the two types of organizations are different, and their financial contributions to CCGO may differ. Both types of organizations, however, have expertise and clout to contribute to CCGO, and both can benefit from participation in CCGO. Because businesses that employ geoscientists will benefit from CCGO's quest for both a better regulatory climate and for geoscience-based laws and regulations for the protection of the public, those businesses might become a prime financing source for CCGO. A marketing committee was established and charged with promoting CCGO and with exploring potential funding mechanisms. 

The third organizational meeting was held in Pasadena on March 23, 1997. The Council intends to be a leader of recognized integrity in advancing programs and legislation that take into consideration California's diverse geologic conditions, advocate knowledgeable use of resources, and work to reduce the impact of geologic hazards. With a goal of achieving the sound practice of the geological sciences in the public interest, the Council will work to provide balanced information to lawmakers, regulatory agencies and the public regarding the economic, environmental, and human costs associated with geologic matters. 

Issues covered at the March 23 meeting included the conceptual development of programs and strategies to reach the Council's goals, with specific identification of six areas: Legislation and Regulation, Regulatory Peer Review, Governmental Relations, Professional Practice, Professional Licensure, and Public Outreach. The group set a target date to have the Council fully incorporated and operational by August 1, 1997. Working aggressively toward this date, both strategic planning and development committees were formed. Organizational meetings will continue on a monthly basis. I know I speak for all of the participating organization's leaders who have volunteered their precious time and challenged themselves to see the great benefits that CCGO could provide in urging you to investigate for yourself, ask questions of organizational participants, and see what CCGO can do for you. 

The fourth CCGO organizing meeting was held Sunday, June 21, in Sacramento. The next issue of HydroVisions will summarize the Sacramento meeting.  

CCGO invites participation from all professional and technical organizations that have an interest in promoting quality geological work in California, improving the geoscience-based regulatory environment, or promoting better recognition of geologic resources and hazards.  

If you have any thoughts either pro or con about GRA's possible involvement in CCGO. Please contact Brian Lewis (916) 323-3632 or e-mail admin@grac.org. 

For further information about CCGO, contact Betsy Mathieson, CCGO Communications Volunteer, Chairman AEG SF Section, c/o Terratech Inc., 1365 Vander Way, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 297-6969, fax (408) 297-7716, e-mail BMathieson@aol.com.