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Kate Ritzel

Kate serves as the Science Lead for the STATEMAP Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) while providing science and partnership support for other NCGMP components, including EDMAP and the Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition. Kate is also the Program Lead for NCGMP work with impacts to Alaska Native Tribes, American Indian Tribes, and Alaska Native Corporations.

Professional Experience

  • January 2022 to Present: Physical Scientist, NCGMP, US Geological Survey (USGS), Reston, VA

  • May 2021 to December 2022: Urban Forester (Co-Op IV), Forest Health Branch, Fairfax County, VA

  • July 2018 to July 2020: Contractor, Land Change Science Program, USGS, Reston, VA

  • January to May 2017: Intern, Branch of Foreign Species, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Falls Church, VA 

  • May 1996 to June 2016: Logistics Officer, United States Air Force

Education and Certifications

  • Master of Science, Environmental Science & Policy, George Mason University

  • Master of Arts, Psychology, Regis University

  • Graduate Certificate, Geographic Information Science, George Mason University

  • Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science & Policy, George Mason University

  • Bachelor of Science, General Sciences, United States Air Force Academy

Science and Products

The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program’s U.S. GeoFramework Initiative — Delivering a digital database of geologic map information by 2030 The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program’s U.S. GeoFramework Initiative — Delivering a digital database of geologic map information by 2030

The U.S. Geological Survey's National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program's U.S. GeoFramework Initiative responds to Congressional direction to implement the National Geologic Map Database Phase Three. The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative aims to create and deliver a new digital geologic framework of the United States by 2030. This Fact Sheet outlines the collaborations needed and plans...
Authors
Jenna L. Shelton, William Andrews, Joseph P. Colgan, Samuel Johnstone, David R. Soller, Richard Berg, Donald S. Sweetkind, Kristine L. Zellman, John Brock, Kate Ritzel
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Ritzel, Kate & Gallo, Travis. (2020). Behavior Change in Urban Mammals: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 8. 576665. 10.3389/fevo.2020.576665. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2020.576665.
Young, J.K., Kays, R., Green, A.M. et al. Large-scale experimental assessment of coyote behavior across urban and rural landscapes. Sci Rep (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-33189-y

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

NCGMP STATEMAP Representation Thumb

STATEMAP

Through the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP, state partners are developing a national geologic framework driven by areas of economic, social, or scientific interest. STATEMAP mapping priorities are established by State Geological Surveys in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities are based on multiple factors including a) state requirements for...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
STATEMAP

STATEMAP

Through the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP, state partners are developing a national geologic framework driven by areas of economic, social, or scientific interest. STATEMAP mapping priorities are established by State Geological Surveys in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities are based on multiple factors including a) state requirements for...
Learn More

Science and Products

The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program’s U.S. GeoFramework Initiative — Delivering a digital database of geologic map information by 2030 The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program’s U.S. GeoFramework Initiative — Delivering a digital database of geologic map information by 2030

The U.S. Geological Survey's National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program's U.S. GeoFramework Initiative responds to Congressional direction to implement the National Geologic Map Database Phase Three. The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative aims to create and deliver a new digital geologic framework of the United States by 2030. This Fact Sheet outlines the collaborations needed and plans...
Authors
Jenna L. Shelton, William Andrews, Joseph P. Colgan, Samuel Johnstone, David R. Soller, Richard Berg, Donald S. Sweetkind, Kristine L. Zellman, John Brock, Kate Ritzel
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Ritzel, Kate & Gallo, Travis. (2020). Behavior Change in Urban Mammals: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 8. 576665. 10.3389/fevo.2020.576665. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2020.576665.
Young, J.K., Kays, R., Green, A.M. et al. Large-scale experimental assessment of coyote behavior across urban and rural landscapes. Sci Rep (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-33189-y

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

NCGMP STATEMAP Representation Thumb

STATEMAP

Through the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP, state partners are developing a national geologic framework driven by areas of economic, social, or scientific interest. STATEMAP mapping priorities are established by State Geological Surveys in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities are based on multiple factors including a) state requirements for...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
STATEMAP

STATEMAP

Through the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP, state partners are developing a national geologic framework driven by areas of economic, social, or scientific interest. STATEMAP mapping priorities are established by State Geological Surveys in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities are based on multiple factors including a) state requirements for...
Learn More
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