Mapping the glacial geology of the Central Great Lakes region in three dimensions: A model for state-federal cooperation

Planners need to evaluate complex and competing public-policy options for managing water, land, and biological resources; they must ensure economic growth, meet the needs of an increasing population, assess hazards, and manage the environment in a sustainable manner. The State Geological Surveys of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) receive many requests from local, State, and Federal planners and officials for geologic information. Thick and complex layers of glacial and related sediments blanket the bedrock of these States: a three-dimensional understanding of these deposits is critical to making informed resource-management and other planning decisions. At two recent forums (in Indianapolis, March 1997, and Columbus, Ohio, February 1999), more than 200 attendees from more than 60 local, State, and Federal agencies provided a clear message. They need three-dimensional geologic information to use in making decisions on the following issues:

• Quality, quantity, distribution, and accessibility of surface and ground water

• Aggregate sources and land-use conflicts

• Energy and mineral resource management

• Environmental management and mitigation of land and water contamination

• Acceleration of the permitting processes of regulatory agencies

• Industrial, commercial, residential, and infrastructure siting and construction

• Agricultural land loss, erosion, sedimentation, and agrichemical use

• Waste-disposal planning and mitigation

• Habitat alteration and biodiversity

• Coastal erosion, landslides, radon, floods, and earthquakes