9-2-803. State geologist; appointment; term; removal; pecuniary interest in mineral property in state prohibited; duties; powers.

(a) The state geologist shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate. He shall hold his office for six (6) years or until his successor is appointed and qualified. No person shall be appointed to this position unless he is a professional geologist as defined by W.S. 9-2-801(a)(ii) with the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience and skill for the position. The governor may remove the state geologist as provided in W.S. 9-1-202.

(b) Neither the state geologist nor the geological program manager shall hold a pecuniary interest in a producing or prospective mineral property of any kind, including oil and gas, in this state.

(c) The state geologist shall:

(i) Examine and report on any state or school lands when requested by the board of land commissioners and make written reports concerning the geology of any lands in which Wyoming is interested and on other matters about which the respective state boards desire information;

(ii) Perform all other acts provided by the laws of Wyoming relating to mineral deposits;

(iii) Make valuation surveys, investigations, appraisements and reports on the mineral resources of the state;

(iv) Keep in his office full and complete records of all work done by him or under his supervision, all of which shall be the property of the state; and

Keep in his office full and complete records of all work done by him or under his supervision, all of which shall be the property of the state;

(v) Publish all reports, maps and data he considers advisable and of public interest, and distribute the reports, maps and data to the public upon request either free or at a reasonable price;

(vi) Regarding roadside bedrock geological formations shall: [NOTE: This paragraph will be effective 11/1/2019.]

(A) Receive, investigate and attempt to resolve any complaints under W.S. 24-1-118(b)(iii); [NOTE: This subparagraph will be effective 11/1/2019.]

(B) Report complaints to the joint minerals, business and economic development interim committee as provided in W.S. 24-1-118(b)(iii); [NOTE: This subparagraph will be effective 11/1/2019.]

(C) Consult with the department of transportation as provided in W.S. 24-1-118(b)(iv) on the appropriateness of any signage identifying roadside bedrock geological formations. [NOTE: This subparagraph will be effective 11/1/2019.]

(d) The state geologist may:

(i) Designate and supervise mining operations on state and school lands in the interest of economic development;

(ii) Cooperate with the United States government, departments of the state of Wyoming, University of Wyoming or private corporations in geological, topographic, soil and mineral surveys, and in industrial investigations and examinations that may bring about further economic development of the mineral resources of the state. The cooperative activities of his office may be accomplished on whatever basis he determines but in no case shall the cost to the state exceed fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the activity.