MALSCE News
A monthly Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and
Civil Engineers member newsletter.

December 2020
MALSCE Sustaining Members: Airworks Solutions, Inc., Allen & Major Associates, Inc.,
Beals and Thomas Inc., Bluesky Geospatial Limited, BSC Group, Inc., Carlson Software,
DGT Associates, Eastern Topographics, Feldman Land Surveyors, FARO Technologies Inc.,
Hancock Associates, Keystone Precision Instruments, Maine Technical Source,
Nitsch Engineering, Samiotes Consultants Inc., Smart Vent, Inc., Spiller's, Topcon Solutions Store,
VHB, Inc., Waypoint Technology Group, Wentworth Institute of Technology
MALSCE Events
"Did You Miss the Webinar?" There is Still Time to View the Recording!

MALSCE leaders wish to remind members that a recording of the "Flood Insurance and FEMA Elevation Certificates: What’s New for 2020" webinar which took place on November 20, 2020, will be available for viewing until January 19, 2021. Click here to learn more about this program and email Emily Devane at [email protected] to learn about the cost and process for viewing the webinar.

Save the Date:
Virtual Twelfth Annual Legal Perspectives on Land Surveying Seminar
January 28 and 29, 2021
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Don’t miss the twelfth installment of this popular seminar examining legal issues impacting the land surveying profession. The panel will address many topics that will enable you to create a more effective survey which may help parties avoid litigation or prevail on disputed claims. This virtual event will take place over two mornings. Look to future MALSCE emails for more information.

Mark Your Calendar:
Virtual 2021 MALSCE Convention
March 17, 18, and 19, 2021

Don't Miss Out on the Virtual 2021 MALSCE Convention! Taking place over three half days, the virtual convention will include topical and technical presentations, virtual exhibit, networking opportunities, as well as a virtual Murder Mystery and MALSCE Education Trust benefit auction. Planned convention presenters include: Gary R. Kent, PS, owner of Meridian Land Consulting, LLC who will be presenting the following four hour sessions:

The NEW 2021 ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards
After two years of work on the part of the Joint ALTA/NSPS Committee, the proposed 2021 ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards were adopted in August and approved by ALTA and NSPS in October, with an effective date of February 23, 2021. This program will outline the changes from 2016 and provide an explanation of what each means to the surveyor. In addition, the program will include an overview of the entire set of 2021 Standards and a detailed explanation of the relationship between Land Title Surveys and title insurance. Finally, some common questions, and requests from lenders, that arise in the process of performing a Land Title Survey will be discussed.

The Art of Retracement – Following in the Footsteps
Every professional surveyor across the Unites States knows the phrase “Follow in the Footsteps” as it relates to conducting a boundary retracement survey. But what does it really mean and what is the basis for following the footsteps? And exactly whose footsteps are we talking about? Surveyors also know the effect of the statute of frauds is that what is written in the conveyancing document is considered by the courts to be the highest and best expression of the parties’ intentions. But what happens when the evidence of the footsteps on the ground conflicts with the written title? What if there are seemingly no footsteps to follow? What then? In this program we will explore the concept of retracement, how it relates to and is dependent on the document of conveyance, and what controls when conflicts are inevitably encountered.

Look to future MALSCE emails for more convention information.
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Recommend a Convention or Seminar Topic!

MALSCE leaders are in the process of planning the program for the 2021 MALSCE Convention to be held in March and other professional development programs to be held in 2021. If you have a suggested topic and/or recommended presenter for a convention session or webinar, please email Rich Keenan at [email protected].
MALSCE Updates
Final Chance to Renew Your MALSCE Membership!
MALSCE leaders would like to thank all MALSCE dues paying members who have paid their fiscal year 2021 dues. Your timely payment helps ensure that MALSCE has the financial support that is needed to sustain its operations.

Third and final dues invoices were emailed to non-renewing members in November. The MALSCE memberships of those who have not paid their Fiscal Year 2021 will be made inactive in January. If you did not pay your FY 2021 dues and would like to receive another copy of your MALSCE dues invoice, contact Emily Devane at 617-305-4113 0r [email protected].
There is Still Time to Become a MALSCE Sustaining Member

With six months left in the fiscal year, there is still time to become a 2020-2021 MALSCE Sustaining Member! Promote your company or educational institution to over 400 MALSCE members and demonstrate your support of the land surveying profession by becoming a MALSCE Sustaining Member today! For a prorated dues payment of $375, your organization can become a Sustaining Member for the 2021 Fiscal Year as well as the 2021-2022 sustaining member renewal period which lasts until Fall 2021. Click here to learn more.
Surveying News
MALSCE Government Affairs Update - December 2020

Click here for Government Affairs activities and news for MALSCE members. Learn more about national updates including the Digital Coast Act clearing Congress and being signed into law and the Labor Department's rescinding of AAM 212. It also includes state focused updates on Covid-19 resources and guidance for MALSCE members, #ConstructionStopsCovid, the Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, legislation and more. 
#ConstructionStopsCOVID: First of its Kind Partnership Promoting Covid-19 Construction Industry Safety

Click here to learn more the first-in-nation initiative between Greater Boston Building Trades Unions & Contractors and global health leader Partners In Health will promote Covid-19 safety in construction industry and beyond.
Labor Department Rescinds AAM 212; Reverses Rule on
Davis-Bacon for Survey Crews

Click here to learn about NSPS' major victory in its efforts to enhance and promote professionalism in surveying as the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor has rescinded All Agency Memorandum.

Applications for the spring semester will be accepted until mid-January. 

Current online options and how to apply can be viewed here.

They include:
1. Undergraduate certificate in surveying engineering technology 
2. BS in surveying engineering technology (ABET ETAC accredited) 
3. Graduate certificate in surveying engineering 
4. Professional Science Masters in Engineering and Business surveying engineering option 

The undergraduate certificate is an easy application and is a good way to work into the BS degree. Currently, 210 surveying students are spread across the four options. Out-of-state students enrolled in a UMaine Online degree or certificate program receive a low tuition e-rate which is in-state*1.25. Questions on admission to the certificate, or other UMaine Online programs, should be emailed to [email protected]. Surveying-specific questions should be directed to SVT program director [email protected]. 
Affiliate Association Events
NYSAPLS 62nd Annual Surveyors Conference & Exhibition

January 20, 21, 28, & 29, 2021
Virtual
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Featuring:
Up to 16 hours of continuing education 
A virtual sponsor/exhibitor showcase, social and networking opportunities
Deep registration discounts
Attend in the comfort and safety of your home or office

MALSCE News is a monthly publication of the Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers. This newsletter highlights the program and activities of MALSCE and reports on national and local matters of interest to land surveyors and civil engineers. While we cannot promise to print all news items that we receive, if you have one to share with your fellow MALSCE members please forward it to Rich Keenan at [email protected].
Questions or comments?
Emily Devane,  One Walnut Street, Boston, MA 02108, [email protected] 
P: 617/227-5551 | F: 617/227-6783, www.MALSCE.org