The Oregon January/February 2026 A publication of the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon 2025 Surveyor of the Year Renee Clough pg 20
On the Cover Renee Clough holds her PLSO Surveyor of the Year award alongside her father John Minor, a licensed surveyor who won the same honor in 1999. The Oregon Surveyor is a publication of the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon (PLSO). It is provided as a medium for the expression of individual opinions concerning topics relating to the Land Surveying profession. Address changes & business All notifications for changes of address, membership inquiries, and PLSO business correspondence should be directed to Aimee McAuliffe, 1307 NE 102nd Ave., Ste D #229, Portland, OR 97220; 503-303-1472; execdirector@plso.org. Editorial matters & contributions of material The Oregon Surveyor welcomes your articles, comments, and photos for publication. PLSO assumes no responsibility for statements expressed in this publication. Editorial matters should be directed to Vanessa Salvia, vsalvia@gmail.com. Advertising policy Advertising content and materials are subject to approval of the PLSO Board and Big Red M. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising that simulates copy; material must be clearly marked as “Advertisement.” For advertising, contact: Ronnie Jacko, ronnie@bigredm.com; 503-445-2234 A publication of the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon Executive Secretary Aimee McAuliffe 1307 NE 102nd Ave., Ste D #229 Portland, OR 97220 503-303-1472 Toll-free: 844-284-5496 execdirector@plso.org www.plso.org Published by Big Red M www.bigredm.com Advertising Ronnie Jacko, ronnie@bigredm.com Design Hope Sudol © 2026 Big Red M Editor Vanessa Salvia Publications Committee Tim Kent, Interim Chair Pat Gaylord Josh Herzberg Jordan Fletcher Contents Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon @ORLandSurveyors The Oregon Vol. 49, No. 1 January/February 2026 Editorials From the PLSO Chair, by Brent Corning, PLS, PLSO Board Chair 2 From the PLSO Office, by Aimee McAuliffe, PLSO Executive Secretary 4 Featured Articles Exit Planning & Legacy Planning for Business Owners, by Lonnie Woodruff, MBA, CVGA, CEPA 6 Benton, Wyoming, by Tim Kent, PLS 9 Right of Entry for Land Surveyors 10 2025 Awards, by Dan Nelson, PLS 14 2025 Surveyor of the Year, Renee Clough, PE, PLS, AICP 20 Columns Surveyors in the News, by Pat Gaylord, PLS 26
2 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 From the PLSO Chair Brent performing a bathymetric survey of Silver Creek. Consistent and clear communication with the crew on the bank was imperative for safely completing the project. The Indispensable Instrument: Communication A s I begin my term as Chairman of the Board for PLSO, I have spent considerable time reflecting on my personal experiences within the profession. From the dense rain forests of the Coast Range to the high desert expanse of Eastern Oregon, our members are performing highly technical, essential work that underpins the very concept of property rights and development in this state. We are a profession defined by precision. We pride ourselves on our ability to turn chaos into order, to take complex historical data and physical evidence and resolve them into a single, definable boundary line. We invest heavily in our tools—robotic total stations, GNSS receivers, LiDAR scanners, and L-CAD software—to ensure that precision is maintained. Yet, as I look at the challenges facing surveying firms today —from small proprietorships to large multidisciplinary engineering houses —the primary points of failure are rarely technical. The math usually works. The instruments rarely lie. When projects go sideways, when clients become litigious, or when internal teams fracture, the root cause is almost always a failure in our most fundamental tool: communication. Often dismissed as a “soft skill,” effective communication is, in reality, the hardest aspect of our job. It is also the most critical. As surveyors in Oregon, we must stop viewing communication as secondary to the technical work and recognize it as the essential baseline upon which all our professional services rest. Bridging Field and Office The first critical arena for communication is within our own organizations. The historical divide between the “field crew” and the “office staff” is a cliché for a reason, and it remains a persistent operational drag in many firms. We have all seen the consequences of a broken internal feedback loop. It’s the vague work order sent to the crew that results in four hours of wasted topo. It’s the cryptic field notes handed to a CAD technician that require three phone calls to decipher. This is more than annoying; it’s expensive. It bleeds profitability and burns out staff. Effective internal communication requires intentionality. It means office staff taking the time to provide clear context—the “why”—behind a requested procedure, not just the “what.” Conversely, it means field crews understand that their notes and sketches are not just for them, but are vital legal records and instructions for the drafter. Furthermore, internal communication is the vehicle for mentorship. Our profession is facing a significant By Brent Corning, PLS, PLSO Board Chair
3 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org From the PLSO Chair How to Send Us Your Work Please email the editor Vanessa Salvia with submissions: vsalvia@gmail.com. Your submission should be in .doc format. Please send images separately (not embedded in the document) and at the highest file size available (MB size range versus KB size range—larger sizes are encouraged). Please include the author’s name and email address or phone number for contact. demographic cliff. The “tribal knowledge” held by our senior chiefs and PLSs is immense, but it is useless if it retires with them. Mentorship is inherently a communicative act. It requires patience, the ability to articulate complex concepts simply, and a willingness to listen to the fresh perspectives of younger staff. If we cannot communicate the nuance of surveying in Oregon to the next generation, we set up our future surveyors for failure. Translating the Technical The second arena is external: how we interact with clients, contractors, and stakeholders. This is where the “curse of knowledge” often bites us. We live and breathe section corners, easements, ALTA standards, and geodetic datums. Our clients, generally, do not. Our value proposition is not just gathering data, it is interpreting that data into actionable intelligence for the client. If a client receives a flawless survey map but doesn’t understand the implications of a potential encroachment shown on it, we haven’t completed the job. We must become skilled translators. We need to explain the difference between a boundary survey and a simple corner search in plain English without being condescending. We must articulate why a project is taking longer than expected due to dense canopy cover or complex deed history, rather than just hiding behind technical jargon. Crucially, we must master the art of managing expectations. The most difficult communication a surveyor makes is often telling a client something they do not want to hear —that their house doesn’t qualify for a LOMA, or that their construction timeline is unrealistic. Delivering bad news clearly, empathetically, and professionally is the mark of a seasoned PLS. Avoiding these difficult conversations early on invariably leads to larger arguments later. Advocating for the Profession Finally, there is the arena of public communication. How is surveying perceived by the average Oregonian? Too often, we are viewed merely as the people blocking a lane of traffic to tie a monument, or worse, as expensive roadblocks to development. We have a collective responsibility to communicate the necessity of our work. We protect the single biggest investment most people ever make: their land. This involves how we carry ourselves in the field when approached by curious (or angry) neighbors. It involves how we interact with city councils and planning commissions. It involves ongoing efforts to advocate for statutes that protect the public and uphold professional standards. Effective public communication is also our primary recruitment tool. When we speak to high school students or college undergrads, do we describe a profession buried in dusty archives and math, or do we describe a dynamic career combining outdoor adventure, hightech gadgetry, history, and law? The narrative we communicate defines who will join our ranks tomorrow. The Challenge Ahead Mastering communication is difficult because it is fluid. Unlike a measured angle, human interactions don’t have a fixed value. They require constant adjustment, active listening, and empathy. As chairman, I challenge every PLSO member—from the student volunteer to those serving on the board—to evaluate their communication toolkit with the same rigor they apply to their instrument calibration. Where are the friction points in your workflow? Are they technical, or are they relational? Let us commit to sharpening this skill. Let us mentor better, translate clearer, and advocate stronger. By doing so, we ensure that the profession of land surveying in Oregon remains not just technically proficient, but vital, respected, and enduring.
4 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 From the PLSO Office Aimee McAuliffe, PLSO Exec. Secretary PLSO 2025 Year in Review A s many of you know, PLSO just recently held its annual membership meeting at the conference in Salem. I don’t know about you, but it is always a highlight of my year. I get to catch up with members I don’t see at board meetings or speak to via email or phone. I like seeing how happy you all are in each other’s presence as we celebrate accomplishments, recognize leaders, and plan for the future. My first column for each fiscal year sticks to the basics—giving you a summary of what’s going on with your association. Recognizing Leadership and Support PLSO thrives because of the dedication of both its members and its sponsors. This year, the organization took a moment to thank sponsors—not just for their financial contributions, but also for their active involvement in supporting Oregon’s land surveying community. Equally important, I want to recognize the outstanding leadership of individuals who have guided PLSO through the past few years: • Scott Freshwaters, outgoing Executive Committee member, has given us years of dedicated service. His even temperament, thoughtful approach, and steady presence have made him a valued contributor to the organization’s leadership. • Dan Nelson, our most recent Past Chairman, has been an incredible Board Chair. I thank him for his sound judgment, strategic decision-making, and “get-it-done” attitude that helped steer PLSO through another successful year. Dan will still be serving on the Executive Committee for one more year. • I look forward to working with Brent Corning as the new Board Chair and Josh Kowalski as Chair-elect, both of whom bring fresh energy and perspectives to the leadership team. Membership Update Maintaining a strong and engaged membership is vital to the success of PLSO. In 2025, membership increased slightly from 579 to 589 members. While this growth may seem modest, it is important to note that it reflects sustained interest in the organization even as long-time members retire. This stability demonstrates that PLSO continues to provide value and relevance to the land surveying community. 2025 Financial Overview PLSO concluded 2025 in a stable financial position. Total revenue for the year reached $302,000, exceeding the projected budget of $296,000. Revenue came primarily from two main sources: membership dues and conference registration. Membership dues alone brought in more than $90,000, surpassing expectations, while the annual conference netted $55,700, slightly below projections. PLSO is a member-driven association, and its strength comes from the dedication, knowledge, and engagement of its members. To all members that participate with such positive attitudes, thank you for your time, service, and ongoing commitment to PLSO. Looking Ahead to 2026
5 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org From the PLSO Office Total expenses for the year were $305,000, resulting in a net operating loss of approximately $2,800. While this reflects a small deficit, the organization remains financially solvent and continues to follow its Financial Reserve Policy. The Finance Chair monitors the performance of PLSO’s money market investments closely to ensure ongoing stability. These results demonstrate that, despite rising costs, PLSO remains well-positioned to fund its programs, support members, and continue growing outreach initiatives in the coming years. Looking Ahead: 2026 Initiatives The PLSO Board of Directors has approved the 2026 Operating Budget, which includes a 5% increase in membership dues to keep pace with inflation. In addition, the organization received a $47,000 NCEES Foundation Grant to support licensure promotion and professional outreach projects, ensuring continued growth of the profession across Oregon. Several key initiatives and programs are planned for 2026: • Expanding Boy Scout Merit Badge Weekends across the state, giving youth hands-on experience in land surveying. • Promoting land surveying as a career path for veterans transitioning to civilian life. This program aims to leverage the technical skills and discipline veterans already possess, opening opportunities in a rewarding profession. • Hosting chapter open houses to give the public a better understanding of land surveying and its importance to communities. • Partnering with Oregon Institute of Technology and Oregon State University to engage students and foster interest in land surveying careers through open houses and outreach programs. • Creating a guidebook for successful internship and entry-level onboarding programs is the largest project supported by the NCEES grant. The guidebook will provide best practices for training new surveyors, sharing insights from experienced professionals and HR departments alike. PLSO encourages members to contribute their expertise to the guidebook project. You do not need to write the book yourself—input on best and worst practices from your experience is what’s needed. Whether you are a human resources manager, a supervisor, or a former intern, your insights can shape the next generation of land surveyors. Volunteer Opportunities PLSO’s initiatives rely heavily on member participation. Volunteers are needed for the Portland-based Boy Scout Merit Badge Day, which will require around 20 surveyors. The date is not yet set, but members are encouraged to donate a Saturday to inspire the next generation of surveyors. The organization is also seeking volunteers to support outreach to military veterans across Oregon. Those with contacts or ideas for promoting land surveying as a career to veterans should reach out to chapter leaders Jesse White (Pioneer Chapter President) or Joe Young (South Central Chapter President, Klamath Falls). Find a Surveyor Directory A separate issue that was discussed at the annual meeting involves the PLSO Find a Surveyor Directory on the website. The directory was temporarily turned off due to reports of members being contacted by fake homeowners. At present, the platform does not provide sufficient filtering to prevent these issues, and PLSO is seeking feedback from members about whether the directory should be restored, knowing they will be responsible for verifying validity. While short, members at the meeting noted that they felt it was a useful tool and thought perhaps a forum on the website where they can share any weird experiences should be created if the directory gets turned back on. Supporting PLSO PLSO relies on its conference and fundraisers, including silent auctions and raffles, to support many of its outreach programs. Nearly all standard outreach initiatives—such as sponsoring the Oregon CTE Conference, the Portland Youth Expo, and NW Surveyor, as well as increasing scholarship funding beyond Oregon Community Foundation dividends—are funded through the Education & Outreach Auction. The conference is a major source of revenue for PLSO to maintain its annual operating budget. Therefore I want to acknowledge the work of the Conference and Auction Committees, along with the Oregon Tech students that help us out each year. We absolutely can not do this without them. PLSO is a member-driven association, and its strength comes from the dedication, knowledge, and engagement of its members To all members that participate with such positive attitudes, thank you for your time, service, and ongoing commitment to PLSO. Your participation in programs, volunteer initiatives, and fundraisers ensures that the organization remains vibrant, relevant, and capable of supporting surveyors across the state for years to come.
6 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 Featured Article After years and decades of long weeks, blood, sweat, tears, and missed family events, you might start thinking about what it would look like for you to get out of your business, be that some sort of succession planning or selling your business. The good news is that “selling businesses” is an active industry and it’s likely easier than some of the endeavors you have encountered while owning a business. Selling a business has gotten even easier in the last decade or so, thanks to awareness and access to information. There’s a whole industry geared just for business acquisitions, from attorneys to banks, and from business brokers to listing websites and more are tailored to selling and buying businesses. Finding and choosing the better resources and developing some strategy when it gets closer to actually listing your business is important, but that will come in a later article. Much like getting anything ready to present to a market of buyers, there’s always preparation involved, which is the focus of this piece. While that may sound daunting, the things you do now to get your business ready for a sale later actually make it easier to run (so you may keep it longer and be happier). I think of exit planning and legacy planning as almost the same thing. It might be your exit, but it is the legacy you are planning for the business. No matter the timing, the Top Six Things to Consider Exit Planning & Legacy Planning for Business Owners By Lonnie Woodruff, MBA, CVGA, CEPA
7 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org Featured Article continues process will make your business easier to run and more valuable. This is one of those rare “have your cake and eat it too” processes in business. Looking at your Business Through Buyer’s Eyes I like to encourage a couple of foundational principals before getting into this. Try to open up the buyer market to as many buyers as possible, and think about looking at your business through their eyes. You may think you can only sell to a competitor or a customer, but with documented systems, the right people in place, and so on, you can sell your business to a buyer outside of the industry. There are all types of buyers out there and the better they can understand a business they get excited about, the more likely they are to buy it. Imagine a buyer with some resources and a decent head on their shoulders. What information would they need to understand and buy your business? This is the whole process summed up into one complex (and loaded) question. With mountains of information and books (I recommended a couple good ones at the end), I want to simplify the first steps into Six Top Things that have been helpful in the journey for business owners in general, not in any particular order. 1. Clean Books and Records: Having clean books and records makes understanding the profitability and seasonality of your business that much easier. Nearly all business decisions are driven by financial understanding, and buying an entire business is no different. If a buyer can’t understand what is going on or how they’ll be able to make payments or pay themselves, it’s not likely they’re going to move forward. And that’s reasonable, right? This goes beyond accounting records and can include an organizational chart, documented job descriptions, documented procedures for all major business functions, and so on. If a buyer can’t understand the roles of your 20 or so employees, it makes it impossible to imagine what a transition into the business would look like. Outside third parties can even be brought in to help figure this out and even help manage over time. If you have a payroll service, they might be able to assist with some of the HR stuff. Maybe you have a good internal person who can do it all… 2. Emotionally Prepare: Nobody discusses this, but preparing yourself emotionally is an important factor in the whole process. You spent a good part of your life building your business… and even though you might want to throw a grenade at it at times, you’ll feel the attachment as it gets closer to the closing table. I promise. This business is part of your identity. It has been a part of your daily life for a long time, and you’re parting with it. Having this reality check with yourself before you list your business for sale is extremely helpful, because maybe now is not the right time… and that’s okay. If your heart is still in the business but you’re tired, the legacy planning stuff makes the business easier to run. There are good systems out there—EOS, Scaling Up, and many other programs can help systematize your business; even with the help of coaches, this can all be done. Again, it’ll help your business be run easier by you and makes your business more valuable as well. 3. Dead Inventory: Since you’re reading this article in a magazine covering the world of land surveying, we need to talk about equipment and assets—especially dead inventory. Excess and obsolete equipment go against a favorable deal structure. Buyers and banks only look at current, productive equipment and assets. Outdated total stations, legacy GPS units, unused field gear, and obsolete technology will bring nothing to the table most of the time, and often becomes a point of contention between buyer and seller. Take the time now to clean up your accumulated equipment—sell it, donate it to schools, give it to younger surveyors starting out, and repurpose what you can, then recycle the rest. A buyer will only want to focus on learning the business, business development, and improvements, not sorting through outdated equipment. 4. Don’t Minimize Taxes: Taxes are one of the harder pills to swallow, but it’s one of the most important. Running a business from year to year might be a little different than running a business with the intent to sell. At the end of the day, buyers and banks are focused on the profitability of a business. These are financial decisions for the most part. And maybe a buyer will buy into a narrative about phantom profitability, but a bank won’t. They use spreadsheets with data straight off your tax returns to calculate debt service ratios, etc. Period. You may know your business makes $300,000 per year, but it has to show that it does on paper. The plus side is that for every dollar you put to the bottom line, you pay a fraction in taxes, but you’ll get a multiple of said dollar in sale price. It also helps your purchasing power for other things in the interim. 5. Confidentiality: It is best practice to keep the preparation, listing, and negotiations of the sale of your business as quiet as possible. I wouldn’t even consider working with brokers or a process that listed the business publicly for sale. Employees don’t seem
8 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 Featured Article continued to stomach the idea of a new boss, fearing the worst (when in reality, most of the time a buyer wants to keep them) and they leave. Not to mention what your competition might do with that information… and maybe the customers even lose confidence. This is where professional help will provide value in navigating the process when it comes time. If you do have that long-term key employee you care a ton about, there are a couple proven strategies to let them know a few days before closing the deal. This is a very human process and good brokers will have strategies for these details. 6. Delegation & Outsourcing: Yes, you are the best at what you do. You built the company and there’s not another soul on earth that can do what you do, at the level you do it. However, eventually you’ll get tired, or sick, or have an accident, and then what? Without proper systems and key personnel in place, you leave a nightmare for your spouse, kids, and employees to sort out. Start identifying who can take on more roles, who can be promoted, what outside talent can be brought in, etc. You can even outsource functions to people who might do it better anyway, such as payroll and bookkeeping. Business coaches and even your CPA might be able to help locate experts who can help with this. There are plenty of good books out there like The e-Myth Revisited (Michael Gerber) and Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business (Gino Wickman). Think of it this way… you can keep running the business the same until you’re forced to sell, or with proper people in place, you can keep the business for another five,10, or 20 years. It’ll never be the same as what you bring to the table, but if you get to stay in the game for several more years and the work is good, isn’t that a bigger win? There are so many things one can do, but these above are the common ones I suggest when first meeting owners thinking about selling. You want to start sooner than later, and think of it as business planning rather than exit planning. You’ll likely accomplish a few of these tasks and find a new passion for the business again, by freeing up yourself to do more of the things you love, and less of the things you don’t. So, what’s next? Well, there are thousands of books and even more programs. Here’s where I’d start: Read Walking to Destiny: 11 Actions An Owner MUST Take to Rapidly Grow Value & Unlock Wealth by Christopher Snider, the president of the Exit Planning Institute (https://exit-planning-institute. org). It’s the best framework and approach I’ve come across yet. I have no vested interest in stating that, this is just my pure recommendation. From here, you can research other programs and books to help with deeper projects and strategies. It’ll be the best $10 to $15 you’ll ever spend as a business owner. Lonnie Woodruff is a Senior Business Broker for Transworld Business Advisors and Certified Exit Planning Advisor who has helped hundreds of business owners navigate successful transitions over the years. Passionate about supporting the business community, he is dedicated to helping business owners avoid the common pitfalls that cause good businesses to close or fail to sell due to inadequate planning or process understanding. Based in Oregon, Woodruff actively shares insights and resources through his LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonniewoodruff and other social media platforms. For in-depth consultation on business transitions and exit planning, business owners can connect with local Transworld Business Advisors offices at www.tworld. com or Certified Exit Planning Advisors consultants in their area. Business owners are welcome to reach out to Woodruff directly for personalized guidance.
9 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org Featured Article I discovered this photo from 1868 that comes from the Union Pacific Railroad collection. It shows a group of people that moved with the railroad construction. In this instance, they are in or near Benton, Wyoming, a location which likely only lasted for a few months. A Google Earth search on Fort Steele, Wyoming, is probably not the exact spot for where Benton used to be, but it is close. Benton was situated about 12 miles east of Rawlins, Wyoming. An internet search of Benton, Wyoming, revealed that it is known as Wyoming’s first ghost town. It gained notoriety as an “end of the track” town for the Union Pacific Railroad, flourishing for only a brief period of three months (July to September) in 1868. At its peak, Benton housed an estimated 3,000 residents, but its existence was shortlived as the railroad advanced. Benton’s story is a prime example of how the rapid expansion of the railroad created boomtowns that quickly became ghost towns as the tracks moved on. It was a place where tents and temporary structures dominated, reflecting the transient nature of its population. Today, little remains of Benton, but its place in Wyoming’s history as a rapid-growth, then abandoned, settlement remains significant. It serves as a reminder of the boomand-bust cycles that characterized the American West during the railroad era. I have no known connection to the name in the photo. It is just a coincidence. — Timothy A. Kent BENTON, WYOMING A Three-Month Boomtown in 1868 Image courtesy of Union Pacific Railroad
10 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 Featured Article T he Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineers and Land Surveying (OSBEELS) Law Enforcement Committee routinely reviews complaints submitted by the public and other licensed professionals. One of the most common issues involves Right of Entry procedures by land surveyors. These complaints typically focus on inadequate notice—either none was given, or the notice lacked required information. This document serves as a clarification of the notice requirements under ORS 672.047 and provides best practices to avoid enforcement actions. Primary Issues If there’s any chance you will be crossing onto private property, which includes placing a property stake, give notice. If a surveyor, or their crew, places a monument or any piece of equipment on a shared boundary line, the implication is that the person has entered the properties on both sides of the line. It’s your responsibility to ensure the property owner (and occupant, if applicable) is properly notified ahead of time. It’s critical to understand that verbal communication alone is not sufficient. The notice must be in writing, and it is best practice to retain proof (copies of letters, photos of door hangers, etc.) that notice was properly provided. Delivering the Notice • If you are providing notice by mail, it must be sent via first-class mail at least seven days before entry. • If you are providing notice in person, a written notice must be placed in a conspicuous place prior to any work being performed. For many properties, this may be the door of the building or the main entrance of the property prior to entry. • For properties that are in rural areas or gated lands without a residence, the notice must be placed where the owner of the property can reasonably be expected to see the notice. Place the notice at a conspicuous location—such as a gate or fence post prior to entry. Tip: Ensure you’re using accurate addresses when mailing notices. You are responsible to ensure notices are sent to the correct address(es). Special Case: Rental Properties When surveying rental or multi-tenant properties: • Notice must be provided to the property owner. • Notify all occupants on the property by placing a notice in a conspicuous location in which the occupants may reasonably be expected to see the notice. Best Practices In case there are questions about providing notice, consider doing the following: • Take a photo of every notice posted, ideally with the address or property features visible. • If notice is placed at a gate, geotag the photo using your phone’s location settings. This pinpoints the location and date the photo was taken. • Always inform the crew about notice requirements, especially if you’re not present during field work. Surveyors w Enforcement Committee ls. One of the most typically focus on d provides best practices to hared ne. ed writing, as re entry. e prior to e main e placed otice at es are sent to the correct address(es). property. continued on next page Surveyors w Enforcement Committee ls. One of the most typically focus on d provides best practices to hared ne. ed writing, as re entry. e prior to e main e placed otice at es are sent to the correct address(es). property. continued on next page Right of Entry for Land Surveyors This article was published in the OSBEELS newsletter “The Oregon Examiner” and was reprinted by permission. ght of Entry for Land Surveyors Update cial Case: Rental Properties n surveying rental or multi-tenant properties: Notice must be provided to the property owner. Notify all occupants on the property by placing a notice in a conspicuous ocation in which the occupants may reasonably be expected to see the notice. t Practices Take a photo of every notice posted, ideally with the address or property features visible. f notice is placed at a gate, geo-tag the photo using your phone’s location settings. This pinpoints the location and date the photo was taken. Always inform the crew about notice requirements, especially if you’re not present during field work. Remove flagging/stakes promptly and inform the property owner of removal timing. Provide copies of survey maps when requested—or explain why a map won’t be produced. For rental properties with multiple tenants, it may be helpful to notify the property manager. Posting notice at a common area, such as on a bulletin board or near the mailboxes may be a good ocation for tenants to see the notice. n doubt whether an appropriate notice was sent, send another notice—it’s always better to over-notify than under-notify. ied Entry onally, property owners may refuse access even after being provided with proper notice. While you may have a ght to enter the property, doing so is at your own risk. In such cases, it is advisable to consult with your attorney ermine the appropriate course of action. mmary ly following the Right of Entry requirements, as specified in ORS 672.047, helps maintain professional integrity, trust, and legal protection. The key is clear, written communication and documentation. Respect private property, continues
11 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org Featured Article Take photo of Notice after it is posted Place Notice in a conspicuous place Notice must be written Right of Entry Notice Reminders continued on next page
12 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 Featured Article Sorry we missed you It is necessary for us to enter upon your property to conduct a land survey. Today’s Date: Pursuant to ORS 672.047, as contained on the reverse herein, we are conducting a survey for the following purpose: Several visits may be necessary for us to accomplish the required work. Temporary and/or permanent flagging, stakes or other materials may be placed on your property during the course of our work. PLS: Business Name: Project: Date(s) of Project: Contact: This survey primarily involves surveying: ☐ This property ☐ Neighboring property ☐ Other If a request is made in writing in a timely manner, a copy of the survey will be provided in a timely manner to any landwoner who owns property lying outside an urban growth boundary, if it is affected by the entry. Please include the project information when making a request. See reverse for the full ORS. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions , please contact us. Notice Requirements A valid notice must contain the following: 1. Surveyor’s name and business name (attach business card if using a door hanger). 2. Business address. 3. Telephone number. 4. Purpose for entry (e.g., boundary survey, monument location). 5. Date notice is given and expected date(s) of entry—a range of dates is recommended. 6. Availability of a survey map. If no map will be created, clearly state that. 7. The presence of any temporary or permanent monuments or other markers to be left on the property. #1 / #2 / #3 #6 #4 #5 And don’t forget to take a photo after you leave the Notice! • Remove flagging/stakes promptly and inform the property owner of removal timing. • Provide copies of survey maps when requested—or explain why a map won’t be produced. • For rental properties with multiple tenants, it may be helpful to notify the property manager. Posting notice at a common area, such as on a bulletin board or near the mailboxes, may be a good location for tenants to see the notice. When in doubt whether an appropriate notice was sent, send another notice—it’s always better to over-notify than under-notify. Denied Entry Occasionally, property owners may refuse access even after being provided with proper notice. While you may have a legal right to enter the property, doing so is at your own risk. In such cases, it is advisable to consult with your attorney to determine the appropriate course of action. Notice Requirements—See ORS 672.047(4) A valid notice must contain the following: 1. Surveyor’s name and business name (attach business card if using a door hanger). 2. Business address. 3. Telephone number. 4. Purpose for entry (e.g., boundary survey, monument location). 5. Date notice is given and expected date(s) of entry—a range of dates is recommended. 6. Availability of a survey map. If no map will be created, clearly state that. 7. The presence of any temporary or permanent monuments or other markers to be left on the property. #1 / #2 / #3 Summary Properly following the Right of Entry requirements, as specified in ORS 672.047, helps maintain professional integrity, public trust, and legal protection. The key is clear, written communication and documentation. Respect private property, leave no trace, and always be prepared to demonstrate that you've followed the law. The Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon (PLSO) offers printed door hangers for purchase. These include space to fill in required information and attach your business card. Visit the PLSO website for details. continued
13 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org Featured Article
14 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 PLSO Annual Awards—Recognizing Excellence Across Oregon By Dan Nelson, Award Committee Chair Lobbyist Darrell Fuller speaking at the Wednesday luncheon. Dan Nelson recognizing the 2025 outgoing chapter presidents and board members. Attendees enjoying a presentation. Congratulations to all our award winners this year! And on behalf of everyone at PLSO, thank you for stepping up and being an important part of our professional community. Each year, PLSO has the privilege of recognizing the people and organizations who quietly but consistently strengthen our profession. Whether it’s through chapter service, outreach to students, technical contributions, or simply bringing the best attitude to the table, these recipients represent the kind of leadership that keeps land surveying strong in Oregon. This year’s nominations reflected an impressive breadth of service across our chapters, and we are proud to share the award recipients. 2025 Awards
15 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org 2025 Awards Matt Banton, Jesse White, and Brent Corning at the 2026 Annual Meeting. Oregon Institute of Technology student member and volunteer Hunter Davis. John Stahl presenting. Mike Berry presenting on “Vampire Cemeteries.” Brent Corning discusses his goals as state chair at the 2026 Annual Member Meeting. Ryan Semerad presenting “Corner Crossing—Unlocking Public Land in the Checkerboard.”
16 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 Team Player Award Willamette Chapter Rob Keene and Rick Jones from Cascade Timber Consulting Inc. receive their award. The Team Player Award recognizes a person or organization that strengthens our profession through collaboration, mentoring, and a true “we’re in this together” mindset. This year, the Willamette Chapter honored Cascade Timber Consulting Inc. for their generous support of peers and their commitment to strengthening the land surveying community. Through mentoring, sharing work opportunities, and partnering in hands-on education, they helped lift others up and advance the profession. A special thank you to Rob Keene and Rick Jones for representing that spirit so well. Tucker Hines Brush Cutter Award Willamette Chapter Josh Herzberg The Brush Cutter Award recognizes individuals who clear the path—doing the behind-the-scenes work that makes education, outreach, and chapter success possible. Josh Herzberg was selected by the Willamette Chapter for his reliability, teamwork, and consistent support of student engagement efforts. From organizing PLSS corner recovery workshops for OIT and OSU students to helping coordinate key chapter events, Josh’s follow-through turns good ideas into successful outcomes. Team Player Award Midwest Chapter The Midwest Chapter Team Player Award recognizes consistent professionalism and service to the broader surveying community. This year’s honoree, Tucker Hines, exemplifies those qualities through a steady commitment to upholding professional standards and helping others whenever possible. His quiet leadership and willingness to support the profession strengthen the work we all do. 2025 Awards
17 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org 2025 Awards Brush Cutter Award Pioneer Chapter Jered McGrath The Pioneer Chapter Brush Cutter Award went to Jered McGrath, a familiar face and constant promoter of land surveying. Jered’s energy and ongoing commitment to the profession help remove obstacles, build momentum, and keep our chapter and our organization moving forward. Contagious Attitude Award Pioneer Chapter The Contagious Attitude Award recognizes someone whose enthusiasm for surveying motivates those around them. Nick LaFond was honored by the Pioneer Chapter for promoting the profession both online and in person— through social media, professional groups, and a growing YouTube presence aimed at sharing surveying knowledge. Nick’s mentorship and welcoming attitude make a difference for members and future surveyors alike. Left to right: Mike Colucci; Trevor Gwin, LSIT; Nick LaFond. Article of the Year Jason Foose Jason Foose PLSO’s Article of the Year Award recognizes writing that strengthens the profession through knowledge-sharing, clarity, and meaningful contribution to The Oregon Surveyor. This year’s award went to Jason Foose for his article “PLSS Datum” (March/April issue). By bringing readers back to technical fundamentals and presenting them with humor and clarity, Jason turned a challenging topic into engaging—and enjoyable—reading.
18 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 Associate Member of the Year Michael Trimnell Finding volunteers for career fairs and outreach events is always a challenge, and it’s even harder to find people who connect naturally with students. This year, Michael Trimnell was recognized as Associate Member of the Year for consistently saying “yes” to outreach opportunities—and then asking how he could do more. His enthusiasm, reliability, and ability to engage with kids help ensure our outreach efforts are effective and meaningful. Michael Trimnell Surveyor of the Year Renee Clough The Surveyor of the Year Award honors an individual whose career reflects exceptional achievement, leadership, service, and lasting impact on the profession. This year’s recipient, Renee Clough, has exemplified that standard throughout her career—earning dual licensure as a civil engineer (2006) and professional land surveyor (2007), contributing award-winning writing to The Oregon Surveyor, and serving PLSO through chapter leadership and conference presentations. Beyond PLSO, Renee has built bridges between surveying, planning, and development communities, and she has been a major force in outreach—bringing surveying into classrooms and equipping others to do the same. Her statewide impact through OSBEELS has been profound, including chairing major efforts to modernize qualifications and examinations tied to professional registration, while also representing Oregon nationally through NCEES work. Renee’s record of service reflects both humility and vision, and PLSO is proud to recognize her as Surveyor of the Year. Congratulations again to all of our recipients, and thank you for the example you set for our profession. Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open—please consider submitting a nomination when you see an individual, team, or chapter doing outstanding work. The nomination form is available on the PLSO website under Membership Resources—Awards. Dan Nelson gives Renee Clough her Surveyor of the Year award. 2025 Awards
More Members. More Sponsors. More Revenue. More of What You Need to Grow. Grow Your Business. Give Back to the Industry. ADVERTISE NOW! Follow us on: Visit our website at: www.bigredm.com Put your brand in front of the people who matter most while supporting the association that brings them together. Advertising in your association’s magazine helps you grow your business, strengthen your industry presence, and contribute to the resources members rely on. It’s targeted, trusted, and truly impactful. For more information, please contact: Ronnie Jacko • 503-445-2234 • ronnie@bigredm.com
20 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 2025 Surveyor of the Year Renee Clough with her surveyor dad, John Minor, at Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park (California). Surveyor of the Year is a special award to honor someone who has represented PLSO and our community well. Only written nominations endorsed by five members in good standing were considered for the Board of Directors to vote on the recipient. Minimum requirements include: •Be a Corporate Member of PLSO for five or more years. •Have a demonstrated history of high competence, integrity, and professionalism. • Assisted qualified and interested people in advancement within the profession. •Career-long service to the profession. OF THE YEAR 2022 Surveyor RENEE CLOUGH 2025 Renee and her husband, Adam, a structural engineer, at Kells Priory in Ireland.
21 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org 2025 Surveyor of the Year Here’s What the Nominators Had to Say About Renee We, the undersigned, nominate Renee Clough, PE, PLS, AICP to be the 2025 PLSO Land Surveyor of the Year. Renee was valedictorian of her North Bend High School class of 1997 and received her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Oregon State University in 2001. Her senior year was spent at Nottingham University in England as an exchange student. She was licensed as a civil engineer 69162PE in 2006 and as a licensed land surveyor 69162PLS in 2007. Renee has been a member of PLSO since 2001. In 2006 she was voted the PLSO Outstanding Associate Member. You have probably read several of her contributions to The Oregon Surveyor. In fact, one of her contributions, “A Lesson Taught by the Project from Hell,” in Vol. 32 No. 2, April/May 2009, won Article of the Year. She has served the Midwest PLSO Chapter as secretary/treasurer, vice- president, president, and is currently secretary again. By recruiting interesting chapter presenters, she has increased chapter meeting attendance. She has helped the city of Springfield task group analyze how the city could be more development friendly, chaired a Springfield committee to advise planning-code revisions, served on the board of directors for the Home Builders Association of Lane County, participated in a city of Eugene focus group for writing clear and objective code standards, and has been a panel speaker at an Oregon Chapter of American Planning Association Conference ethics seminar. She has been a member of American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP 24172) since 2010. She has been a speaker at several PLSO Annual Conferences addressing OSBEELS topics. Renee continues to serve on the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineers and Land Surveyors (OSBEELS), where she has made significant contributions to the profession and currently serves as board president. She has been very active in PLSO’s outreach efforts by delivering numerous classroom presentations to middle and high school students. She solicited PLSO members to donate hand compasses to be used in classroom presentations. Renee continues to serve on the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineers and Land Surveyors (OSBEELS), where she has made significant contributions to the profession and currently serves as board president. She dedicated two years as chair of the Land Surveying Qualifications Task Force which was responsible for updating and rewriting the Oregon Administrative Rules governing the minimum qualifications for registration as a Professional Land Surveyor. In addition, she currently chairs the Examinations and Qualifications Committee and the Oregon-Specific Exam Task Force and serves as a member of both the Finance Committee and the Rules and Regulations Committee. As an OSBEELS board member, Renee also represents Oregon on the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and serves on the Surveying and Mapping Sciences Licensure Task Force. Reflecting on her role, she shared, “OSBEELS has a different role in the profession than PLSO, but it is just as important. I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the profession.” In addition to all the other things Renee has done for PLSO and the survey profession, she also was concerned about healthy activities of her colleagues. She organized PLSO members into triathlons for three years. Submitted By John Minor, Tim Fassbender, Brent Bacon, Bob Hines, Steve Ness, Jim Colton, Dan Baker, Kent Baker, Lloyd Tolbert, Edith Forkner, Greg Solarz, Walter White, Dave Wellman, Jason Barbee, Jenn Gilbert
22 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 1 2025 Surveyor of the Year Becoming a Land Surveyor How did your career in land surveying begin, and what drew you to the profession professionally? Two words—mentorship and outreach. My high school offered a job shadow class. In my senior year, three times a week for three months, I went to Greg Solarz’s office (Koos Engineering) to job shadow him. He went above and beyond; instead of leaving me to watch as he drafted plans, wrote reports, etc., he took me to his job sites, arranged tours of the water treatment plant, etc. Greg is a dual license (PLS and PE); at the time I wanted to be a structural engineer but he made sure I saw more than just that. He then hired me for a summer job between my freshman and sophomore years at Oregon State University. It was during that summer that it clicked for me—my passion was land development, not structural engineering. I went back to OSU with the intention of becoming dual licensed so I could work on all aspects of projects like subdivisions and site plan reviews. Your father is a professional land surveyor. How did growing up around the profession influence your perspective before you ever considered it as a career? My dad is a professional land surveyor, my mom worked in a medical testing lab, and my grandfather was a forest engineer. To say I grew up in a STEM-centric family would be putting it lightly. I never gave serious consideration to a non-STEM career and no one was surprised when I decided on a civil engineering degree from OSU. I don’t have any of the ”helping Dad since I was a kid” type stories that a lot of other children of surveyors have, but him being a surveyor was still foundational in my life. I have always been comfortable with maps. I remember several family trips which involved driving down a “road” to find a cool monument he heard about. He was one of the first people in the state to buy a GPS system. At the time, the satellite constellations were so minimal that you had to schedule your whole life around them. I remember a job he had in the Puget Sound region. Mom and I went along for a family “vacation” that involved getting up at 2:30 am to guard receivers taking static observations during the window of satellite availability. Working with Greg gave me the “ah-ha” moment but living with my family gave me the foundation needed for that moment to happen. Questions with 2025 Surveyor of the Year 20 Renee Clough P.E., P.L.S, AICP Renee with her husband, Adam, and daughter, Jessica, backpacking in the Willamette National Forest.
www.plso.orgRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc3ODM=