2025 to 2029
Introduction
The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) 2025-2029 Strategic Plan aligns with our mission and vision, presents new core values that communicate what the WGNHS stands for and the ways in which we intend to conduct our activities, and lays out an action plan for achieving priority initiatives over the next four years.
Between January and September 2025, the Strategic Planning Committee reviewed previous WGNHS planning materials and outcomes, considered feedback by the Wisconsin Geologic Mapping Advisory Committee, engaged with WGNHS staff through various discussions and surveys, ranked and classified feedback, and established benchmarks and performance measures for high priority goals and ongoing initiatives.
Mission
The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey conducts earth-science surveys, field studies, and research. We provide objective scientific information about the geology, mineral resources, water resources, soil, and biology of Wisconsin. We collect, interpret, disseminate, and archive natural resource information. We communicate the results of our activities through publications, technical talks, and responses to inquiries from the public. These activities support informed decision making by government, industry, business, and individual citizens of Wisconsin.
Vision
- We will be the leader in the development of innovative multi-disciplinary approaches to earth science and the interpretation and application of earth-science information to critical environmental, land-use, and resource issues.
- We will be recognized for our commitment to the support and promotion of earth-science education.
- We will be the leading provider of objective earth-science information in a wide variety of formats addressing the needs of state agencies, local governments, educational institutions, industry, business, and individual citizens.
- We will be a principal facilitator and catalyst for communication and collaboration among individuals and groups working on common issues and problems in earth science.
Core Values
WGNHS is guided to meet its mission and vision by four core values that are centered around our applied and basic research, stewardship of geologic data, support of our talented staff, and communication of our important work. These Core Values ensure consistency and a shared sense of purpose across all levels of WGNHS.
Research
Objective, applied geoscience research in service of society improves natural resources management and decision making in Wisconsin.
We are committed to:
- Exploring questions about Wisconsin’s geologic, mineral, and water resources
- Conducting geoscience surveys, mapping, and research in a wide range of environments and across the state
- Maintaining transparency and objectivity in the collection, interpretation, and delivery of data
- Collaborating with individuals and institutions to include relevant expertise and diverse perspectives
Stewardship
Curation of Wisconsin’s geologic data supports the investigation of current and emerging geoscience issues.
We are committed to:
- Archiving and preserving geologic data and samples from the state of Wisconsin
- Managing databases and collections in ways that ensure they are findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable, and error free
- Providing access to physical samples and digital data
- Maintaining facilities to ensure preservation, management, and accessibility of geologic data
Staff
Comprehensive support of WGNHS employees is foundational to our mission.
We are committed to:
- Fostering an environment that promotes professional growth
- Creating opportunities for employees to reach their full potential
- Ensuring a safe working environment
- Building a culture of respect where diversity and inclusiveness are valued
- Encouraging a healthy work-life balance
Communication
Delivering trusted and reliable information promotes understanding of Wisconsin’s geologic, mineral, and water resources.
We are committed to:
- Publishing timely, clear, and accessible materials for both technical and general audiences
- Creating educational materials and outreach opportunities to highlight geoscience information
- Engaging with a wide variety of external partners and users
- Applying best practices for communication, technology, and accessibility
Action Plan
The Action Plan includes four high-priority goals and several ongoing initiatives. Goals and initiatives align with 2023-2028 Division of Extension Strategic Goals (Connecting People and Catalyzing Relationships, Supporting Our People, Fostering Growth). As high-priority goals are accomplished, ongoing initiatives may be elevated. The WGNHS Director will initiate a review, evaluation, and possible modification of the action plan annually, beginning in January 2027.
WGNHS high-priority goals, 2025-2029.
Relocation Preparation
Goal: Prepare for the consolidation of WGNHS operations into a new facility.
Benchmark Activities:
- Inventory, organize, and consolidate equipment and supplies at 3817 Mineral Point Road.
- Consolidate map sales inventory and plan for disposal of remaining materials.
- Inventory, organize, and consolidate and/or plan for digitization of paper archives.
- Estimate future shelving space needs for reference collection.
- Identify alternative storage for equipment at Mount Horeb Research Collections and Educational Center (MHREC) to create sample storage space.
Data Preservation and Organization
Goal: Improve data preservation policies and procedures.
Benchmark Activities:
- Develop guidelines for organizing and preserving active and future project datasets on the server.
- Make recommendations on data preservation for ongoing projects and incorporate into the Principal Investigator’s responsibilities and project planning.
- Make recommendations on incorporating data preservation as an expected part of staff transitions (e.g., on-boarding and off- boarding procedures).
Industry and County Relations
Goal: Strengthen WGNHS institutional and staff member relationships with county and industry partners.
Benchmark Activities:
- Identify professional groups or meetings to facilitate networking opportunities.
- Make recommendations on procedures and incorporate into the Principal Investigator’s responsibilities and project planning.
- Make recommendations on documenting interactions with county or industry representatives.
Communication Enhancements
Goal: Enhance communication practices related to accessibility, communicating with general audiences, and communicating controversial topics.
Benchmark Activities:
- Establish best practices for communications accessibility.
- Evaluate communication strategies (Educational series, blog, etc.) for engaging with lay audiences.
- Evaluate effectiveness of communications strategies (e.g., social media, website, newsletter, Educational Series, etc.).
- Make recommendations on communicating controversial topics.
WGNHS ongoing initiatives, 2025-2029
- Strengthen WGNHS institutional and staff member relationships with Tribal nations of Wisconsin.
- Develop long-term research and mapping plans for Bedrock, Quaternary, and Hydrogeologic research groups.
- Review, revise, and expand safety guidelines.
- Strengthen staff mentorship to cultivate an environment for professional growth.
- Evaluate publication series to ensure that series align with mission, vision, values, and user needs.