DOGAMI has completed the statewide geologic digital compilation map of Oregon (OGDC-5), the culmination of six years of effort that brings together 345 maps/datasets representing the best of geologic mapping in Oregon. OGDC-5 consists of GIS data and tabular data. Also released at this time is Open-File Report O-09-03, Preliminary Digital Geologic Compilation Map of Part of Northwestern Oregon, a simplified map created from OGDC-5 data. An interactive web map displaying a simplified version of the NE, SE, and Central portions of OGDC is also available.

With the guidance of paleontologists and renowned dinosaur sculptor Larry Williams, students at Mitchell School, Mitchell, Oregon, are constructing a half-size replica of a 24-foot-long plesiosaur, along with an exhibit about the animal, its environment, and changes in the landscape since it lived along Oregon's ancient beach, 100 million years ago. The ancient marine dinosaur was one of the largest and fastest marine predators that ever lived. The sculpture and exhibit will be completed in late May, and open to the public at the Oregon Paleo Lands Institute Field Center in Fossil, Oregon on July 4.

Final results of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries' work on the statewide seismic needs assessment of Oregon education and emergency services buildings, as directed by the 73rd Legislative Assembly (Senate Bill 2, 2005).

Oregon will celebrate its 150th birthday in the year 2009. Planning for this big event has already begun. Check out the Oregon 150 Web site. You can share your thoughts and ideas with the planning team, sign up to receive e-mail updates, and learn how you can get involved.

News Release: April 20, 2009

Using a laser based terrain mapping system called lidar (light detection and ranging) and a new mapping protocol created spcifically for lidar-based imagery, DOGAMI geologists are working with local governments across Oregon to create a new generation of landslide inventory maps that are more accurate and comprehensive than any in the past. The protocol and first of the maps being produced for Clatsop, Marion, Clackamas, Washington, and Multnomah counties have been released.

- Special Paper 42 (SP-42), Protocol for Inventory Mapping of Landslide Deposits from Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) Imagery, by William J. Burns and Ian P. Madin

- Interpretive Map Series 26 (IMS-26), Landslide Inventory Map of the Northwest Quarter of the Oregon City quadrangle, Clackamas County, Oregon, by William J. Burns and Ian P. Madin

- Interpretive Map Series 27 (IMS-27), Landslide Inventory Map of the Southwest Quarter of the Beaverton quadrangle, Washington County, Oregon, by William J. Burns

News Release: February 18, 2009
DOGAMI has released O-08-09, Regional landslide hazard maps of the southwest quarter the Beaverton quadrangle, West Bull Mountain Planning Area, Washington County, Oregon, by William J. Burns.

"These maps of the West Bull Mountain Planning Area (WBMPA) of Washington County are some of the most detailed and accurate landslide maps in the United States due to the use of high-tech laser based terrain mapping called lidar," says Vicki McConnell, State Geologist and Director of DOGAMI.

Washington County will use these landslide inventory, shallow-seated landslide susceptibility, and deep-seated landslide susceptibility maps in their planning and decision making process for the development of the WBMPA as well as overall planning and mitigation for the mapped area.