Project abstract title: geologic mapping to support resource and hazard assessments project period: 06/01/2026 ? 05/31/2027 purpose: the award purpose is to improve publicly accessible geologic…

The U.S. Geological Survey awarded a cooperative agreement totaling $214,820 to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry on June 1, 2026, under the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (CFDA 15.810), STATEMAP component.

The award funds geologic mapping in northern, southwestern, and central Maine to produce six new geologic maps across three mapped areas. Work includes preparatory research, field observations, data and sample collection by trained state and contract geologists, interpretation and incorporation of new data with existing information, and map production and publication. The award also covers reformatting existing geologic maps and data to meet U.S. Geological Survey standards for submission to GEMS databases and the creation of GEMS databases themselves.

The Maine Geological Survey leads the mapping effort with trained geologists and sub-recipient contracted mappers, who will collect and interpret geologic data at assigned locations in coordination with the state survey to produce and publish resulting maps and data. Interns and students assist with field and office data collection. All six geologic maps and associated data will be published and made available to the public at no cost through the Digital Maine Library and the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program databases.

The project areas were selected by a statewide panel of map users and stakeholders. The published geologic information will support resource assessments for aggregates, minerals, and groundwater; infrastructure and land-use planning; natural hazard risk evaluation; and natural history education.

Performance period: June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. Place of performance: Maine.

Intended beneficiaries

Geologic maps and data can be used by public agencies, private companies, and individuals for resource assessments (aggregate, minerals, groundwater availability and quality), infrastructure and land use planning, natural hazard risk, natural history education, and other uses. All map products will be available to the public for free through the digital maine library; gems databases will be available to the public from the ncgmp.

Subrecipient activities

Contracted geologic mappers will work in their assigned locations to collect and interpret geologic data, working with the maine geologic survey to produce and publish the resulting maps and data. Interns/students will assist mappers with data collection in the field and office or laboratory tasks.