ACSM.NET - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Land Surveying dates back to ancient times. More than one civilization recognized the need for marking the boundaries of land for taxing purposes as well as for defining just where one ownership begins and another ends. In the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the purpose of land surveys is to ascertain the boundaries of lands under FWS administrative control. This means to provide a way of identifying the land, both on the ground and by written legal description. In the management of U.S. Fish and Wildlife lands, certainty of ownership is an important aspect where accurate, up to date land surveys contribute to the overall success of the Service in meeting its mission responsibilities.

Whether it's the review of the completeness of a land description in the land acquisition process or the physical survey of the lands to get a precise location on the ground and an accurate acreage, land surveys generate required information to insure good title to the lands of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Properly established boundaries provide for better management of natural resources by accurately identifying the landscape's extent and resources. The FWS cannot provide effective management to protect our land unless we know where the land is precisely located on the face of the earth.