News Release No. 414

GOVERNOR BLUNT PROCLAIMS
EARTH SCIENCE WEEK OCT. 9 -- 15

Volume 33-414

Contact: Denise Becker

(For immediate release)

573-368-2118

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 6, 2005- Governor Matt Blunt has declared the week of Oct. 9 Earth Science Week to bring awareness to the fact that earth sciences are fundamental to the welfare and health of Missourians and are crucial to economic, ecological and environmental decisions. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources notes that earth sciences make vital contributions to our understanding of and respect for earth's natural resources, and are integral to finding, developing and conserving the energy, mineral and water resources needed for Missouri's continued prosperity.

Encouraging youth to consider earth sciences as a career, Mimi Garstang, state geologist and director of the department's Division of Geology and Land Survey (DGLS) states, "Earth science plays an important role in the design and construction of safe highways, bridges and buildings." Garstang adds, "They are also vital in the preparation for and mitigation of natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and sinkholes. Our lives are affected daily by the important role geologists play in the society in which we live."

Every October, states across the nation join forces to bring earth sciences to the forefront. DGLS geologists and land surveyors encourage schools to highlight earth science as a career choice and demonstrate the benefits earth sciences bring to the community.

For more information, DGLS offers fact sheets, maps, trading cards and a wide variety of publications on topics such as rocks, minerals and fossils. The division's publications desk in Rolla can be reached by calling 573-368-2125 or (800) 361-4827. Also visit DGLS's Web site at: www.dnr.mo.gov/geology.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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