Geologist that published new ODNR map cutting Athens Co. fired.

Interesting article from The Athens News discussing the recent firing of Larry Wickstrom, the ODNR geologist that re-drew the oil and gas prime areas map. I've seen others discussing that this might have been an underhanded play to get leases on those lands for a lot less than they are worth. This makes me think there may be something to that idea.

http://www.athensnews.com/ohio/article-37060-lsthe-maprs-and-the-st...

 

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Permalink Reply by Dee A on June 13, 2012 at 12:21pm

The Business Journal Daily online had a story on this yesterday. Here's some bits from the article.

"The Athens News first reported that Wickstrom was dismissed as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources geology division chief and state geologist because he failed to have superiors vet the revised map and delayed informing officials of an earthquake that hit Youngstown Jan. 13."

"In a review of Wickstrom's personnel file, released by the ODNR to the Athens News, the newspaper said that the revised map was questioned by "outside scientific reviews."

And, the file showed that Wickstrom was late in notifying ODNR brass about a small earthquake, magnitude 2.1, that hit the Mahoning Valley Jan. 13, claiming they were not informed until Jan. 17, the newspaper reported."

"At the time, Wickstrom qualified the map as very preliminary and noted that it could change, noting it was based on limited available data."

 

http://businessjournaldaily.com/drilling-down/shale-map-linked-odnr...

 

I keep wondering, if he even admits that it was "preliminary" and "could change", why did he sneak it out? When do they, or anyone, release first drafts/preliminary/incomplete/subject to change items that no one was requesting or expecting?

 

Permalink Reply by Terry Smith on June 14, 2012 at 10:11am

The story broke out yesterday afternoon when AP outlets started publishing it on their websites -- newspapers and broadcast. The Columbus Dispatch finally did a story about Wickstrom's removal:

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/14/dispute-ov...

This is interesting because when deputy ODNR director Andy Ware is asked about the scientific criticism of Wickstrom's map, he cites a quote from Marietta College professor Bob Chase that appeared in our paper May 6 (but originally in a story on April 1). In that story, Chase was agreeing with Wickstrom, who freely acknowledged that the redrawn Utica map had its limitations.

Oh, and the story appeared on... http://geology.about.com/

Permalink Reply by Dee A on June 14, 2012 at 11:25am

Terry, I keep meaning to ask if you can share how you first heard of this?

Thanks for the links and info!

Permalink Reply by Terry Smith on June 14, 2012 at 1:21pm

I just got an email from someone I don't know, saying, "Hey, did you hear Larry Wickstrom got fired as state geologist?" That's how papers usually get scoops; they fall right into their laps. lol

Permalink Reply by Dee A on June 14, 2012 at 6:55pm

Wow, very cool. Sounds like someone to remember for future reference. :-)

If you hear of any other details brought to light please continue to share.

Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Terry Smith on June 19, 2012 at 1:57pm

This is probably the last one I'll do about the state geologist. The statewide Ohio media certainly didn't outdo themselves on this story...

http://www.athensnews.com/ohio/article-37136-questions-remain-about...

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