Meridian Engineering’s surveyors recently attended the Western Regional Conference March 23-26, 2024, at the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. Hosted by the Western Federation of Professional Surveyors (WFPS), a regional non-profit organization composed of Land Surveyor associations representing the 13 western states, including Alaska and Hawaii. WFPS was formed in 1979 and is dedicated to education, fostering common goals within the western states, and providing a regional voice at the national level. Meridian’s survey division leader Michael Nadeau serves as Utah’s director to WFPS furthering our commitment to professional advancement and regional representation. The conference also included the several state surveying societies including Nevada (NALS), California (CLSA), Arizona (APLS), New Mexico (NMPS) and Wyoming (PLSW).
The first day of the conference began with three separate workshop tracks followed by an Education FUNdraiser trip to the LINQ Promenade’s Brooklyn Bowl where old friends and new competed with each other for the purpose of funding surveying scholarships. Throughout the next 3 days were cutting-edge presentations tailored for the professional surveyor’s daily challenges including UAS and Drone Safe Operations, Precise Aerial Mapping, Riparian and Property Boundaries, CFedS, Ethics, Art of Retracement, LiDAR, and GIS integration. Sessions were complemented with networking opportunities including refreshment breaks, ice breaker reception, and the live scholarship auction and dinner with colleagues from far and near.
FUNdraiser trip to the LINQ Promenade’s Brooklyn Bowl
Mock trial with Gary Kent – Meridian’s Michael Nadeau sat in as the Survey Expert for the PlaintiffEthics in the Surveying Presentation shared by John Stahl, PLSPresentations and Workshops were well attended.
Sean shares valuable insights for aspiring surveyors interested in Construction Staking and Layout: “Witnessing the creation of new construction is extremely rewarding. Although it can be stressful work, the benefits to Utah’s communities are truly remarkable while observing the development of new infrastructure for businesses and housing. It’s crucial to recognize that these projects require a collaborative effort from a large diverse team. Never hesitate to seek guidance, ask questions, and continuously expand your knowledge.”
Recently, Meridian survey crews performed ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, retraced Public Land Survey System (PLSS) monuments, and collected base mapping data for two individual projects located in Idaho Falls and Swan Valley. Despite the chilly temperatures in the low teens, our dedicated crews braved the elements while delivering detailed field notes back to the office to be used for further boundary analysis as well as future design purposes.
Meridian, a trusted partner in construction surveying recently performed the construction layout and staking of the entire site including hardscapes and utilities for the 85,000 SF concrete tilt-up building located at 2150 West Waterbury Drive, Lehi, Utah. This building will serve CADE as an easy-load in-load out docks, truck court and warehouse space dedicated to production and distribution of cabinetry products for new residential communities.
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Construction surveying is an important part of the construction process. The layout of this project included rough grade staking, curb and gutter, utilities, building and hardscape layout. Meridian provided Zwick Construction staking reports for each item staked during the project in order to provide a smooth build for the Owner. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact this facility will have on the community and the continuous growth of Lewis Landing.
Looking for a new campground for you and your family to enjoy for the rest of the 2023 season and beyond? We’ve got just the place — in fact, we’ve got two!
Meridian Engineering has been hard at work with the state of Utah-DFCM, and the Department of Natural Resources to bring you more recreational opportunities, and we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve recently finished two of the four state-funded projects.
The DNR Northeast State Park campground and day-use projects for both Deer Creek and Rockport Reservoirs are now complete! Keep reading to learn about what these sites have to offer all of Utah’s nature lovers.
Rockport Reservoir
The first project to cross the finish line is the brand new day-use area at Rockport Reservoir’s Cedar Point. The project was completed last September by PRT Builders and recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting on July 6, 2023.
While this stunning reservoir already offers ample year-round recreational opportunities for fishing and camping, we’ve greatly added to its appeal and functionality with the following installments:
12 new scenic picnic sites
10 pavilions
An access road
Parking stalls, including ADA stalls
Two new restrooms
Rockport Reservoir is located off SR-42 and is easily accessed by I-80 by turning right at the Wanship exit.
Deer Creek Reservoir
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On July 12, 2023, we celebrated the opening of the new Fox Den campground at Deer Creek Reservoir. This outstanding development adds 31 new campsites to the area, each fully loaded with full hookups, new restrooms, and an upgrade to the overall water and sewer systems for campsites near the marina.
According to Deer Creek State Park Manager, Ranger Stephen Studebaker, the Fox Den increases the reservoir’s camping opportunities by a third.
Deer Creek Reservoir lies at the base of towering Mount Timpanogos in the southwest corner of Heber Valley. Its primary park activities are water-based, including boating and sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, and year-round fishing.
How We Did It
We didn’t accomplish this great feat alone! Meridian Engineering started by assembling a team of qualified state park-savvy consultants to bring these projects to reality; hats off to GSH Geotechnical, SPE Architects, MGB+A, Colvin Engineering, and WHW Engineering!
Meridian’s innovative contributions include coordination with existing utility agencies and stakeholders for utility impact analysis, UAS flights and conventional topography surveys, and civil site design phases for all four projects, including grading and drainage plans, stormwater retention plans, and construction administration.
The new developments at Deer Creek and Rockport Reservoirs will enhance recreational activities tremendously for years to come, while easing the growing local demand for campgrounds and day-use activities.
What’s Next?
Big things are underway at the northeast side of Jordanelle Reservoir! Meridian Engineering and our partners are currently working on an exciting expansion of the Ross Creek day-use area beach expansion. The project will provide an array of new installments, including the following features:
11 beach cabanas
12 traditional picnic cabanas
trail access
enhanced parking improvements
new restrooms
a new entry station
Ross Creek is expected to be fully opened for Labor Day 2023. In addition to this beach expansion, we’re also working on the Rock Cliff RV and van campground on the eastern end of Jordanelle, and are set to be ready in the fall of 2024. This campground will offer 24 RV sites, 18 van sites, 9 tent sites, and 3 new restrooms.
Head over to Rockport and Deer Creek Reservoirs to take advantage of the new recreational opportunities, and keep your eyes peeled for these exciting new projects from Meridian Engineering!
