Denver meeting: High attendance and prices set tone of meeting.

Officers for 2001-02: Denver independent geologist Robbie Gries assumes the leadership of the new AAPG Executive Committee. Officer Candidates

APPEX is fast approaching. Have you signed up? Deadline is July 25.

Congress hears again: For the third time in two months, AAPG representatives testify before a U.S. congressional committee, this time focusing on access to Outer Continental Shelf areas.

R&D Dilemma: In today's new leaner and meaner industry mindset, what's the future of petroleum research and development?

Not In My BackYard! The proposed Lease Sale 181 in the eastern Gulf of Mexico -- the area's first since 1988 -- is facing a big political showdown that goes all the way to the Oval Office.

New? venture: T. Boone Pickens is dealing with something other than undervalued companies these days -- or oil, for that matter. Today, Pickens has his eye on water.

HOD Report: A long and busy House of Delegates meeting in Denver saw passage of one constitutional amendment, eight bylaws amendments and two resolutions for delegate consideration.

STANDING ARTICLES:

GEOPHYSICAL CORNER:

BUSINESS SIDE OF GEOLOGY:

INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN BOARD

The cover beach scene is from Santa Rosa Island, a Florida site that is part of the Gulf Island National Seashore. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey.

To lease or not to lease? That's going to be the next big question in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, an area is getting considerable interest from both oil industry officials who say the area may contain significant hydrocarbon reserves, and from Floridians who oppose exploration activity off their beaches.