----------------------------Original message----------------------------
This message came to me from ESIC-Western Region.  This will be submitted
as a notice in the Federal Register.
 
"ABANDONMENT OF THE USGS 15-MINUTE TOPOGRAPHIC MAP SERIES (1:62,500-SCALE)"
 
The USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map series is the official
replacement for the USGS 15-minute series.  The 7.5-minute (1:24,000-scale)
series, which provides greater detail than the 15-minute series, has been
completed for all States (except Alaska, which is covered by maps at
1:63,360 scale).  The USGS has not revised or reprinted the maps for many
years and can no longer support both the 7.5-minute and the 15-minute map
series.  Consequently, the 15-minute series has been officially abandoned
and will not longer be available for sale.  In the event that reproducible
copies are desired the map separates will be available at the cost for
reproduction.  Historical copies of this map series are also available on
35 mm microfilm from the U.S. Geological Survey.
 
The following schedule for the abandonment of the USGS 15-minute topographic
map series.
 
March 1-31, 1994 - USGS map dealers may exchange USGS 15-minute topographic
maps that they have in stock either for credit at the discounted rate of
$1.25 per map or for 7.5-minute maps, one for one.  No dealer exchange or
credit will be accepted after March 31, 1994.
 
April 1-May 31, 1994 - State agencies, the general public and map dealers
may purchase remaining USGS 15-minute topographic map in stock for $0.50
per map, in minumum quantities of 100 maps per title.
 
June 1, 1994 - The USGS 15-minute topographic maps are officially abandoned.
This means that 15-minute maps will no longer be available from the USGS.
However, copies of color separates will still be available for sale and
descriptive information will be maintained for reference.
 
Until each of the printed catalogs can be updated, Earth Science Information
Centers and the Branch of Distribution in Denver, Colorado, will insert
15-minute map abandonment notices in the catalogs.
 
     Thought the readers of MAPS-L would be interested in this notice from
the USGS.  Peter Stark, University of Oregon Map and Aerial Photography
Library.