Page 20 - Traverse 50.3

Living Legend – was equally significant. He played an instrumental role in the
Nevada Association of Land Surveyors (NALS) from 1995 to 2022,
serving as President of the Great Basin Chapter from 2012 to
2015 and the State President in 2016. Carl earned the NALS
Carl R. C.de Baca, PLS Surveyor of the Year award in 2013, and being
honored with the NALS Meritori-
ous Service Award in 2016. His
Among the many names in the Nevada Land Surveying Profes- editorial prowess shone through
sion, my friend Carl R. C. de Baca’s name stands out among once again as the editor of the
the top. Having spent many years working on the NALS Board Nevada Traverse Magazine from
together, I am HAPPY to call Carl a Nevada Living Legend! As 2015 to 2020, and his dedica-
a living legend in the profession for many decades, Carl is not tion to the next generation of
only revered but also respected. As evidence of his unwaver- surveyors was evident in his role
ing commitment to the advancement of surveying profession, as a statewide proctor for CST
his resume is dotted with numerous awards and achieve- exams from 2010 to 2016 and as an
ments spanning numerous professional organizations. advisor to the GBC national student
Below are a few examples of what Carl has competition team in 2017-2018. Carl
been able to accomplish! was a 5-time winner of The Nevada
A Trailblazing Career Tra- verse Article of the Year award, as
well as winning the NSPS Excellence in Journalism
Carl’s journey on the land surveying Award for best Magazine in 2020. And lastly, the
boards began in the mid-1990s, and recipient of the NALS/CLSA Von Schmidt Award
from the very outset, his passion and in 2019, one of 4 recipients to date.
commitment to the profession were
evident. He joined the California Land Carl’s reach extended into education as
well. He served as an Adjunct Professor at
Surveyors Association (CLSA) in 1996, Great Basin College in 2013-2014, shar-
and it didn’t take long for him to make
an impact. Within just a couple of years, ing his wealth of knowledge with aspiring
he was serving as the President of the surveyors. His commitment to the field
also found expression in his role as a Trig-
CLSA Sacramento Chapter in 1998. This Star presenter over multiple years, further
marked the beginning of an illustrious
journey within CLSA, where Carl contin- solidifying his reputation as a mentor and
ued to rise through the ranks, taking on educator.
roles like the Editor of the Focal Point Moreover, Carl C.de Baca has made sig-
newsletter from 1999 to 2001 and back nificant contributions to the field through
at it again in 2023, as well as serving as his work as a columnist for the Ameri-
a CLSA Board Representative from 2000 can Surveyor magazine, writing the “Bad
to 2005. His dedication to maintain- Backsights” column since 2022, where he
ing the highest standards of surveying continues to share insights and knowledge
was evident when he took on the role with the surveying community.
of CLSA Liaison to the Board for Pro-
fessional Engineers, Land Surveyors, In recognition of his lifelong dedication to
and Geologists (BPELSG) from 2001 land surveying, Carl was named a NALS Life
to 2005. His editorial talents came Member in 2023, cementing his legacy as
back again as he assumed the posi- a true living legend in the field. His tireless
tion of Editor of the California Surveyor efforts, leadership, and unwavering com-
magazine from 2003 to 2004. Through mitment to excellence have left an indelible
all of Carl’s leadership and dedica- mark on the world of land surveying, and
tion it culminated in him receiving his name will forever be synonymous with
the prestigious CLSA Distinguished the highest standards of professionalism
Service Award in 2006. and service. Carl R C.de Baca is not just a
surveyor; he is a shining example of what can be achieved when
But Carl’s contributions extended passion, skill, and a deep sense of purpose converge in the pursuit
far beyond the borders of Califor- of excellence.
nia. He represented the state as the
California Governor to the National On behalf of ALL the Nevada Association of Land Surveyors, past
Society of Professional Surveyors and present members, we THANK YOU, Carl for an amazing career
(NSPS) from 2004 to 2005 and later became the NSPS Area 9 and for sharing just a little bit of your passion with the great State
Director, representing California, Nevada, and Hawaii, from 2008 of Nevada. You truly are a Living Legend - TK
to 2014. His involvement in NSPS was nothing short of remark-
able, including roles such as Chair of the NAFTA Mutual Recog- From Steve Parrish, PLS, CFedS
nition Document Committee, Chair of the Mines and Minerals
Committee from 2008 to 2014, and Trustee for NSPS Foundation Among Carl’s many skills, writing expertise, and mentoring con-
from 2008-2018. In 2014 Carl was the 1st Chair of the UAV Com- tributions he is first and foremost, a FRIEND to all who know him.
mittee as well as the Chair of the ad hoc Committee on Machine I don’t recall my first contact with Carl but know it was a couple
Guidance. And lastly in 2020, his outstanding contributions were decades ago. What a privilege it has been to work alongside Carl,
honored with his appointment as an NSPS Fellow. discuss numerous survey issues, and benefit from his vast sur-
veying knowledge and careful application of surveying practices.
In Nevada, where he made his home for many years and became Carl is a very active participant during our student scholarship
deeply ingrained in the land surveying community, Carl’s impact auctions, contributing generously to the auction funds.

18 The Nevada Traverse Vol.50, No.2, 2023