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Carl is a creative writer with the unique ability to McHenry, PLS, (who had himself taken the magazine
make his writings so understandable that you to new “award winning” levels) and Carl added his own
feel like you are physically with him experienc- indelible flavor to our professional newsletter, specifi-
ing what he is experiencing. His writings are cally with his prolific “writing” talent that led to numer-
extensive and being a past editor of the Nevada ous outstanding articles, editorials and discussions
Traverse gave him the opportunity to reach a causing us all to sit up and take notice.
large audience with his endless writings. Carl is
a deserving professional land surveyor for the Additionally, Carl is one of the most “professional”
honor of being included in a “Living Legends” professional land surveyors that I have ever met. Carl
edition of the Nevada Traverse. Thanks, from places equal value on the ethics of our profession, as he
an admiring friend – Steve Parrish. does to our daily functionality, and our collective concern
about the future of land surveying; and repopulating our
From Armand A. Marois, PLS aging PLS ranks with new, better mentored, and better
educated young surveyors, who are cutting their respec-
Throughout the years (decades) that I have known Carl, he has tive teeth on the newest technological advancements available.
proven time and again to be the consummate professional and
a stalwart supporter of the surveying profession. I first met Carl Carl is my friend, a kindred spirit; and a person that deserves all of
when we were serving on the CLSA Board of Directors. We be- our respect. I sincerely hope he continues writing
came good friends and I always en- and sharing his knowledge with us, especially in
joyed working together with Carl on the Nevada Traverse.
the various committees we shared
at the state and national level. Carl From Byron Calkins – GBC Professor
was destined to become President
of CLSA, but an opportunity trans- Who is this legend?
ferred his talent to Nevada, Califor- Is it Carl C. de Baca, PLS who wrote “NSPS Area
nia’s loss NALS gain. 9 Director’s Report” and “Nevada’s Abandoned
As everyone who knows Carl, Mining Site Dangers” in Volume 39, No 1. of the
knows that he is an amazing writer, Nevada Traverse?
I remember sending him an email Is it Carl C.de Baca, PLS who wrote, “If You
about a particular subject, you Don’t Mentor Anymore, Does That Make You
know a one sentence question Demented?” found in Volume 41, No 1. of the
“what do you think about” and Nevada Traverse?
within 5 minutes I received a de-
tailed multi-paragraph response. Is it Carl C. de Baca, PLS, who wrote “Area 9 Director’s Report”
found in Volume 40, No 3. of the Nevada Traverse?
During some summer reading I
came across a character named Is it Card C. de Baca, PLS, who wrote “Our Amazing Geomatic
Carlos C de Baca, also known as Future” found in Volume 40, No 3. of the Nevada Traverse?
Bull, from the book series The
Expanse by James S.A. Corey. I sent a mes- What facts do we know about Carl? We know Carl has been a
sage to Carl that a future descendant is being written about in frequent contributor (including editor) to the Nevada Traverse
science fiction and to check out the book. He came and cursed me spanning many years. His commentary and reports range from
for getting him started on the series. personal health, jobsite safety, to current trends in the geospa-
tial industry. Carl is a very talented writer and often discusses
Congratulations Carl you are Truly a Living Legend! serious topics relevant to the surveying community using satire,
personal anecdotes, and even references to pop culture. One of
From Brett N. Lane, PLS/WRS - Past President, my favorite quotes by Carl is found in Volume 41,
NALS No 1. of the Nevada Traverse, titled: If
You Don’t Mentor Anymore, Does That
I was first introduced to Carl CdeBaca, PLS, by Paul Make You Demented? Carl writes, “If
Burn, PLS at a Southern Chapter NALS meeting, one more geologist tells me the map
where I was lecturing on the history of RS 2477 projection that his GIS consultant set up
Roadways; Carl jumped right into the discussion, doesn’t match my coordinate system (so
clearly demonstrating that he himself was keen on I must be wrong), I am going to go “Seven
and very interested in the subject. Ever since then, Psychopaths,” and the next commentary I
Carl has amazed me with his knowledge, tenac- produce will have to be approved by a war-
ity, and his willingness to take issue on myriad den.” Honestly, what surveyor wouldn’t
subjects relating to professional land surveying. get a chuckle out of reading this! Perhaps
John Wayne, who used to say, “Not Hardly.”
Carl is outspoken and (past and present) has been openly critical (See Vol. 40, No. 3, NT)
of many local government requirements and procedures concern-
ing the processing of (Survey) Maps submitted for review and ap- It’s quite difficult to describe a “living legend.” My compass points
provals to various State and local agencies. That said, and in that towards an individual that gives back more than they receive.
regard, Carl was more than willing to work with me as an adjunct Undoubtedly, Carl has spent countless hours crafting content that
to the “NALS State Legislative Committee” when I was still active is fun, edgy, and informative for the surveying community. Carl’s
in that capacity. I cannot say enough about this man’s insights writings and musings make him a “Living Legend” to me.
and recommendations and knowledge related to needed legisla- As an afterthought, I decided to ask AI’s GPT-3.5 to write an essay
tive changes and the entire difficult legislative process. on the Legend of Carl C. de Baca, PLS - a land surveyor. This is
As one of the Past Editors of the Nevada Traverse, I can only say what ChatGPT wrote:
that Carl CdeBaca took the Nevada Traverse over from Editor Terry CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE u
The Nevada Traverse Vol.50, No.2, 2023 19