Page 23 - Traverse 50.3

Again, congratulations Carl C.de Baca, PLS for this well-deserved the way, he has garnered many well-deserved honors. NALS be-
acknowledgement of your decades-long service to the land stowed on him a rare Life Membership, the prized Von Schmidt
surveying profession. Award, numerous Article of the Year Awards, and a Meritorious
Service Award. As a California licensee, CLSA honored Carl with a
From Matt Gingerich, PLS Distinguished Service Award.

Carl’s passion for the land surveying profession is inspiring. His A frequent contributor to the Nevada Traverse and the American
insights, though sometimes pointed, stem from a deep love for Surveyor, Carl has the strength of his convictions and isn’t afraid to
the field, and it’s this passion that continues to push boundaries share them with his fellow practitioners. He is always forthright
and drive dialog. Carl’s role as the editor of the Nevada Traverse with his common-sense and practical ideas, with the occasional
has been invaluable to the profession. His dedication to sharing good-humored snarky remark thrown in for good measure. Just
knowledge and fostering a sense of community among survey- as important, Carl has an eye for history and alludes to it fre-
ors is truly commendable. Carl’s perspective, even if delivered quently. I think we all can appreciate that. All this speaks to Carl’s
with a touch of caustic humor, has undoubtedly encouraged passion for the profession.
critical thinking. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to
advancing the land surveying profession through your involve- Perhaps Carl’s greatest asset is his unwavering commitment to
ment in NALS, CLSA, and NSPS. the greater advancement of our profession. His strong support
for Great Basin College and its students is reflected often in the
From Paul Burn, PLS Nevada Traverse. I’m pleased Carl is receiving this recognition.
How does one describe this man, and the relationship we have? From Todd A. Enke, PLS
Carl has been a friend with me for over 20 years, but it seems
like he’s been one of my best friends for a significant portion I have had the pleasure of knowing Carl since the 2017 when we
of my life. For the professional aspect of our bond, I first got to met in the NALS Hospitality Suite at the Silver Legacy during the
know Carl when I was a neophyte NSPS NALS State Conference, little did I know was that Carl and I later
Governor from Nevada in the early 2000’s. in the year would ended working together at Lumos &
I was impressed by his opinions on NAFTA, Associates. During our time at Lumos Carl provided the
being discussed at that time on the open platform that enabled me to become a better surveyor
floor. I knew immediately that I wanted by encouraging me to use the vast experience I had
to know him better, as his wry sense of from the years I had spent surveying and pair it with the
humor was evident within his factual philosophy of what do you want to do here in the office,
speaking. Carl soon became the Direc- nothing was off limits. Carl encouraged me to take on
tor of the Area that included our state, projects that I had little experience in work through them
and he helped me immensely to make and then come to him when I had questions, and this
sense of the national meeting’s goings- fit with my personality of wanted not to ask how to do
on. This came with a heavy dose of his something first but explain what I had done and look for
personal opinions of many of the people constructive criticism to better myself. This
within NSPS, and over time I found that I method of supporting future surveyors is
agreed with pretty much every assess- something I have put into to place at RCI, I
ment he had made! Our relationship want to give and support those who want to
developed further through the time learn that is the greatest gift I can give back
serving together at the Western States to those that I work with on my team.
Governors Council (WSGC), later to
become the WSDC when all Governors became Direc- After my time at Lumos Carl and I have
tors. I chaired this Council for two years, and often had remained close and I consider him one of
a difficult time maintaining decorum, as Carl was sitting my better friends, a strong supporter and
next to me, commenting under his breath incessantly. mentor. Carl has continued to provide an
open-phone policy for me to call and ask
From this beginning, Carl and I developed a much deeper friend- questions and he is the one person that continues to push me
ship, one in which I have come to admire and respect him greatly. to do more than I am doing and to give back to our surveying
Our days together when he was Editor of the Traverse were community. If it was not for Carl, my journey in NALS would have
some of my favorite memories, most of which cannot be re- stopped at Lahontan Chapter President and not have seen me
peated here. What can be said is that this man is a true Surveyor be the 2024 NALS State President Elect. As I have mentioned, I
and maintains an unwavering dedication to promoting that which consider Carl as one of my better friends and appreciate him for
is fundamentally right. Carl will not accept ideas which are plastic who he is and commend him for all he has given to our survey
or fake in nature, only those which pass the sniff test of authen- community and can’t think of a more deserving person to be
ticity. For that, beyond the smiles that he consistently brings to considered as a NALS Living Legend.
me, I remain in awe of this man, and am proud to call him friend.
From Ray & Nancy Almanzan, PLS
Congratulations Carl! Carl C.de Baca has dedicated an insurmountable amount of time,
From Paul Pace, PLS energy, and resources to the surveying profession. To say he is
passionate about surveying is an understatement. The Nevada
Our paths intersected many years ago, with a common interest Association of Land Surveyors (NALS), California Land Surveyors
in mine surveys. At the time Carl was President…and everything Association (CLSA), the National Society of Professional Sur-
else…at Alidade, Inc. in Elko, Nevada. It was a common interest veyors (NSPS), and Great Basin College (GBC) have all benefited
then and it remains so now. from Carl’s unwavering participation and support. Thank you,

Carl has worn many hats in his four decades in the profession. He Carl, for your legendary leadership and words of wisdom. Ray & I
served as President of NALS, on the NSPS Board of Governors and treasure your friendship!
Board of Directors and the Editor of the Nevada Traverse. Along

The Nevada Traverse Vol.50, No.2, 2023 21