Page 6 - Traverse 50.3

The Editor’s Corner... continued from previous page
plays and the decisions made by him affect property and title lines What to look for in this edition:
and hence, affect generations to come. Fundamentals of survey- How about a thought-provoking article by Rick Byrem. Are We
ing, a basic understanding of law, and high self-worth (without Relevant, Or Are We Not? This article explores the State of the
ego) are still a primary requirement. As the years go by, I see more surveying challenges and the notion that this age-old profession
and more dependency upon electronic power for analysis and less is becoming obsolete. Surveyors have long been the unsung he-
on brain power and common sense. Just think how many of us roes who quietly shape our world, from mapping the boundaries
today rely upon field notes, maps, and surveys of one hundred or of vast parcels of land to ensuring the accuracy of infrastructure
more years ago. Surveying is “preserving for posterity”. projects. Rick argues that, despite technological advancements,
Well, that is enough of my soap-box lecture. The original purpose the human element of surveying cannot be replaced. The ex-
of the letter was to offer my sincere congratulations to those who, pertise and precision of a licensed surveyor are still essential for
through effort and perseverance, have made NALS the thriving maintaining the integrity of property lines and resolving boundary
and professional organization it is today. My special congratula- disputes. However, if we don’t do something fast, it might be time
tions to Mr. Richard Stinchfield for his attendance at that first to allow the engineers to become dual-licensed. Please let me
meeting twenty years ago and still active in the organization know your thoughts on this article!
today. I feel it is very appropriate that he be serving as President
in this 20 year. We have another GREAT article written by our last Nevada Living
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Legend, Paul S. Pace. The article titled “Surveying in the Dark:
After forty years in this business, I am gratified to find that the Laurence Wrinkle on the Comstock Lode” delves into the fascinat-
surveying profession is not only alive and well but is growing and ing history of the Comstock Lode in Nevada. The mining deposit,
thriving with the times. Once again, my congratulations to all of located in the Virginia Range, gave rise to mining towns like Vir-
you and my sincerest best wishes to NALS. Walter L. Neitz P.L.S. ginia City, Gold Hill, and Silver City and played a crucial role in the
development of Nevada.
Lastly, throughout all of the 1993 editions, you will find a lot of GPS
articles, starting back with just the Basic Geodesy for GPS all the The article highlights various engineering and mining inno-
way through The Future of the U.S. Global Positioning Systems. vations that originated from the Comstock Lode, including
the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, the Marlette Water System,
Southern Chapter Update: square-set timbering, and the pan amalgamation technique
As the editor and current President of the Southern Chapter, I known as the Washoe Process.
want to blend the two into one column. The summertime was
really quiet for the Southern Chapter! Since our last edition of The article also delves into the two prominent groups of indi-
The Nevada Traverse, the Southern Chapter has only had two viduals who rose to prominence in the Comstock Lode’s mining
functions. The first was an informal summer social meet up on industry. The first group, known as the “practical men,” included
August 10th at Sierra Gold Tavern. We wanted to just put together individuals like John Mackay, who had no formal education but
something for the membership to come together the week that learned essential mining skills on the job. The second group,
the Clark County School District went back into session and have a called the “professionals” or the “Lace Boot Brigade,” consisted
quick catch-up with friends. I think, in total, about 15 people stop of well-educated individuals who were drawn to the Comstock
by throughout the night. It was great catching up with those who to address its challenges, especially in the hazardous under-
attended. Our last full chapter meeting was held on September ground environment.
14 , which was our Annual Interagency Surveyors meeting, which
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had a great lineup of speakers which included Alan Riekki, CLV One of the central figures in the article is Laurence F. J. Wrinkle, a
City Surveyor, providing updates on some of the changes the City mining engineer and Surveyor who arrived in Nevada after college.
of Las Vegas has coming out in regard to their LDP (NCRS Main, He partnered with Isaac Evan James and conducted surveys and
High, and a new LOW version). Next, we had Gary Hancock, CNLV mining work on the Comstock Lode. Wrinkle’s career was marked
City Surveyor, providing updates on their benchmark level runs in by his expertise in mine surveying and mapping, and he also con-
Apex and the website changes happening. We had Justin Wright, tributed technical articles to various publications.
Principal Survey for Las Vegas Valley Water District, providing an
update on their GPS network, submittal requirements, and the The article also touches on the achievements and endeavors of
hot topic of the night, “basis of bearings”. Lastly, we have Michael other mining professionals and engineers in the region during this
Kidd, City of Henderson City of Surveyor, providing a few updates transformative era of mining history.
as the Past Chairman of the Nevada State Board of Professional
Engineers and Land Surveyors, as well as some updates and ob- There is a lot more to read in this edition! However, I encourage
servations as the City Surveyor regarding maps being submitted you to read the NALS Remembers article for our good friend Eric
for the survey departments review. Paul Christianson. Eric passed away unexpectedly on August 31 ,
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2023. A sad day for Nevada Surveyors and our Southern Chapter
Considering our annual interagency meeting, I would like to put Members as well. Eric will be missed!
you back into the NALS history, and may I suggest you read an
article in the 1993 V3 edition titled “My License Is Better Than As always, please send in your comments or articles so that what
Your License”. It is an article written by then City of Henderson City we print is what you want to read! Articles for the next edition are
Surveyor John R. Rinaldi Jr. This article will provide just a “little bit” due on November 1 , please. Every man owes a part of his time
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of insight into the review process the local jurisdictions take when and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No
you submit your map into their system. It is a fun article to read, man has the moral right to withhold his support from an organiza-
especially when you know the tone of voice that is being written! tion that is striving to improve the conditions within his sphere! –
Theodore Roosevelt

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