Distinguished Service Medal

George Baggley worked for the National Park Service for 42 years, retiring in 1968. The Distinguished Service Medal is the Park Service's highest award. In the 42 years of George Baggley's service, he was the first college educated chief ranger at Yellowstone National Park (1927), Superintendent of Isle Royale NP (1935) where he was instrumental in developing that park as a showcase for wildlife research and conservation. He served as superintended at Lake Mead, then moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to be the midwest regional director. In 1966 he went to the Middle East and Turkey to help them develop a master plan for a national park there. After his retirement, he moved to Boise, Idaho where he became involved with the city Parks and Recreation department, helping to establish the greenbelt system of paths and parks that stretch for about 50 miles and connect several communities along the Boise River. Coincidentally, George Baggley and I attended the same college (at different times, of course) and pursued degrees in natural resources. He didn't graduate, while I did. But, so far, his life accomplishments are far greater than mine. I share a very similar philosophy that he did in regards to natural resources. It was a good thing I was in tha contract artist program when this project came up. I don't think another artist would have understood or have illustrated George Baggley's accomplishments as well as I. Sounds conceited, but I believe it's true.

Only one more image to paint, a photo of mine that I shot of the Boise Greenbelt.