Nevada BLM accepts historical lithograph

Gardnerville’s Sally Wiley was recognized Monday at an all-employees meeting of the BLM Nevada State Office for her donation of a historical lithograph drawn by cartoonist Lew Hymers of the Nevada State Journal.

The lithograph is a caricature of the regional U.S. Grazing Service District Graziers who met in Reno in May 1944 to discuss a proposed change in range policy. One of the officials in the lithograph was Wiley’s father, then Winnemucca District Grazier Derrel S. Fulwider, who went on to become Winnemucca District Manager after the Grazing Service was merged with the General Land Office to create the Bureau of Land Management in 1946.

“Derrel Fulwider was not only a passionate steward of the land, but also a great steward of the people he was entrusted to lead,” said BLM Nevada Communication Chief Steve Clutter, who introduced Wiley at the event.

Fulwider’s 42-year career in public service included managing the Winnemucca District Office from 1942 to 1954, the District Office in Vale, Ore. from 1954 to 1959, and the District Office in Bakersfield, Calif. from 1959 to 1969. He was also a prolific writer about public lands, including a 1985 publication called “From Resource Management to People Management: Reflections of a Federal Land Manager.”

BLM Nevada State Director John Ruhs accepted the portrait, pointing out that it comes as BLM is marking its 70th anniversary.

“It’s important for all of us to reflect on the history and heritage of our organization,” Ruhs said. “We are so grateful, Sally, that you have helped us do that with this generous donation of something that we know you have treasured for many years. We will treasure it, too. And it’s certainly an honor to welcome you back to the BLM family.”

Wiley was born in Winnemucca while her father was district manager there and has lived in Gardnerville since 2001. She is a member of Carson Valley SERTOMA (Service to Mankind), several Douglas County political organizations, Gold Star Mothers of America and the Sierra Nevada Blue Star Mothers. Additionally, she volunteers for the Nevada Army National Guard, Carson Valley Food Closet, St. Gall Women’s Society, and St. Gall Catholic Church. She is married to former Berkley Fire Department Lieutenant James “Mike” Wiley and is the mother of three sons. One son, Staff Sergeant Sean Diamond, was killed by an improvised explosive device while serving his third tour in Iraq in February 2009.

Fulwider passed away in 1999, but he will not be forgotten, thanks to Wiley’s donation, which will be on display at the Nevada BLM State Office.