Prof. Dr. A. N ihat BA LCI retired because o f his advanced age lim it from the Chairm anship o f the D epartm ent o f W atershed M anagem ent on M arch 12, 1995. Professor Balcı has alvvays becom e an ideal sym bol o f a perfect scientist for us with his noble attitude, being a passionated defender o f A tatü rk ’s principles and a patriot, his im m ense know ledge and broad outlook, and analytical approach to problem s, his achievem ents and perfectionism in scientific research, his ardent devotion to training o f young researchers and inexhaustible energy to work, his praiseworthy Services at the intem ational organizations, and his m odesty above ali during his 41 years o f academ ic life.