The President’s Award is designed to recognize outstanding citizens or businesses who have made an impact in protecting open space, conservation, outdoor recreation, or volunteerism.
Part of the Natural Lands family since 1988, Jack Stefferud has served as Farm Manager, Preserve Manager, Agricultural Coordinator, Regional Manager, and Assistant Director of Stewardship before turning his talents to land protection.
Currently, Jack is the Senior Director for Land Protection at Natural Lands. Jack is the principal point of contact with landowners who wish to preserve property through conservation easement, donation, or sale. He is particularly adept at successfully orchestrating complex transactions involving multiple partners and funding sources.
Jack has successfully completed more than 153 land protection projects resulting in the preservation of more than 7,722 acres in PA over the past 21 years. This total includes the creation of new Natural Lands preserves, the expansion of existing preserves, the establishment of conservation easements, and the acquisition of natural areas as passive parks for local municipalities.
Jack has been particularly adept at securing additional lands for DCNR and the PA Game Commission. Since 2011, Jack has helped acquire more than $14 million in funding from the Federal Highlands Conservation Act, the DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program, and private foundation grants to protect 33 properties, totaling 2,211 acres, in Berks, Chester, Bucks, Northampton, Lebanon, and Lancaster counties, eliminating in-holdings, making connections to local trails and greenways, and creating new public access points.
Perhaps Jack’s greatest land protection achievement was securing lands for the William Penn Forest District (District #17) within the Bureau of Forestry. Jack’s tireless work has permitted the District to double its forested lands holdings that will be used for active forest management and passive public uses such as hiking, camping, bird watching, fishing, and hunting. When asked about Jack’s contributions to the Bureau of Forestry, Assistant District Forester in District #17, Rick Hartlieb stated: “Jack Stefferud’s ability to broker land deals and navigate the myriad of necessary funding sources such as the Highlands Act, has been key ingredients in the dramatic expansion of the Forest District.”
Tom Ford, the Director of DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, had this to say about Jack’s work: “Jack has been a tremendous partner to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and many others interested in the conservation of our natural lands. There has never been a project too difficult for Jack to tackle and he has worked through the myriad grant programs, funding sources, and landowner nuances on many, many projects. He excels at recognizing opportunities to engage with landowners, building trusting relationships, and he possesses the knowledge and fortitude needed to complete complex projects. Wonderful person to work with, period!”
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