IN MARK WE TRUSTSIERRA
Mark Drew, Ph.D., is poised to lead the Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT) into its next chapter, bringing with him over 25 years of experience in conservation, leadership, and natural resource management. He will officially assume the role of ESLT’s Executive Director on January 8.
I spoke with Drew just before the holidays while he was becoming acquainted with the role and meeting the staff. Though his career has taken him across the globe, from Asia and Oceania to the eastern Caribbean, he said he has considered the Eastern Sierra home for some time and is excited to be back.
Yes, “back”—he initially moved to the Eastern Sierra in 2007, where he developed a deep connection to the land and its communities. He served for a decade as the Eastern Sierra Regional Director for California Trout. However, in March 2018, he took on international assignments that kept him away for several years.
“I finished up my work in the Pacific and felt it was time for a change,” he recalls. “I’m looking forward to re-engaging with the community.”
Drew holds a B.S. in Forestry and Natural Resources Management, an M.A. in International Development Policy, and a Doctorate in Forestry and Resource Conservation from the University of Florida.
He has always viewed himself as a steward of the environment, believing in the necessity of collaboration between land trusts, private landowners, and the broader community to conserve working farms, natural areas, and cultural resources, he said.
His experience working abroad has encouraged him to consider all the different actors and partners in the public sector and government.
“Working overseas, we were there to support the people and the government and their aspirations for taking care of their lands and stewardship,” he said. “Coming back here to California, I think one of the roles we have is to be a good partner and a good steward of the resources in response to the broader economic development challenges that we face.”
ESLT works with private landowners and the public to conserve working farms and ranches, natural areas, and cultural and biological resources for the benefit of their communities, according to their website. It may acquire lands through donation or purchase, set up voluntary land protection agreements (conservation easements) with willing landowners, or mediate land trades between landowners and public agencies.
Drew is particularly excited about the new conservation strategies currently being developed by ESLT, which the organization aims to complete by June 2025. These strategies will set the future trajectory for the organization’s stewardship initiatives, focusing on community needs and ecological health.
“We are in a significant data-gathering phase, looking at what exists in the landscape and identifying opportunities that align with the missions of local tribes,” he explained, though he was still onboarding and familiarizing himself with the project.
One of Drew’s key goals is to enhance ESLT’s collaboration with Native American tribes in the region. He is thrilled about the recent addition of Noah Williams as the Tribal Partnership Program Manager, who will play a vital role in fostering these relationships.
“Expect to see much more direct engagement with Native American tribes, which is essential for our conservation efforts,” he states.
Williams is a member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe and grew up in the Owens River Valley. Prior to joining ESLT, he served as the Water Program Coordinator for the Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley, gaining valuable experience in water resource management.
Mark’s approach to conservation is informed by the philosophy that ecosystems, economies, and social systems are interrelated. One of his areas of focus is restoring ecological services, particularly within water systems.
“We need to concentrate on restoring floodplains and their functionality,” he notes. Reflecting on historical practices, he acknowledges that “50 years ago, we were trying to manipulate and control these systems, but now we need to prioritize ecological health.”
In the context of the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power’s (DWP) presence in local water systems, Drew said he plans to “look at all sides of the issue.”
“They’re a smart entity and a key partner in the region. I think they are one of many key players given their historical presence that needs to be engaged with and considered a partner,” he said.
Mark believes that a fundamental aspect of successful conservation is fostering resilience in the face of uncertainty.
“I’ve always felt it’s important as an individual to contribute, and my passion for nature and the environment drives me,” he said. “There’s a real sense of purpose in this work, and I enjoy it immensely.”
This adaptability will be crucial as the Eastern Sierra faces ongoing challenges related to politics, climate change, habitat loss, and community needs.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Mark invites the community to reach out and get to know him.
