Camp Sherman man joins land trust board

Gary (Gus) Gustafson of Camp Sherman has joined the Deschutes Land Trust's Board of Directors. He brings unique skills, expertise, and passion for conserving land in Central Oregon to the Land Trust.

Gus Gustafson is a native Oregonian and retired senior regulatory advisor residing in Camp Sherman.

Gus obtained his B.S. and M.A. in resource geography from Oregon State University.

He has worked in a variety of key management positions, including Director of the Oregon Department of State Lands, Director of the Alaska Division of Land and Water Management, Senior Negotiator for BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. and Manager of Environmental, Regulatory and Land for the Denali Pipeline.

Previously elected Mayor of Turner, Oregon, and President of the Western States Land Commissioners Association, Gus now serves as chair on the board of advisors for OSU's College of Earth, Oceans and Atmospheric Science.

When not road biking or hiking, he and his wife, Linda, travel and explore natural areas.

"The Land Trust is very fortunate to have Gus join our board of directors," said Executive Director Brad Chalfant. "His professional background and leadership experience will add additional depth to an already strong board. Since the Land Trust holds and cares for land forever, a key role for our board is to strengthen the connection between the community and the lands we protect. Gus' background and interest in wildlife has - and will continue - to help us share the stories of wildlife and the land they depend on."

The Deschutes Land Trust is Central Oregon's locally based, nationally accredited land trust. Since 1995, the Deschutes Land Trust has protected more than 8,900 acres for wildlife, scenic views, and local communities. For more information on the Deschutes Land Trust, call 541-330-0017 or visit www.deschuteslandtrust.org.