We were deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of John Eastlake, conservationist, outdoorsman, and former DCNR forester.

If natural resource agencies had halls of fame, John Eastlake would be a unanimous, immediate inductee.

His lifetime of achievements in conservation are literally too numerous to list.

Those who have hiked in the Tiadaghton and Loyalsock State Forests can thank him for initiating the development of the Black Forest Trail, Bob Webber Trail, Golden Eagle Trail, Old Logger’s Path, Sentiero-DiShay Trail, and many others.

John received the 2017 Circuit Hiker Award from the Susquehannock Trail Club, and 2020 Citation Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Keystone Trails Association for his commitment and work on trails.

John’s knowledge of the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Pennsylvania was legendary. Within the Bureau of Forestry, John was informally known as “the CCC guy.”

His generous offering of expertise on the Civilian Conservation Corps has been greatly appreciated and instrumental in telling the story of its work in state forests and parks; and earned him the 2019 Legacy Stewardship Award.

The Pennsylvania Forestry Association awarded him the Sandy Cochran Award for Excellence in Natural Resources Education, which honors those who have created innovative programs to educate individuals about the management and conservation of natural resources in Pennsylvania.

John was also a dedicated member and volunteer to museums and organizations such as the Tiadaghton Forest Fire Fighters Association, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, and the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation.

John was a husband, father, grandfather, and a steward of state forest land. He was an avid outdoorsman, hiker, cross-country skier, and photographer.

John Eastlake’s enormous impact on DCNR and his permanent imprint on the landscapes and citizens of the commonwealth inspire us to always strive for a better path forward.

Our sincere thanks to John Eastlake for his immense contributions to DCNR, and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Know of a good natured Pennsylvanian who is passionate about outdoor recreation and/or conservation that we should feature? Contact DCNR at ra-resource@pa.gov to nominate someone.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

(Reprinted from the March 3 DCNR Resource newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

[Posted: March 3, 2021]

3/8/2021