Citation

Jaksick Family and Jackrabbit Properties

The Public Lands Foundation (PLF) presents the Jaksick Family and Jackrabbit Properties with its 2024 Landscape Stewardship Award and this Citation. The PLF grants this recognition to honor private citizens and organizations that work to advance and sustain community-based stewardship on landscapes that include, in whole or in part, public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

The Jaksick Family, along with many of their majority-owned organizations, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to conservation over the past two decades, facilitating the transfer of more than 32,381 acres to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Most recently, the BLM acquired approximately 2,659 acres spanning California and Nevada, including essential water rights. One of their notable holdings, Jackrabbit Properties, LLC, represents a partnership with esteemed public land steward William Douglas. Douglas, highly regarded for his visionary contributions to conservation, was recently honored by The Nature Conservancy as a champion of Nevada’s natural landscapes.

The visionary leadership of the Jaksick Family has established a high standard for land stewardship, a legacy that began with Sam Jaksick in the 1980s. Sam spearheaded one of the first land exchanges in the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, forging a groundbreaking partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This collaboration not only facilitated significant land transfers but also inspired other landowners and stakeholders to pursue similar contributions.

Through their close work with the BLM, the Jaksick Family, alongside William Douglas, has articulated a compelling vision for enhanced public land management. Their efforts have motivated others to embrace the value of conservation, fostering a shared sense of protection and stewardship that continues to leave a lasting impact.

Their proactive approach in offering lands that are of significant ecological and recreational value has substantially contributed to the BLM’s mission of conserving and managing public lands for the benefit of current and future generations. By prioritizing the transfer of their lands with critical habitats, scenic landscapes, and recreational potential, they have played a crucial role in expanding public access and preserving natural resources. Their contributions have led to more resilient and well-managed public lands, demonstrating the power of cooperative action in addressing complex environmental issues.

The Jaksick Family’s dedication to shared stewardship responsibility has set a precedent for others, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable land management goals. Their contributions have led to more resilient and well-managed public lands, demonstrating the power of cooperative action in addressing complex environmental issues. Their unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and proactive initiatives make them deserving candidates for recognition and serve as an inspiring model for others to follow.

The Public Lands Foundation is pleased to present the Jaksick Family and William Douglas with its 2024 Landscape Stewardship Award and this Citation for invaluable contributions to the stewardship of America’s public landscapes.

/s/  Mary Jo Rugwell, President