Jon Kusler

Jon Kusler
1941 - 2020

On October 8th, the global community of wetland and floodplain managers, scientists, policymakers, lawyers and practitioners lost a colleague, a mentor and a friend. With his family at this side, Jon passed away peacefully after a long illness. He had a lengthy and expansive career. He co-founded the Association of State Wetland Managers and served as its Executive Director from 1984 to 2000, then as an Associate Director until his retirement. He also served as Director of the International Institute for Wetland Science and Public Policy, Inc. With a Ph.D. in Land and Water Use Management as well as a J.D., both from the University of Wisconsin, his qualifications were exceptional and formidable. Jon also worked extensively as a consultant to nonprofit organizations and to state and federal agencies.

Jon’s contributions to wetland science, management and policy are partially reflected in his more than 100 publications. Jon paved the way for wetland and floodplain protection around the world, challenging us to think beyond the routine to find new and innovative ways to solve some of our most pressing environmental issues. Among his numerous awards were a National Wetlands Lifetime Achievement Award from the Environmental Law Institute and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; an Institute Fellow, University of Massachusetts, Institute for Man in the Environment; an Honorable Charles Bullard Research Fellow, Harvard University; and a Water Resources Fellowship, University of Wisconsin Water Resources Program.

He was a champion and staunch advocate for states and tribes in all aspects of wetlands and floodplain protection. We shall miss him.

ASWM Memorial Page