“I’ve known Byng for years when we both served on the Board ofDirectors for the Mono County Arts Council,” commented Kay. “I’m happy we’ll be working together again!” Pictured isESLT’s Board of Directors, from left: Tim Bartley, Will Richmond, Byng Hunt,Kay Ogden (Executive Director), Randy Keller, Marie Patrick, Tony Taylor,Bob Gardner (not present: Jan Hunewill).

Eastern Sierra Land Trust is thrilled to welcome long-time Mammoth Lakes resident and Eastern Sierra advocate, Byng Hunt, to ourBoard of Directors. Byng recently retired from his role as Mono County District 5 Supervisor, a position he had held since 1999. After supporting ESLT’s work as a member for many years, Byng is thankful for the opportunity to now help advance ourimportant land conservation work in the Eastern Sierra by helping leadourefforts.

“Throughout my years in local public service, I have always admired the work being accomplished by ESLT,” commented Byng. “The mission of the organization rings true with me in many ways. Land resource conservation, restoration, and stewardship are key to preserving and sustaining our unique quality of life here in this dramatically beautiful Eastern Sierra.”

ESLT works with willing landowners who wish to permanently conserve the scenic, agricultural, natural, recreational, historical, and watershed values of their land qualities of vital importance to the future of the landscape and community. ESLT offers its expertise and conservation tools to help families preserve their working farms and ranches, protect the region’s critical wildlife habitats, and offer the entire Eastern Sierra community the opportunity to connect with the region’s treasured lands. From Byng’s point of view, ESLT’s work is “all about who we are, and how we wish to remain: viable communities integrated with nature through a strong land ethic.”

An avid outdoorsman, Byng has lived, worked, and played in Mammoth Lakes for over 40 years, and has been a leader in the Eastern Sierra community for decades. He served as a Planning Commissioner for the Town of Mammoth Lakes from 1989-1992, and then as Town Councilman for the six years following. Byng was Mayor of Mammoth Lakes from 1995-1996, and during his 16-year tenure on the Mono County Board of Supervisors he served over four years as Chairman of the Board. He is married to Joanne, an ER nurse at Mammoth Hospital, and has three daughters and six grandchildren.

“Byng shares our deep love of the special landscapes that make the Eastern Sierra so unique,” remarked ESLT’s Board President, Bob Gardner. “He values our agricultural heritage, rare wildlife, and unparalleled recreational opportunities alike. We are delighted to welcome his passion and expertise to our organization.”

“It will take considerable effort to assure the future of our vistas, farms, ranches, and historic sites,” observed Byng. “ESLT is an important means to that end, and I personally look forward to contributing to these efforts where I am able.”

After retiring from his 16-year post as Mono County's District 5 Supervisor, Byng Hunt has joined ESLT's efforts to help conserve the Eastern Sierra's most valued landscapes.

After retiring from his 16-year post as Mono County’s District 5 Supervisor, Byng Hunthas joined ESLT’s efforts to help conserve the Eastern Sierra’s most valued landscapes.