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Honoring Jay Precourt

by Bergen Tjossem

The Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT) along with the  Eagle County community are mourning the loss of Jay Precourt, a local conservation leader and an architect of lasting change within our valley. Recently honored as the inaugural recipient of the EVLT Steinberg Conservation Leadership Award, Jay’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of not only EVLT, but also local land conservation and environmental stewardship. 

Jay’s journey in conservation began with his arrival to the Eagle Valley in the 1970s, a time when the Eagle Valley was transforming. Jay served as EVLT’s Board President and was an active Sustaining Council member from 2001 to 2024. 

EVLT’s Executive Director, Jessica Foulis, describes Jay as a conservation leader whose efforts have significantly impacted the quality of life for those who call  the Eagle Valley home. “His passion for land and water conservation resonated not just in his words, but in his actions,” she said.

Jay often expressed his gratitude for the Eagle Valley’s natural beauty and the communal dedication to protecting it. “The Eagle Valley is special to me, and a large part of this is due to our community’s passion for land and water conservation,” he stated after EVLT presented him with the 2020 Steinberg Conservation Leadership Award. “Dr. Tom Steinberg’s vision in organizing the Eagle Valley Land Trust in the early years was instrumental in stimulating this commitment. EVLT’s mission has measurably enhanced the quality of life for people and wildlife in Eagle County, I am honored to have been a part of something that will continue to impact future generations.”

Jay’s life was characterized by a profound appreciation for open spaces.. His love for the outdoors was a personal passion, and a foundational aspect of his advocacy work. His experiences hunting and fishing in the valley fueled his commitment to preserving these landscapes, ensuring that they remain available for future generations to enjoy.

As we reflect on Jay’s contributions, we are reminded that his work does not end with his passing. The mission of the EVLT, which he so passionately supported, will carry on, continuing to enhance the quality of life for all who call Eagle County home—both human and wildlife alike. Jay’s commitment to conservation has etched an indelible mark on our community, inspiring future generations to champion the causes he held dear.

In honoring Jay Precourt, we celebrate a life dedicated to the land, a spirit of advocacy that will guide us forward, and a legacy that will forever illuminate the path of conservation in the Eagle Valley. As we remember him, let us carry forward his vision, ensuring that the beauty of our valley endures for generations to come.

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