The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Steve Bunker

Director of Conservation Programs

Bethesda, Maryland

Brief Biography

Steve oversees three main areas of Maryland/DC Chapter activities: land protection, preserve management and habitat restoration, and government relations. He works extensively with state agencies to foster partnerships, as well as with the Maryland General Assembly to support conservation funding and policies. Steve was recently appointed to serve on the Governor’s Marcellus Advisory Commission to examine energy and environmental issues involving Marcellus shale gas drilling and production.

Steve on Why His Work Is Rewarding

“I like doing land deals. It gets me out on properties that have important natural resource values, and I get to work to protect them. And once they’re protected, I get the satisfaction of knowing they’re going to be a state park or a state forest or a state wildlife management area or a Nature Conservancy preserve for perpetuity. The fact that something you did will stand the test of time and be available for future generations to enjoy and benefit from is probably the coolest part of my job.”

Program Benefits

• Improved water quality for citizens of Maryland
• Protected habitat for endangered species and other wildlife
• Increased access to parks and other public lands and recreational opportunities through coalition for open space.
• Minimize ecological impacts and maintain health, safety, and well-being of western Maryland citizens who stand to be affected by potential Marcellus gas drilling

Steve’s Hopes for the Next 3-5 Years

• Work with the Marcellus Advisory Commission toward funding mechanisms for studies and permit reviews that would ensure potential Marcellus gas drilling is done appropriately
• Develop best management practices for the natural gas industry to protect the health and safety of western Maryland citizens
• See continuation of Conservancy’s tradition of protecting important places in Maryland, as well as across the country and internationally

Recent Opinions and News Coverage

• Making the Case for Open Space (news release), February 21, 2012

Key Program Partners

• Partners for Open Space
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources
• Maryland Department of the Environment
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation
• Thousand Friends in Maryland
• League of Conservation Voters
• Trust for Public Land
• Conservation Fund
• Private land owners

Credentials & Experience

• M.S. and B.S., Zoology
• Univ. of Georgia Marine Institute (graduate research and professional experience)
• Univ. of Maryland Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (professional experience)
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation (professional experience)

 

Steve Bunker

Director of Conservation Programs

Read Steve Bunker's Full Biography

Read Steve Bunker's Full Biography

Read Steve Bunker's Full Biography