John Huppert was one of the original founding members of the Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) and he served on the Board of Directors since the organization’s inception in 2001. He was serving as President at the time of his passing on February 18, 2025.

John was a long-time, respected Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources forester who served many counties in northern Wisconsin prior to his retirement.  He was someone who knew forests, lakes, and rivers, and their value to our state. His appreciation went far beyond the commercial value of trees to the forest industry, public lands, and private landowners. John knew some properties thrived under proper management and stewardship. He saw firsthand what land fragmentation and poor management can do to the lands of northern Wisconsin.

So, it wasn’t surprising that beyond that service to the State of Wisconsin, John dedicated much of his energy to shaping and sustaining the mission of the Northwoods Land Trust. He was instrumental in establishing NWLT’s mission that gives landowners options to protect valuable and cherished lands. He knew the far-reaching impact it would have to help keep some portions of private lands in our northern counties intact. He knew that conserved forests are vital to the integrity of Wisconsin’s ecological landscapes and to the human soul.

John’s duties as President, and as a chairman of multiple committees, required many hours of his time, which he offered with grace and persistence. Even more valuable to NWLT were the days when he contributed his expertise and experience as a forester. He designed and reviewed many management plans over his time. For the few properties that NWLT conserves as working forests, he conducted timber cruises and set up timber sales. All of this was a voluntary donation to an organization that he believed to be worthwhile. And he was a champion for setting up NWLT’s dedicated Land Protection Fund, established with recent timber sale income, so more special areas can be permanently protected.

NWLT’s board and staff members recognize the calm, keen eye he used to keep the organization focused, on track, trustworthy, and sustainable for 24 years. He was able to recollect details from the past, providing respected guidance to newcomers.

Everyone connected to NWLT will be forever grateful for his contributions, and dedicated foresight, as it has shaped NWLT into what it is today. He is a generous example of a person that will be more than difficult to replace. John was the ambassador for NWLT’s Northwoods Legacy Society, formed in 2023. His legacy will live on in the forests and lands he walked, cared about, and preserved for generations that will follow.

To read more about John, and to celebrate his life with many of his family and friends, visit Bolger Funeral Home.