Leo Drey

Leo A. Drey (1917-2015) was an American conservationist, businessman, and philanthropist best known for his pioneering efforts in private land conservation and sustainable forestry practices. He was the founder and owner of Pioneer Forest, a 160,000-acre (approximately 65,000-hectare) tract of Ozark forest land in Missouri.

Drey acquired Pioneer Forest gradually, beginning in the 1950s, with the explicit goal of demonstrating that selective harvesting and responsible stewardship could simultaneously produce timber and preserve the ecological integrity of a large forest. His innovative approach, which prioritized long-term forest health over short-term profits, became a model for sustainable forestry.

Instead of clearcutting, Drey implemented a selection cutting system that removed only mature or diseased trees, allowing younger trees to grow and maintain a diverse forest structure. He also focused on protecting water quality, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity within Pioneer Forest.

Drey's work with Pioneer Forest earned him numerous awards and accolades, including recognition from the Society of American Foresters, The Nature Conservancy, and the Missouri Conservation Federation. He was a vocal advocate for private land conservation and inspired many others to adopt sustainable forestry practices. Upon his death, ownership of Pioneer Forest was transferred to the L-A-D Foundation, a non-profit organization he established to ensure the long-term conservation and management of the property. The L-A-D Foundation continues to manage Pioneer Forest according to Drey's original vision, serving as a living demonstration of sustainable forestry and a valuable resource for research and education.