About the Authors

• Author: Laurie A. Ristino/Jessica E. Jay
• Pages: 11-11

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About the Aut hor s

Laurie A. R istino has worked on land conservation a nd protection for over 20 years. In her role as senior

counsel at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, she advised the Natural Resources Conservation Service on

farm bill ea sement programs and worked to perfec t conservation deals in nearly every st ate in the Union.

She currently serves as the Director of the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems and an Associate Pro-

fessor of L aw at Vermont Law School, where she continues to advocate for sustainable food systems and

working lands conservation while mentoring the next generation of environmental advocates. Laurie holds

a B.A. from t he University of Michigan, a J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law, and an MPA

from George Mason University. She resides in Hanover, New Hampshire, with her wonderfu l family and

loving (albeit neurotic) dog.

Jessica E. Jay is founder a nd principal at torney of Conser vation Law, P.C., a law rm devoted to ensur-

ing the permanence of land conservation through sound tra nsactions. Jessica represents ea sement holders

and landowners to conserve working landscapes and environmentally signic ant properties in the Rocky

Mountain West. She engages easement holders, professionals, and landowners in educational workshops,

and guides the next generation of land conservationists through her Land Conservation Law courses at the

Vermont Law School and the Denver University Law School. Jessica received her B.A. from Bowdoin Col-

lege and her J.D. and Master of Science in Executive Leadership from Vermont Law School.

Authors Jessica Jay (left) and Laurie Ristino (right) along the White River in South Royalton,

Vermont. Photo cour tesy of Sarah Dan ly.