Appointed Conservator of Forests for South Australia in 1878, a position which he still holds with satisfaction to the Government and the public.
Mr. Brown has received many testimonials from those who appreciate his abilities, and among the honors he has gained, the following may be enumerated:—He is Gold Medalist of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, for "Report upon Trees found in California," Silver Medalist of the Scottish Arboricultural Society, for "Report on Trees found in the Canadian Forests," holds silver medal and diploma from the International Forestry Exhibition of Edinburgh, held in 1884, for exhibits in botanical specimens and forest literature.
"He was commissioned in 1895 to produce a report on forest resources for the state government of Western Australia, undertaking research that included journeying over five thousand kilometres in a year, and leading to the formation of the Department of Woods and Forests, of which he was appointed to head as the first conservator.
During his tenure he encouraged the introduction of softwood plantations and sandalwood, and is credited with a fivefold increase in the export value of the state's hardwood resources.
John Ednie Brown died at Cottesloe, Western Australia of complications arising from influenza and was buried at North Fremantle.