B.S. Environmental Science and Policy 2013, St. Edward’s University
What experiences stood out to you the most during your time as an SBFC Fellow?
Overall, I just had the best time backpacking in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness--cutting out SO MANY trees, eating all the food, working in burn areas, and swimming everywhere. And the solitude! I remember making a public contact at a lake 11 miles back and telling Adam Washebek, USFS Wilderness Ranger, who said “Wow you guys saw actual people?!” To me, the sheer size and the opportunities for solitude that you have in big remote wilderness areas like the Selway-Bitterroot or the Frank is so special. Unfortunately, it’s becoming much harder to find.
What was the most important lesson you learned during your time in the field with SBFC?
Kristina with her SBFC crew in 2013.
There were a lot of sufferfests slogging a heavy backpack uphill for miles and I remember it being a summer of blisters for me and a couple of other interns. My supervisor at the time, Kenzie Carson, taught me how to prevent and take care of blisters and I still use the moleskin donut technique all the time (thank you Kenzie!) That’s more of a technical, practical skill. That being said, within that practical skill lies a lesson about taking care of your health, so as a leader you can help other people take care of themselves, too.
What has been your career path since your time with SBFC?
I went on to work seasonally on the San Juan National Forest in Colorado as a wilderness ranger, on trail crews, and timber crews from 2014-2019. In total I worked eight seasons including my time on the San Juan, with SBFC and on other forests. I am now the Lead Wilderness Ranger on the Columbine Ranger District for the San Juan National Forest. In my district we manage part of the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness in Colorado, and the Hermosa Creek Wilderness, the newest wilderness area in Colorado.
How has what you learned while being a Fellow informed your current position?
My experience as a Fellow provided me with a solid foundation for my career so far, especially because I’ve continued working in wilderness. I still do most of the things I did as a Fellow, such as logging out trail, campsite rehabilitation, public contacts, and trail work. Now I also do the managing and planning for the summer season in addition to the boots-on-the-ground work. Most of all, I think working with SBFC showed me the power of the wilderness community and how important it is to have strong partnerships. I really value that community aspect and try to model that experience, especially now I am on the government side of things and see how badly we need people on all sides to protect the American wilderness as an enduring resource.
Any advice for people who want to follow in your footsteps?
I always try to remember to have heart and balance humility with ambition. Find a mentor, remember that you can always learn more from others than you can teach them, and stand up for yourself and your beliefs.