The USDA Forest Service announced that Lindsey Steinwachs has been selected as the new Pacific Crest Trail Administrator. With several years of experience working in national forests along the trail, Lindsey is very familiar with the PCT and replaces Beth Boyst, who recently retired after a long and successful career in the Forest Service.
New PCT Administrator Lindsey Steinwachs.
Lindsey will start on July 19 and comes from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada where she served as recreation officer for the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Previously, Lindsey worked as the recreation and lands officer on the Descanso Ranger District of Southern California’s Cleveland National Forest, where she managed a robust program that included overseeing the PCT from the Southern Terminus north to Scissors Crossing.
She has worked extensively with the PCTA to strengthen the PCT program. She leveraged partnerships to support trail improvements and research, managed the Crest Runner program to monitor recreation use impacts, and co-created the Southern Terminus host volunteer position to spread Leave No Trace ethics and monitor permit compliance.
“We’ve worked closely with Lindsey for several years,” says PCTA Director of Trail Operations Jennifer Tripp. “As the recreation and lands officer for the Cleveland National Forest, she’s managed what is one of the most heavily-used stretches of the trail in all three states. We’re excited to see her continue the extraordinary work done by Beth Boyst. No doubt she’ll do outstanding work in the position and be a collaborative partner with the PCTA to protect and manage the PCT.”
Lindsey attended the University of Akron, Ohio where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in biology and joined the federal workforce when she was hired with the National Park Service as a biological technician. After working at two national parks seasonally (Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore) , she accepted a permanent position as a wetland biologist in Minnesota with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
During her time at the NRCS, Lindsey completed her master’s degree online in parks and resource management from Slippery Rock University. Upon graduating, Lindsey began her career in recreation management with the Forest Service and is ecstatic for the opportunity to oversee this national scenic trail that spans some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the United States.
“I’m beyond ecstatic to contribute to preservation of this national treasure and to be a part of this unique and inspiring community,” says Lindsey. “The Pacific Crest Trail is truly a national gem that provides all of us an opportunity to build a deeper connection with ourselves, nature, and community. As environmental and social pressures build along on the PCT, I am dedicated to upholding the trail’s core values and relationships so the trail can continue to bring awe and wonder for future generations.”
Regarding her predecessor Beth Boyst, Lindsey says “Beth lives her passion for the trail—it’s contagious! It was a privilege to work with her during my time on the Cleveland National Forest, and her enthusiasm for the trail ultimately influenced my desire to be involved with the trail in a greater capacity.”