Russel W. Riggs

Supervisor of Lands

As the current Supervisor of Lands, I have learned so much about the critical role that lands play in protecting and maintaining the trails, huts, cabins and ecosystems overseen by the PATC - however, there is still much to do! One of my focus areas of the last two years as Lands Supervisor has been to better quantify the amount, location and condition of the land that PATC owns and manages and maintains. That work will continue because it is so important to the future of the organization and the mission of the PATC. We will also continue to explore opportunities to purchase and protect strategically located parcels of land that help protect, ecosystems, and access to huts, cabins and trails. Population growth and demographic shifts will make that even more important as we fulfill our mission to connect people with this amazing resource.

Relevant Experience

The two years I have spent as Supervisor of Lands has been a most rewarding and a true learn-on the job experience. In addition, I also have a boots-on-the-ground knowledge as a trail maintainer of two trails in the SNP and a maintainer of the Gravel Spring Hut. I am also an avid hiker and outdoorsperson (currently section hiking the AT) and have a passion for environmental policy and issues, having worked my entire career in that field.