by Partnership for the National Trails System, adapted from an August 5, 2019 news release
Chris Loudenslager
The National Park Service (NPS) selected Chris Loudenslager as Superintendent of North Country National Scenic Trail in Michigan. Loudenslager, who had served as the Trail Manager, assumed his new role in August.
“Chris has extensive experience in outdoor recreation and trail management,” said NPS Acting Midwest Regional Director Patricia Trap. “He will be a strong partner to the communities along the expanding trail, and he will work with the outstanding park service staff at the trail to continue providing meaningful and impactful experiences to trail users.”
With over 15 years of experience with the Federal land management agencies, including the NPS and U.S. Forest Service, Chris has held numerous leadership positions. He joined the staff at North Country in 2014, after working for the NPS at Isle Royale National Park and the USFS at Superior and Huron-Manistee national forests in Minnesota and Michigan, respectively.
“I am honored to be selected for this important leadership position,” he said. “As the longest national scenic trail in the United States, the North Country National Scenic Trail is an amazing resource linking a diversity of landscapes and experiences across eight states. The trail is also about people: the history and cultures along the trail; the dedicated volunteers who build and maintain the trail, and the variety of people the trail serves. I am passionate about providing a world-class trail experience, building and maintaining the relationships, and supporting our partners and staff to ensure the trail is welcoming and available to all who visit.”
Prior to his civilian service, he served in the U.S. Army for nine years. Chris has a bachelor of science degree in forestry from Michigan Technological University and a master of science degree in park, recreation, and tourism resources from Michigan State University. An avid outdoors person who is fascinated by the beauty and science of nature, Chris loves to call northwest Michigan his home.
Unless otherwise indicated, all material in Pathways Across America is public domain. All views expressed herein are perspectives of individuals working on behalf of the National Trails System and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the Federal agencies.
