"The National Forests have always been and continue to be one of the best places to escape to and re-center oneself."
BIO
Matthew Podolinsky (he/him) joined the NFF in April 2023 as the Utah Recreation Program Coordinator. His work focuses on engaging with partners and facilitating recreation projects on National Forest System lands in Utah. His first projects will center on projects on Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (Ashley National Forest) and Bears Ears National Monument (Manti-La Sal National Forest).
Matthew was raised in Helena, Montana, where he spent his adolescence hiking in the surrounding mountains. Prior to working with the NFF, Matthew worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service across the western United States.
Most recently, he worked for the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, training volunteers to monitor cultural resources across the state of Utah. Matt has a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Utah.