Chris Sporl

Chris brings to the SAWS Board over 30 years of recreation experience with US Forest Service in recreation program management, landscape architecture, project management, Architectural/Engineering contract manager for numerous recreation and administrative site design projects, including the Maroon Bells Wilderness Area Visitor Center in Aspen, Colorado. His recreation experience has been developed at multiple levels within the agency, from the Ranger District; Supervisor’s Office; Regional Office; and the Washington Office. Chris has taken on tough challenges in recreation management and has strong leadership skills in working collaboratively with a wide range of diverse stakeholders, interest groups and partners such as The Wilderness Society, International Mountain Bicycle Association, and National Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition.

At the time of his retirement in December 2020, Chris served as the Director for Recreation, Heritage, Wilderness and Volunteer Resources providing regional leadership to guide the management of RWHV programs for the Southern Region. Chris focused on building a solid foundation across the RHWV program areas as they will work effectively with other conservation programs and partners to lead successful implementation of the 2020 Vision for Sustainable Recreation. This work focused collaboratively to meet goals and objectives for wilderness stewardship, protection of heritage resources, sustainability and leverage of volunteer services, and increased connections of a wide range of diverse citizens and communities to natural resources and outdoor experiences.

He has a B.S. in Horticulture from Louisiana Tech University and a Masters of Landscape Architecture for Louisiana State University. Chris’ personal interests with his wife of over thirty-nine years include road cycling, fly fishing, running, camping, and his passion for LSU football. Geaux Tigers!!!