As the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship (UCSS) Program has expanded with over 365 volunteers and 133 land managing partners, the need for additional coordination has increased. To better manage stewarding efforts the UCSS Program has divided the state into 10 regions. These regions were developed in consideration to travel times from various program hub locations and primary routes of accessibility to each region. As of February 2024 the UCSS Program now has four incredible part-time Regional Coordinators helping to support UCSS staff, stewards and other program efforts in Utah.
The UCSS Regional Coordinators support the program by placing stewards, assisting with events, workshops and participating in projects within their respective counties. Regional Coordinators are essential in helping the UCSS Program more effectively reach every corner of the state.
Let’s Meet the UCSS Regional Coordinators
Emery Blanchard
- Coordinator in Regions 8 and 9 (Garfield, Kane & Washington Counties)
- Originally from Park City, UT
- Emery is both a UCSS Regional Coordinator and an AmeriCorps program volunteer. This partnership has helped UCSS more fully focus on needed program capacity building projects in regions 8 and 9. Outside of stewardship, Emery is an EMT in Kanab, she enjoys hiking, and loves road trips.
- Her favorite season is fall because of everything pumpkin and hunting season.
Mike Wingert
- Coordinator in Region 10 (San Juan County)
- Originally from Texas and Colorado
- Mike is a retired law enforcement officer and outside of stewardship, he works with the Navajo Nation assisting with the management and operations of a cattle and bison ranch.
- His favorite season is fall because of the foliage, active animals, and bird migrations.
Kelly Lynch
- Coordinator for Regions 2 and 5 (Carbon, Daggett & Uintah Counties)
- Originally from Montana
- Kelly is a Wildlife Biotech for the Vernal/Flaming Gorge District of the Ashley National Forest outside of stewardship. She also enjoys birding and hiking with her dog, George.
- Her favorite season is winter because of how the snow transforms the landscape and being able to cross country ski.
Ryan Moreau
- Coordinator for Region 4 (Sevier, Sanpete & Piute Counties)
- Originally from Colorado
- Outside of stewardship, Ryan is a field surveyor and drone operator for Sunrise Engineering.
- His favorite seasons are spring and fall because both are desert exploring season
The Program is looking forward to having Emery, Mike, Kelly, and Ryan involved in more events, steward placements and projects going into 2024. We hope that you all get to work with each of them. They are awesome folks and bring a variety of different skill sets, experiences and knowledge to the UCSS Team.