Ensuring wildilfe Thrive in Utah
Through collaborative efforts with governments, organizations, and individuals, the UWF works to create policies and initiatives that ensure wildlife thrive in Utah.
Mission & Purpose.
The Utah Wildlife Federation is the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Our mission is to ensure wildlife thrive in Utah. Our goal is to bring the many diverse voices of this unique state together to fashion a collaborative spirit in securing the future of wildlife and outdoor recreation. We are guided by the North American Model for Wildlife Conservation and wildlife research.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to fostering a culture of respect and understanding among all stakeholders. We recognize that hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts all have a role to play in the conservation of our natural resources, and that by working together, we can build a better future for everyone. We believe that by respecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of all members of our community, we can create a more inclusive and effective conservation movement that truly represents the voice of Utah.
Our Leadership.
Shauna Hart
Chair
Shauna Hart is a national award winning wildlife and conservation photographer residing in Logan, Utah. She has worked diligently over the years to capture the essence and beauty of the wildlife and ecosystems that exist in Utah and the intermountain west. Studying behaviors, tracking, and working with DWR biologists in northern Utah has increased her understanding of the importance of maintaining and improving the health, numbers, and balance of varied species she photographs.
Shauna has a BA in Communications, and a Masters in Business Administration. She has managed teams in various industries including outdoor equipment (Eddie Bauer), customer service (CampSaver), and healthcare.
Shauna is a contributing photographer to several conservation groups, and she volunteers in community science projects as well.
Shauna’s passion for all things wild, and the future of all species drives her to learn, explore, and participate in UWF’s efforts in advocating for wildlife in Utah.
John Fairchild
Vice Chair
John was introduced to hunting and fishing at an early age by his father, an avid outdoorsman. The decision to pursue a career in wildlife management was an easy one. A California native, John attended Utah State University and obtained a degree in Wildlife Science. He followed that up with MS and PhD degrees from BYU in Range and Wildlife Resources. While in school, he worked seasonally for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and was eventually hired on to work in various capacities in their habitat management program. John retired from the DWR in 2016 after 38 years of employment with the agency; the last ten years as the regional supervisor for the Central Region. For the past four years John has served on the Utah Chapter Board of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers as the Access and Policy Coordinator and continues to serve that organization as a policy advisor.
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Mary McKinley
Board Member
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Mary McKinley retired in 2022 after serving as the Executive Director of the Ogden Nature Center for 19 years. She had previously worked for the organization as the Director of Development and Assistant Director. She came to the environmental education and conservation field from the bicycle industry and has had a lifelong love of the natural world. In addition to her work leading the Ogden Nature Center, Mary has had extensive involvement in the community. She served as President of the Rotary Club of Ogden, was a member of the Junior League of Ogden, and was on a variety of city committees. As executive director, she enjoyed her involvement
with Weber State University and was on several university committees and advisory boards until her retirement. Her nonprofit board experience includes service on the Utah Society of Environmental Education board and was the board treasurer of the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) and after her term expired, she has continued as a member of its finance committee. In addition to the Utah Wildlife Federation board, Mary is also currently on the board of the Northern Utah Academy of Math, Engineering and Science (NUAMES), a public charter high school. She is an avid fly fisherwoman, cyclist, and cross-country skier, among other things. She enjoys birdwatching and learning about wildlife. She loves living in Utah!
Guy Perkins
Board Member
“The first question we should ask, and work to answer, before we alter or become involved with anything that involves engaging with wildlife is this; is it good for the resource?” Guy Perkins’ parents immersed him in outdoor activities. Neither parent bowhunted but Guy had a curiosity towards it. An elective course at USU one summer offered the National Bowhunter Education Program for a credit. That course redirected his path. He has been an advocate of outdoor education since. Guy was instrumental in bringing the NBEP program to Utah and Idaho.
He has served on the RAC (“back in the day”) as a sportsman’s representative. 40 years of sales, marketing, and manufacturing in the outdoor industry gives him an insight into a “delicate balance”. His wife, Lora, and Labs Hope and Ruby allow him to live with them in Cache County. Guy gardens in the round pen that once helped train his Mustangs.
Ruby Yannie
Board Member
At two weeks old, Ruby was out in the Utah mountains on her first rifle deer hunt. Her love for hunting and the outdoors was ingrained in her by her parents almost literally since birth and has continued to grow. Ruby attended the University of Utah and graduated in 2021 with a Bachelors of Science in Anthropology and a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. As a Northern Uintah and Ouray Ute and Diné descendant, Ruby continues her heritage with her beadwork, and advocating for Native voices in wilderness conversations. She believes in UWF's mission and hopes to make a lasting impact on Utah lands and wildlife for more generations to come.
Steve Schmidt
Board Member
Steve has built his life around the outdoors. Growing up fishing and skiing in Ohio, he moved to Utah in 1973 to pursue his passion for skiing, fishing, and exploring the West. From 1986 to 2022, he co-owned Western Rivers Flyfisher, allowing him to fish some of the world’s greatest waters and advocate for conservation.
Steve helped found the Utah Trout Foundation and served on the Utah Blue Ribbon Fishery Council for eight years. He was also selected to serve on the American Fly-fishing Trade Association board and has supported the Henry’s Fork Foundation for over 20 years.
More recently, Steve has worked with the Utah Stream Access Coalition to protect public access to rivers and streams. Now semi-retired, he spends his time fishing, biking, writing, photographing, and sharing his love for the outdoors with family and friends.
Scott Tolentino
Board Member
Scott was born and raised in Michigan. His father taught him how to fish before
he could hold a fishing rod by himself and became an avid, life-long fisherman.
Scott decided he wanted to become a fisheries biologist when he was about 8
years old and never wavered in his goal. He graduated with a B.S. degree in
fisheries; wildlife management from Lake Superior State University and then
worked as a seasonal fish technician with the Indiana DNR for three months
before being hired full-time as the southern Indiana fish research biologist. He
then went back to school and graduated with a M.S. degree in fisheries biology
from Ball State University. In 1992, he was hired by the Utah DWR as a fisheries
biologist at Bear Lake and went on to become the project leader. He spent the
majority of his over 30 year career working with both native and non-native sport
fish as well as four, Bear Lake endemic fish species until his retirement.
He also served on the Rich County School Board, the Garden City Planning;
Zoning Commission (chair) and on their chair of Garden City Board of
Adjustments (variance). Scott is both a passionate angler and hunter but also
enjoys gardening, hiking, camping and just recreating in the outdoors.
Becky Quay
Secretary
A New Hampshire native, Becky Quay spent a lot of time in the White Mountains
growing up. She now brings a blended background in engineering, education, and outreach to the Utah Wildlife Federation board. With a civil engineering degree and a Master’s in Teaching, she’s spent much of her career helping students and communities connect science with real-world problem solving. Becky currently works with the Berryman Institute at Utah State University, where she supports research, education, and outreach efforts to address the challenges at the intersection of humans and wildlife, promoting coexistence and sustainable management of human-wildlife interactions.
A longtime advocate for STEM, Becky has developed mentorship programs recognized at the national level and served in both classroom and advisory roles in schools across the country. She is passionate about science, nature, and wildlife. Becky lives in Logan, Utah, with her family, where she volunteers locally, hosts STEM fairs, and works to make sure more kids and communities see themselves in science and stewardship.
George Sommer
Board Member
George Sommer has dedicated his career to Utah’s wildlife and outdoor community, combining professional expertise, industry experience, and decades of volunteer leadership. He has worked as a Wildlife Recreation Programs Specialist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range and currently serves with the Utah Division of Water Rights. His professional background also includes outdoor product sales with Pure Fishing, Hendrix Outdoors, Westwater Products, Get Some Guns and Ammo, and Sportsman’s Warehouse.
For more than 21 years, George has served with the Utah BASS Federation, including 13 years as President. He spent 13 years on the Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council as the Warmwater Representative and Chair, 4 years as the Angler/Aquatic Representative on the Habitat Council, and continues to serve as an angler representative on the Boating Advisory Council. His past roles include membership on the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee under GOED, the Quagga Mussel Task Force, and Friends of Utah State Parks, as well as serving as the warmwater representative on the Pelican Lake, Starvation, and Utah Lake management plans.
A lifelong outdoorsman and advocate, George is also a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and Trout Unlimited, and he is a life member of B.A.S.S. His career and service reflect a lasting commitment to Utah’s fisheries, wildlife, and outdoor heritage.
Chris Schmitz
Board Member
As the daughter of a research entomologist for the US Forest Service, Chris grew up spending time in the National Forests of the western United States and developed a love for the plants and animals that made their homes here.
Chris Schmitz became the Education Director at Utah’s Hogle Zoo in March of 2006. She is responsible for directing, coordinating and implementing the educational activities at the Zoo including the exhibit signage and interpretation, guest engagement program, the zoo’s, Utah Habitat Explorations, Informal Science Education Enhancement (iSEE) outreach program to 2nd graders throughout the State and the on-and off-site zoo education classes and programming. She has worked as a consultant for the National Science Teachers Associations SciGuides and Science Objects programs, is a NOAA Climate Steward, Utah Master Naturalist, NAI Certified Interpretive Guide and a Polar Bears International Ambassador. Along with traveling to Mozambique, India, and Madagascar to work with the zoo’s conservation partners to develop conservation education programs.
Prior to working at UHZ, Chris was an Assistant Professor at Oregon State University Extension in Youth Development, the Director of Public Programs and Volunteer Services at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Education Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator at Point Defiance Zoo, an Education Specialist at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and an Educator at Sea World of California. She holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University and Bachelors Degrees in Biology and British American Literature from Scripps College.
Previous Board Members
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Brett Prettyman
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Charlie Luke
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Bill Christensen
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Chad Utley
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Brian Perkes
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Helani Torres
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Ken Verdoia
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Melissa Early
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Austin Green
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Lindsey Davis
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Brody Leven
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Megan Mustoe
The Staff.
Isobel Lingenfelter
Conservation Director
Isobel works as the Utah Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Director. In this role, Isobel cultivates collaborative partnerships, manages our conservation programs, and works with internal leadership to help build a foundation for the Utah Wildlife Federation to achieve long-term organizational success. Isobel graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s in Urban Ecology in 2016 while working for Utah Diné Bikéyah, a Native American land conservation group. She graduated with her Master's in City & Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and has continued to work for wild and cultural landscapes. Isobel received the 2025 Young Leader National Conservation Achievement Award from the National Wildlife Federation for her extraordinary contribution to the conservation of wildlife and natural resources. Born and raised in Utah, Isobel focuses on how to promote the economic, social, and ecological health of places held dear, believing one cannot thrive without the other.
Partners.
At the Utah Wildlife Federation, we believe that conservation is a collaborative effort. That's why we are proud to work alongside a diverse network of partners who share our passion for protecting the natural beauty and wildlife of Utah. From government agencies to private organizations, we value the unique contributions of each of our partners in helping us achieve our mission. Together, we are committed to preserving and enhancing Utah's wildlife habitats for generations to come. We welcome you to explore the amazing work of our partners and join us in this vital effort.
