Kim Waites currently serves as the Wilderness Stewardship Coordinator for Wild Alabama facilitating stewardship efforts across all three federally designated Wilderness areas in the National Forests of Alabama, Sipsey, Cheaha and Dugger Mountain. Kim holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in History and English with a concentration in Asian and Religious history. They cultivated a passion for all things outdoors in their adult life which led them into the nonprofit conservation world. Kim found her niche in conserving and preserving natural history and its precious resources. Whether they are pulling a crosscut saw in a wilderness area or pouring over inventories of non native plants, recreation sites or social trails, their actions always point in the direction of conserving our wild places. Kim is a Leave No Trace Level Two Instructor, Leopold Land Ethic Educator and a Wilderness First Responder. Kim also holds a certificate in Wilderness Stewardship through a course offered in partnership through Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands and the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. Ask Kim one question and your life will be forever changed, “Why can’t you use a chainsaw in a wilderness area?”
In 2023, Kim completed Wilderness Character Monitoring and Baseline assessements for all three federally designated Wilderness areas in National Forests in Alabama. Kim is a "C" level Traditional Tools instructor which allows them to conduct trainings for traditional tools. In addition, Kim is the Alabama State Advocate for Leave No Trace. In 2023, they were awarded the Individual Champion of Wilderness Stewardship at the National Wilderness Workshop in Missoula, Montana hosted by the National Wilderness Stewardship Allliance and Society for Wilderness Stewardship.
Contact: [email protected]
In 2023, Kim completed Wilderness Character Monitoring and Baseline assessements for all three federally designated Wilderness areas in National Forests in Alabama. Kim is a "C" level Traditional Tools instructor which allows them to conduct trainings for traditional tools. In addition, Kim is the Alabama State Advocate for Leave No Trace. In 2023, they were awarded the Individual Champion of Wilderness Stewardship at the National Wilderness Workshop in Missoula, Montana hosted by the National Wilderness Stewardship Allliance and Society for Wilderness Stewardship.
Contact: [email protected]