Celebrating International Day of Women in Science

Meet Lindsey Schmitt, a wildlife biologist with the BLM Burley Field Office. Over the past eight years, Lindsey has gone above and beyond in support of conservation and stewardship on public lands. Alongside her full-time role, she has taken on additional responsibilities as a wildland firefighter, engine operator trainee, and resource advisor—providing critical support during Idaho’s busy fire seasons.

In 2021, Lindsey earned her master’s degree from the University of Idaho, developing region-specific habitat models for the pygmy rabbit while working full time for the BLM. Her research helps inform land management decisions and protect sensitive wildlife habitat across Idaho.

Lindsey is also passionate about sharing science with others. She leads wildlife education efforts at local elementary school science nights, inspiring curiosity in young learners, and volunteers with partners to support bat monitoring and Short-eared Owl research across the West. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication exemplify the impact women in science have every day.

Meet Christina Fisher, a geologist with the BLM Burley Field Office. For the past three and a half years, Christina has demonstrated sustained technical expertise and professional commitment to conservation and stewardship on public lands while supporting responsible mineral and geothermal development. Her work integrates careful planning and review of mining and geothermal projects with coordination among interdisciplinary specialists to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, protection of sensitive plant and wildlife resources, and the facilitation of economically viable resource use.

In addition to her primary duties, Christina has assumed the role of district contact for the minerals program, taking on expanded responsibilities that include bond reviews and evaluation of mining notice submissions. Through this role, she helps ensure that mineral development proceeds in a manner that minimizes environmental risk while providing clear regulatory pathways that support economic opportunities. Her strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and consistency have made her a key technical resource for both the Twin Falls District and Burley Field Office.

Christina also supports public land management and economic development through the processing and administration of mining notices, free-use permits, geothermal leasing actions, and field inspections. By efficiently reviewing these actions, she contributes to responsible energy and mineral development that supports jobs, infrastructure, and long-term economic benefits for surrounding communities.  Her enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication highlight the powerful impact women in science make every day. 

Meet Riley Stedman, a wildlife biologist with the BLM Burley Field Office. In just two years, Riley has become a key contributor to science-based wildlife management, applying ecological principles and field data to inform conservation planning and landscape-scale decision-making. She also serves as the district wildlife biologist for the fuels program, integrating wildlife considerations into fuels treatments.

Riley supports Idaho’s fire seasons as a wildland firefighter, providing on-the-ground expertise during dynamic environmental conditions. She earned her master’s degree in 2022 from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where her research focused on waterfowl and wetland ecology, emphasizing habitat use and ecosystem function.

Committed to advancing and sharing science, Riley leads wildlife education activities at local school events and collaborates on applied research supporting kit fox and waterfowl conservation across the West. Her work highlights how rigorous science, collaboration, and curiosity drive effective stewardship of public lands—and the vital contributions women make to science.

Meet Molly Gardner, a Rangeland Management Specialist with the BLM Burley Field Office. For the past nine years, Molly has applied science-based rangeland management to support the health and sustainability of public lands. She is a trusted collaborator with colleagues and livestock permittees, using monitoring data, ecological objectives, and adaptive management to guide effective rangeland stewardship.

Molly also serves as the field office planning and environmental coordinator, where she applies her expertise in NEPA to support interdisciplinary teams and ensure land-use decisions are scientifically sound. In addition, she supports the Twin Falls District fire program as a resource advisor and wildland firefighter, integrating ecological considerations into fire response and recovery efforts.

Molly holds a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology from West Texas A&M University and a Master of Science from the University of Idaho, where her research focused on the effects of wild horses on rangeland ecosystems. She is passionate about sharing rangeland science, supporting local FFA students and engaging with schools to promote understanding of plants, grazing systems, and ecosystem processes. Molly’s dedication, scientific expertise, and leadership highlight the critical role women play in advancing science and stewardship of public lands.

Meet Kyla Griffin, a natural resource specialist with the BLM Jarbidge Field Office. She oversees the botany program and is the lead for all BLM sensitive or threatened and endangered plants within the Jarbidge Field Office. Kyla began her career with BLM shortly after serving our country as a U.S. Marine. Being a Marine requires intense physical and mental training, high ethical standards, and a commitment to protecting national security. She was a helicopter mechanic in the Marine Corps, and served as a plane captain, which gave her the authority and responsibility to sign off aircraft as safe for flight (at 19!!!) which meant having an eye for detail and identifying inoperable parts. This leads right into why Kyla is such a valuable, intelligent teammate here at BLM; she can balance the needs of the resources under BLM's multiple-use mandate with strength and grace. 

Kyla is a valued member of our resource advisor team, consistently supporting fire personnel with real-time resource concerns during and after wildfires. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on environmental policy from Boise State University. Her continuing education includes a University of Idaho graminoid identification course, the Seeds for Success seed collection class, Restoration of Sagebrush Ecosystems training, and extensive hands-on learning with Jarbidge botanists.

Dedicated to public service, Kyla uses her skills to advance our public lands. She is an enthusiastic, well-respected team member who inspires others, especially students when she speaks about her career. Though she calls herself a “plant nerd,” she is truly a devoted public servant who loves her work. We are grateful to have her on our team.