Tom McCollum has lived in Colorado since 2009, spending most of that time in Chaffee County. He works with the U.S. Forest Service as a Fuels Specialist for the Salida and Leadville Ranger Districts, with much of his career focused on fire suppression and fuels mitigation—another critical form of land stewardship and conservation.

Tom has through-hiked both the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, experiences that shaped his appreciation for extended time in the backcountry. He brings both professional expertise and personal passion to his understanding of land management and outdoor recreation.

He spends much of his free time outdoors, with a strong interest in backpacking, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing. Having participated in numerous hut trips over the years, Tom values the unique access they provide to Colorado’s more remote landscapes. His involvement with the Southern Colorado Hut Initiative reflects a desire to give back to the hut system and support thoughtful, sustainable access to the places he knows well.

Tom brings a deep familiarity with both private and public lands in the region, along with a strong respect for responsible land use, to his role as a SCHI Hut Board Member.