Eivind T. Scoyen (1896-1973) received the Pugsley Medal in 1958 “For distinguished service and exceptional competence in furthering the objectives of the National Park Service in conservation of the Nation's scenic and cultural heritage over a period of 40 years.” He rose from a youthful seasonal contribution to the MISSION 66 programs and more specifically his significant efforts on Yellowstone Park trails to become the NPS associate director.
Scoyen's support and personal connections made important public relations inroads with communities near the park. When Scoyen was superintendent, he built connections with United States senators. With senators, Scoyen often discussed the property he owned, the other for Montana senators experienced with environmental legislation, Scoyen had high regard for their environmental views.
Scoyen was born in the old ‘blockhouse’ overlooking Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone.
This had been the first headquarters building constructed in any national park, and in the beginning in 1879 it served as both office and residence. It was constructed by the U.S. Army, which was responsible for administering Yellowstone when it was established as a national park. A new command post, Fort Yellowstone, was subsequently constructed by the Army in 1891, and the blockhouse was used exclusively as a residence.One such senator was assigned as superintendent of Sequoia National Park and subsequently to the newly created Kings Canyon National Park in California, which Scoyen followed for Scoyen. When he was appointed as associate director in Santa Fe. He remained there from 1943 until 1947. Returning to Washington as a superintendent of both the Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks was summoned to Washington by Director Conrad Wirth to be his associate.