Kyle Johnson, a Columbia Falls native and 31-year employee of Glacier National Park, was awarded the National Park Service Intermountain Wilderness Champion Award this month in recognition of his work as a wilderness specialist, including his efforts with Glacier’s back-country permit and training programs.
“Kyle is a stalwart protector of Glacier’s wilderness values and embodies the wilderness spirit. He is respected for his knowledge, expertise and leadership as a wilderness specialist, and we are very fortunate to have him at Glacier,” said Superintendent Chas Cartwright in a press release.
The award was established to recognize National Park Service employees in the intermountain region who are doing notable work in preserving wilderness areas. Johnson has expanded these efforts by working closely with groups both in and out of the park, including the Flathead National Forest and University of Montana. According to a press release, Johnson has also worked on visitor information programs that have aided parks throughout the country.
“I’m honored to work at Glacier National Park and be recognized for my role in protection of this special place,” Johnson said. “The job we have as stewards is bigger than one individual and I’m fortunate to work with a great team at the park.”