NPS/David Restivo The National Park Service collects Recreation Fees under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA). Recreation Fees provide a vital source of revenue for improving facilities and services for park visitors. That means that the money you hand the ranger at the entrance booth, is being put to use in Glacier to make the park—and your visit—better. Some improvements take place behind-the-scenes. Others may be a direct part of your park experience, like an interactive museum exhibit, an accessible trail, or even a new vault toilet. All of these projects are important to the continued preservation of your national parks. Thanks to all of you that have paid an entrance fee or bought a park pass at Glacier. This is a list of just some of the things your contributions have made possible: Current Projects
On-going Projects
Past Projects
NPS Design and Replacement of St. Mary Entrance Booths This construction project is currently underway, set to be completed spring 2017. The new entrance stations will be accessible and will provide more room for the fee collection operations that take place within. They will also be designed for safety to ensure our employees are protected while they occupy the building, and when entering or exiting the building. 
NPS / Jacob W. Frank Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention through Boat Inspections This project provides labor, supplies, and materials to formalize and expand Glacier National Park's program aimed at the prevention of aquatic invasive species infestation of park lakes, specifically exotic zebra/quagga mussels. It provides safe and effective prevention services to visitors who wish to launch boats on park lakes. Increased boat inspections and expanded visitor education are key elements. Since the pilot program launched in 2010, the park has increased the number of boats inspected and the frequency of inspections. Boats are now inspected and permitted upon entry to the park. Read more on the Boating Information & Permits page. 
NPS / Jacob W. Frank Restore Whitebark Pine Whitebark pine ecosystems provide critical habitat for grizzly bears, Clark's nutcrackers, and many other wildlife. Due to the exotic fungus, white pine blister-rust, whitebark pine has dramatically declined in Glacier. Scientists predict whitebark pine would die out without a management restoration program. The restoration project involves assessment of current stand conditions and monitoring recently planted whitebark pine for survival rates. Seeds are collected from trees with apparent rust-resistance, and the seed is propagated into seedling tree stock. Finally, trees are planted at appropriate sites and monitoring plots established. This whitebark pine ecosystem restoration program will maintain whitebark pine for bears, nutcrackers, wolverines, and the visitors who enjoy viewing them for many generations to come. Read more about these efforts in a resource brief. 
Courtesy Glacier National Park Conservancy Trail Work with Youth Crews This stewardship project funds 6-10 person youth conservation crews repairing and restoring popular hiking trails. The work consists of one, or all, of the following: turnpike repair, turnpike conversions (boardwalk converted to turnpike), erosion control work, brushing the trail corridor, trail structure repair, and trail tread repair. Crews used are from Student Conservation Association (SCA) and Montana Conservation Corp (MCC), which enlist young people 15 years old and up. Glacier has had a partnership with SCA for over twenty years and MCC for more than 10 years. Park personnel work alongside youth crews for educational purposes focusing on both trail building skills and as well as resource protection strategies. Read about opportunities working with these programs on the Teens page. 
NPS Wayside Exhibit Rehab Wayside exhibits are the signs found throughout the park, often along roadways, that explain a particular feature or view. A significant portion of Glacier's visiting public drive through the park without stopping at a visitor center or attending an interpretive program. But most people do see waysides. By rehabbing the wayside exhibits to explain the natural and cultural significance of specific park resources, we can increase visitor enjoyment, enhance public safety, and help to instill a sense of stewardship of Glacier National Park to park visitors. |
Last updated: July 26, 2023