Glacier National Park wilderness specialist Kyle Johnson has been awarded the National Park Service Director’s Wes Henry National Excellence in Wilderness Stewardship Individual Award for 2011.

It’s been more than 20 years since the Wes Henry award was presented to a Glacier Park employee. A Columbia Falls native, Johnson has worked at Glacier Park for 31 years. He was awarded the National Park Service Intermountain Region Wilderness Champion Award in February.

In addition to ensuring Park wilderness values are protected through careful management decisions, Johnson works on joint river management plans between the Park and the Flathead National Forest and establishing cross-border relationships that benefit wilderness for the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

“Kyle’s dedication to preserving wilderness values and expertise in wilderness management practices make him an invaluable asset to Glacier, the region and the agency,” Glacier Park superintendent Chas Cartwright said. “We are honored to have Kyle and his skills at Glacier.”