Kyle Johnson, a Columbia Falls native and veteran wilderness specialist for Glacier National Park, recently was given the National Park Service's regional Wilderness Champion Award.

Johnson was recognized as an outstanding wilderness steward and leader for his role in promoting wilderness accountability, consistency and continuity at Glacier Park.

"Kyle is a stalwart protector of Glacier's wilderness values, and embodies the wilderness spirit," Glacier Superintendent Chas Cartwright said in a news release. "He is respected for his knowledge, expertise and leadership as a wilderness specialist, and we are very fortunate to have him at Glacier."

Johnson is regarded as a teacher and mentor to those seeking knowledge and skills in the wild.

He developed and instructs the park's wilderness training program for backcountry rangers and volunteers. He was worked with the University of Montana to create a unique and successful wilderness ranger internship position at the park.

His expertise with traditional tools in wilderness is shared with others as he teaches at interagency workshops and college courses.

Johnson oversees the park's backcountry permit program and is a leader in teaching leave-no-trace principles and practices.

His expertise also is utilized at regional and national levels within the National Park Service. He has created monitoring tools and visitor information programs that have been widely used, along with his contributions about agency policies on wilderness management.

"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."

Johnson is a Columbia Falls High School graduate and a 31-year veteran at Glacier. He lives in Columbia Falls with his wife, Mary, and their two children.