Association donates $174,500 to Glacier

The Daily Inter Lake

The Glacier Natural History Association has approved a 2006 donation package totaling $174,500 for Glacier National Park.

The donation is well above the previous high of $148,815 the association gave the park this year.

Highlights in the aid package include continued support for the park's free publication program, broadened funding for the Native America Speaks interpretive program, archive and museum support and funding to develop a guide for park staff to identify rare plants.

"We are fortunate to have such a strong partner in the Glacier Natural History Association," Glacier Superintendent Mick Holm said in a press release. "Exciting programs, such as the Native America Speaks program, will receive support through their aid package. These programs will broaden the visitor's experience and will give visitors a greater appreciation of the park's natural and cultural resources."

The association is a nonprofit park partner that relies on proceeds from educational books that are sold in the park.

"We have had very good support from the visiting public in purchasing our books and other products at the park's visitor centers and ranger stations over the past two years," said Wendy Hill, the association's executive director. "This translates into greater support of the park's programs. We are pleased to offer this help in meeting the interpretive, educational and research needs of the park."