Park budget will allow new hires

A Glacier National Park budget report has been completed, showing increases in operational funding but a shortfall for cyclic maintenance projects.

Acting Superintendent Stephanie Dubois summed up the analysis of the park's $25 million budget for 2008:

"This year, we have good news in regards to our base funding, but our special project funding is not as robust as in previous years. Nevertheless, the National Park Service, including Glacier National Park, has fared much better than many other federal agencies."

The park's base operating budget increased from $12 million to $13.1 million for the year, mostly because of the National Park Service "Centennial Initiative" pledge to boost funding nationwide.

The additional funding will provide for new positions: Two interpretive ranger positions, one at Two Medicine and another at Many Glacier, where a seasonal position also will be added; nine seasonal positions in facilities management, and an extension for current seasonal positions; in visitor and resource protection, two biological technicians, a fire and forestry technician, a permanent ranger, three seasonal rangers, and funding to allow 16 rangers to work longer seasons.

"In practical terms," Dubois said, "this base operating funding increase means that we will be able to hire more seasonal employees and visitors will see more rangers out in the park."

She noted that a new watchable wildlife program will also be established at Many Glacier.

The park was less successful in getting funding for cyclic maintenance projects in several areas. Funding fell short by $248,000 for trails, $300,000 for buildings, $161,000 for visitor areas and $240,000 for roads.

"Lack of funding for these projects will result in an overall net loss of temporary employees in these areas unless funding is secured through other means," a park press release states. "Loss of special project positions will impact trail repair work as well as historic preservation, buildings, and campground maintenance."

But Dubois added that park staffers are optimistic about the potential for getting adequate cyclic maintenance funding next year, and the potential to shore up funding for some seasonal positions this year with the help of nonprofit park partners such as the Glacier National Park Fund.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at jmann@dailyinterlake.com