Stewardship award named for Glacier veteran

 A Northwest Montana conservation group has established a Jack Potter Glacier National Park Stewardship Award.

Nominations for the award will be taken until Oct. 30.

The award, established by Headwaters Montana, recognizes the legacy of Potter, who retired in 2011 after 40 years of service in Glacier. He ended his career as the park’s chief of science and resource management.

Headwaters Montana created the award to help keep the public and park employees engaged in protecting Glacier Park.

“Jack Potter was an exemplary public servant and a real advocate for protecting the wonders of Glacier Park — from within the park’s administration,” said Dave Hadden, Headwaters Montana’s director. “We continue to honor Jack’s service and help motivate the public and park employees to maintain their vigilance over Glacier’s natural resources.”

Headwaters Montana will make a cash award on an annual basis to an individual within the National Park Service, the public or an organization going  beyond the call of duty to protect the park’s natural resources. Any person can submit a nomination for the award to the organization’s website at www.headwatersmontana.org.

Also on the website is more information about criteria for the award.

“Glacier National Park is not only a national treasure, it’s a major economic force in Western Montana,” Hadden said. “The natural splendor of the park is what draws millions to Glacier each year. We want to help ensure that the water, fish, wildlife and plants of the park are protected from both internal and external threats.”