Glacier Fund Disburses Grants To Organizations For Projects In Glacier National Park

A total of $100,000 from the Glacier Fund has been disbursed to nine organizations for 2013 projects in Glacier National Park that range from trail work to astronomy programs.

The money comes from the sale of the Montana Glacier National Park specialty license plate as well as from annual fund donors who have allowed the Fund's trustees to allocate these money as needed by the park.

As national park budgets continue to be challenging, the Fund seeks to provide support to the park and assist in meeting the needs of the roughly two million visitors to the park each year.

“We are fortunate to have so many wonderful donors - locally and across the country - who love Glacier National Park and understand the importance of giving back to ensure that others will be able to enjoy the Park well into the future,” said Jane Ratzlaff, the Fund's executive director.

The funding was split among the following nine projects for 2013:

* Boardwalk and Trail at the Red Rocks Area

* Research on Harlequin Ducks Along the Upper McDonald Creek

* Going-to-the-Sun Road Podcasts

* Discovery Cabin and the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program

* Exhibit to Share the Significance of Lake McDonald to the Kootenai People

* Youth/Adult Citizen Science Stewardship

* Half the Park Happens after Dark – Astronomy Program

* Wireless Water Tank Monitoring System

* Oberlin Bend Overlook Repair

There are many other projects that still need to be funded in 2013. These projects include replacement of the Grinnell historic wall, building a raised walkway at Josephine Lake, the need for more bear-proof food storage lockers, preserving the genetic legacy of the fisher, and research into the breeding biology of the Northern Hawk Owl.

If you would like to support any of these projects in Glacier National Park, it is not too late. Just go to the Fund's website and make a general donation.

The Glacier National Park Fund is the official non-profit fundraising partner for Glacier National Park. Their mission supports the preservation of the outstanding natural beauty and cultural heritage of Glacier National Park for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations by fostering public awareness and encouraging private philanthropy.