Park natural resources manager recognized for excellence
Mark Biel has won the National Park Service Intermountain Region Director’s Award for Natural Resource Stewardship
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News from Glacier National Park
WEST GLACIER - Glacier National Park Natural Resources Program Manager Mark Biel has earned the 2017 National Park Service Intermountain Region Director’s Award for Professional Excellence in Natural Resource Stewardship.
Biel was recognized for his leadership on several fronts, including his work to initiate a wildlife shepherding program, dark sky conservation, and mountain goat research.
Biel launched the wildlife shepherding program in 2016. The program uses a trained border collie, Gracie, to move bighorn sheep and mountain goats out of areas of high visitor use, such as the Logan Pass parking lot. It also gives Biel the chance to talk about the importance of wildlife safety with visitors, schools, and community groups. In 2017, the Public Lands Alliance presented the program with its “Partners Choice Award for Outstanding Public Engagement.” The project is funded through private donations to the Glacier National Park Conservancy.
Biel also coordinated recent mountain goat research at Logan Pass and was instrumental in Glacier’s recent designation as the world’s first transboundary International Dark Sky Park, along with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.
Glacier National Park Acting Superintendent Eric Smith said, “Mark Biel’s innovative approach to natural resources management is truly taking Glacier into the 21st century of conservation, science, and partnership.”
In response to the recognition, Biel said, “This award is an honor and a surprise. Wildlife–human interactions have been an issue at every park I’ve worked at and I’m grateful to have the support it takes to start making a positive difference. There are so many NPS employees doing incredible work to preserve and protect our nation’s natural resources that to be singled out is really humbling.”
Biel’s career includes 24 years with the National Park Service. He came to Glacier National Park in 2010. Prior to his time at Glacier, he worked at Devils Tower National Monument, Padre Island National Seashore, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Yellowstone National Park, where he started as a volunteer in the park’s Bear Management Office. He holds a master’s degree in Animal Science/Nutrition from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s in Agriculture and Natural Resources from Michigan State University. Biel lives in Columbia Falls with his wife, daughter, and bark ranger Gracie.
As the regional recipient of the award, Biel will compete against six other regional winners for the national award, which will be presented at a later date.
