Looking Back on 2025: from Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Superintendent

About this article: This article was originally published in the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail 2025 Annual Report.

NPS

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. This past year has brought significant change to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. After 16 years of dedicated service as Superintendent of the Trail— and more than 33 years of federal service—Mark Weekley retired. Mark’s contributions to the Trail have been significant and under his management helped move the trail on a path forward for the future. We also bid farewell to Dan Wiley, Manager of Integrated Resources Stewardship, who retired after more than 24 years of federal service. Dan’s contributions to the Trail and its resource management have left a lasting impact. I, along with many others, extend our heartfelt thanks to Mark and Dan for their leadership and unwavering commitment to the Lewis and Clark NHT.

Following Mark’s retirement at the end of May, I was honored to be asked to serve as Acting Superintendent of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Having worked on the Trail for over 13 years, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting this important work. Thanks to the dedication and support of our exceptional staff, I’ve been able to step into this role with confidence.

I continue to be inspired by the strength of our shared commitment to Lewis and Clark NHT. This report highlights the collective efforts of passionate individuals and organizations working together toward a common purpose. I am deeply grateful to our National Park Service staff and volunteers for their professionalism, creativity, and dedication. I also extend sincere thanks to our many partners—visitor center sites, communities, organizations, and friends—whose time, expertise, and enthusiasm make our work possible. Together, we accomplish far more than any of us could alone.

As you review this year’s accomplishments, I encourage you to remember that they represent just a portion of the work happening across the Trail. I also invite you to take time to enjoy the remarkable historic sites, visitor centers, parks, trails, and landscapes along the Lewis and Clark NHT that connect us all.

Thank you for your continued partnership. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in FY26.