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Contact: Melissa Wilson, 406 888-7895
WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Mick Holm, who retired as Glacier National Park’s Superintendent on January 3, 2008, received a meritorious service award (MSA) from Department of the Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the management of Glacier National Park through collaborative resource protection and sustainable practices. “Mick is truly deserving of this award. Not only did he strive to protect natural and cultural resources, but he also possessed an extraordinary commitment to serving the visiting public and his fellow employees,” said National Park Service Intermountain Regional Director Mike Snyder. “The National Park Service was fortunate to have a true champion working for it for the past 32 years. We will greatly miss Mick’s passion and dedication.” During his tenure at Glacier National Park, Holm implemented the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center to better meet resource protection challenges facing the park. He instituted an annual “Science and History Day” to share important research findings and enhance science literacy among the public. He also actively supported several collaborative management groups including the Crown Manager’s Partnership (Canada-U.S.) and the Great Northern Environmental Stewardship Area. Holm recognized responsibilities and opportunities with the public’s interest in the park’s receding glaciers. Under his leadership the park’s Environmental Management System incorporated “Climate Friendly Parks” goals, and the resulting Action Plan instituted a comprehensive approach within the park for sustainable practices and communicating those issues to the public. As a result, Glacier National Park is frequently viewed as a leader in climate change and sustainability outreach and interpretation. Holm was also instrumental in guiding the rehabilitation of Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. Under Holm’s direction, an Environmental Impact Statement for the project was completed and initial funding secured. Working with a Citizen’s Advisory Board, the park developed a project approach that ensured local communities would not be unduly impacted by the eight to ten year construction schedule. Integral to this commitment was the establishment of a transit system that, in the first year of operation, garnered 40 percent more ridership than anticipated and was seen as a resounding success by park staff and community leaders. Holm’s career began at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site. His career also included Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. He came to Glacier National Park in 2002. The MSA is one of three levels in the Department of the Interior’s honor award program. Honor Awards are the most prestigious recognition that can be granted for career accomplishment, exceptional support of the Department mission, or heroism. The MSA is the second highest level in the program, and is presented to employees, groups, and partners who have made exceptional continuing contributions to Department or Service mission accomplishments. In 1984, Holm received a Superior Service Award, the first level of recognition in the program. - NPS - |
Last updated: February 24, 2015