Meeting date
ITEM XXX-XXX-XXXXX
XXXXXXX to create a program leading to a minor in Fire Science and Management in the
Department of Forest Management of the College of Forestry and Conservation.
THAT
In Accordance with Montana University System Policy, the Board of Regents of Higher Education XXXXXXX
The University of Montana-Missoula to create a program leading to a minor in Fire Science and
Management in the Department of Forest Management of the College of Forestry and Conservation.
EXPLANATION
Wildfire is one of the big challenges of the 21st century in the West and the Montana University System
(MUS) is uniquely poised to be national leader in it. A new program of academic study at The University of
Montana- Missoula leading to a minor in Fire Science and Management will be administered in the
Department of Forest Management in the College of Forestry and Conservation. It will be an important
force-multiplier for existing baccalaureate degrees across campus and addresses well-documented
workforce development challenges facing state and federal fire management agencies. The program
achieves efficiency and financial responsibility by organizing existing course offerings intelligently around
the needs of fire science and management resulting in the addition of an important academic endorsement
for students at low cost. It is the only program of its kind in the state. It is necessary because fire strongly
impacts Montana’s economic, environmental, and human health. With the amount of fire occurring on the
land expected to increase in coming decades concurrent with a dwindling workforce and increasing
expectation for sophisticated fire management, Montana’s needs and interests are best met by developing
the next generation of fire managers within its own educational system. The program capitalizes on our
unique environment and location to build a well-educated and well-trained workforce that understands the
role of fire on the land, is adept at applying complex tools and technology, and that will provide leadership
in natural resource decision-making. The program will produce forward-looking fire professionals from
many disciplines who are creative, practical, responsive to change, and who recognize that fire is integral to
all aspects of land management.
ATTACHMENTS
Appendices A, B, C, D
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