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 ITEM #XXX-XXXX-XXXXX | Page 1 of 1