We’re excited to announce registration is now open for the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Fire Science Workshop on June 27-28, 2023.

This will be a two-day event:

• June 27: Workshop in Darby, MT
• June 28: A field day based out of the Historic Magruder Ranger Station on the West Fork Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest.

The workshop will address issues such as reburns, prescribed fire, aquatic systems, recreation, and cultural burning all within the context of Wilderness. There will also be time for a wider discussion on the barriers and opportunities for wilderness fire management which we can carry into the second day field trips.

Participants are encouraged to camp at one of several campgrounds along the corridor (Deep Creek Campground, Indian Creek Campground, Paradise Campground) or on the grounds of the Ranger Station on the first night where we plan to have a fun cookout. A few beds will also be available inside an administrative cabin for those with mobility issues or for whom camping is difficult. Other overnight accommodations can be found in Darby or Hamilton. A more detailed agenda will be coming soon.

Lunch will be available for a small cost (~$8) during the Day 1 Workshop and we’ll have burgers/dogs/veggie burgers for grilling that evening at the Ranger Station. Participants will be responsible for bringing and preparing their own breakfasts and the Day 2 lunch for the field trip. We may have an informal potluck for those that stay a second night at the ranger station (dinner will not be provided the second night).

Participants can sign up for one or both days. There will NOT be a virtual option. Registration is free. Please use the registration box to the right on this page.

For an idea of what to expect, see these past wilderness workshops hosted by the Northern Rockies Fire Science Network:

2019: Wilderness Fire Management: Easier Now or Later?

2016: Wilderness Fire Workshop and Field Trips in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex

We hope you’ll join us! 

The Planning Team:

Northern Rockies Fire Science Network
Northwest Fire Science Consortium
Rocky Mountain Research Station Fire Lab
University of Montana Wilderness Institute
Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute
West Fork Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest