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Interagency Regional Wilderness Stewardship Training

Three hikers walking on a rocky trail with a rocky mountain in the background

The course will be held in-person in Polson, MT. The registration deadline is August 9, 2024. Staff from any federal agency who work in Wilderness are invited to register (see registration link below). Non-federal agencies and partners are also welcome to register and will be selected if space allows. The Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center will notify those selected. Participants are required to attend the entire training to receive credit.

Dates

September 16-19, 2024.

Location

Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino | Flathead Lake, Polson, MT

Trainer

Rob Burrows, National Park Service representative to the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center

Cost

Participants pay their own travel costs. Specific information about lodging will be provided when your registration is confirmed. A block of rooms has been reserved through August 16 at the training venue.

Audience

The target audience is field-level decision-makers and field staff who have wilderness stewardship responsibilities or do work in Wilderness.

Description

This course focuses on the National Wilderness Preservation System, agency policy, and sound wilderness management principles. The overarching mandate to preserve wilderness character, including its public use, is emphasized, as is the application of the Minimum Requirements Analysis process. The topics included in this training are selected for their regional relevance, though the topics will have relevance in other regions as well. Participants will learn to: 1) interpret and discuss the act that established the National Wilderness Preservation System, agency policy, related laws, special provisions, and the mandate to preserve wilderness character; 2) recognize and address changing regional issues affecting wilderness management; 3) apply wilderness stewardship principles to specific management challenges; and 4) demonstrate commitment to excellent wilderness stewardship and sound decision-making. Learning is enhanced by a one-day field trip to discuss stewardship issues, and the opportunity to network with wilderness professionals land management agencies and partners.

Learning Objectives

  1. Explore management approaches to issues held in common with other participants.

  2. Relate management decisions to the legal framework of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

  3. Recognize the qualities of wilderness character and how they are to be protected.

  4. Apply the Minimum Requirements Analysis process to current issues.

  5. Identify valuable online information and stewardship resources.

  6. Examine wilderness issues relevant to the region, such as but not limited to:

    • Fish & Wildlife Management

    • Non-Native Invasive Species

    • Visitor Use Management

    • Fire Management

    • Cultural Resources

    • Ecological Intervention

    • Commercial Services

    • Interpretation & Education

    • Partnerships

    • Research

Prerequisites

The course requires completion of online courses prior to attending. Please plan to dedicate 3-4 hours prior to the training to complete the online training.

How to Register

Registration is now closed.

Questions

Questions about the registration process should be directed to Holly Metzger at holly.metzger@usda.gov or 406-481-4416. Questions about course content or logistics should be directed to the course coordinator, Rob Burrows, rob_burrows@nps.gov