Interagency Wilderness Regional Stewardship Training
Photo: USFS Gila NF
The course will be held in-person in Silver City, NM. The registration deadline is April 2, 2024. Staff from any agency who work in wilderness are invited to apply (see registration link below). Non-federal agencies and partners are also welcome to apply 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
May 13-16, 2024
Location
Silver City, NM
Trainer
J. Dan Abbe, US Forest Service representative to the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center
Leigh Johnson, US Forest Service South Western Regional Wilderness Program Manager
Cost
Participants pay their own travel costs. Lodging will be made available at or below the per diem rate, and specific information about lodging will be sent out with notification of your selection.
Audience
This course is focused on the stewardship of wilderness. The topics included in this training are selected for their regional relevance, though the topics will have relevance in other regions as well. 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. 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 from all land management agencies and partners.
Learning Objectives
- Explore management approaches to issues held in common with other participants.
- Relate management decisions to the legal framework of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
- Recognize the qualities of wilderness character and how they are to be protected.
- Apply the Minimum Requirements Analysis process to current issues.
- Identify valuable online information and stewardship resources.
- 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 four online courses prior to attending, The Wilderness Act, either Writing a Minimum Requirements Analysis or Evaluating a Minimum Requirements Analysis, and Wilderness Character. Each course takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete so please take the necessary time prior to the training to complete (dedicate 3+ hours).
How to Register
Registration Deadline was April 2, 2024. Registration is currently closed.
Questions
Questions about the registration process should be directed to Holly Metzger at holly.metzger@usda.gov or 406-243-4682. Questions about course content or logistics should be directed to the course coordinator, J. Dan Abbe, James.Abbe@usda.gov and Leigh Johnson, Leigh.Johnson@usda.gov
Please note registering for the Interagency Regional Wilderness Stewards Training does not automatically register you for the Wilderness Information, Research & Education Workshop, Silver City, NM, May 17, 2024. Please direct questions about course content or logistics to the course coordinators, Olga Helmy, Olga.Helmy@usda.gov and Heidi Blair, Heidi.Blair@mso.umt.edu.