Strategic Planning and Resource Assessment

Forest Service 2003 Success Stories

Success Stories: Building a Fire Conservation Education Program

What started as a Smokey Bear program for youngsters has become a fire education program in Montana for all ages. Recognizing the importance of building public understanding of our natural resources and the management of public lands, especially pertaining to wildfire, the Gallatin National Forest has updated its approach. In 2001, with the aid of National Fire Plan funds, two fire Conservation Education (CE) coordinators where hired to create such a program.

Since 2002, these CE Coordinators have presented 36 wildfire-related programs, reaching over 1,760 people. Many programs were coordinated with other forest resource areas such as fisheries, timber, and wilderness to give people the big picture of forest ecology. They work with partners such as area schools, youth camps, scout and civic organizations, and rural fire departments to reach a broader audience.

USDA Forest Service - Strategic Planning and Resource Assessment
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18 May 2004 at 11:33:20 EDT