Bozeman Magazine

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Montana State University will host a virtual Friday Forum on The Science of Wildfire Management. The event will be held online via Zoom on Friday, Dec. 13, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The OLLI at MSU December Friday Forum will feature a virtual presentation and analysis of wildfire management in Montana, using the recent Bridger Range fire as a case study. On September 4, 2020, a small wisp of smoke from a single burning tree near the historic "M" started what would become a devastating wildfire, burning over 8,000 acres and destroying 68 structures, including 30 homes. The Custer Gallatin fire crew responded and, along with many other agencies, emergency responders and volunteers, fought hard to control the blaze. Featured speakers include Corey Lewellen, the Bozeman District Ranger for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, and Tonja Opperman, the Assistant Director of Fire Analytics for the Intermountain Region of the US Forest Service. OLLI at MSU Friday Forums occur the second Friday of the month from Sept. through May. Registration must be completed on Zoom before Friday, Dec. 13. Upon registration confirmation, participants will receive an email with the Zoom link and instructions on how to join the program. For more information, visit montana.edu/olli/offerings. OLLI at MSU is a program of MSU Academic Technology and Outreach. ATO works across the university to support and advance its land-grant mission through unique and innovative outreach and engagement opportunities.