Glacier National Park officials seek public input ahead of fire management plan update

Glacier National Park officials are initiating public scoping for an environmental assessment necessary to update the park’s long-term wildfire management plan.

An updated plan is needed to ensure Glacier’s guidelines are consistent with current conditions and the latest National Park Service guidance, officials said in a press release issued earlier this week. The park’s wildfire management plan last saw an update in 2003. 

Once overhauled, the plan is expected to provide a framework and parkwide guidelines for the management of all wildfires, regardless of cause, size or complexity. The plan would include guidance on the use of prescribed fire and non-fire fuels treatments as well as on accomplishing resource protection objectives. 

It would also provide guidance for firefighter and public safety, consider the ecological benefits of wildland fire and stay in line with resource management goals, officials said.

The National Park Service’s management policies require each park with burnable vegetation to have an approved fire management plan. 

More information is available online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FMP2024. 

While comments can be submitted through the aforementioned website, those who wish to mail their thoughts can address it to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: Fire Management Plan EA, P.O. Box 1, West Glacier, MT 59936. 

Comments by email or phone will not be accepted. Comments will be accepted until March 27.