WEST GLACIER, Mont. [February 27, 2024] – Glacier National Park is initiating public scoping for an environmental assessment (EA) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to update a long-term Fire Management Plan (FMP) for Glacier National Park.

The park’s FMP and EA were last updated in 2003. As part of its mission, the NPS Wildland Fire Program manages wildland fire and fuel treatments to protect the public, park communities, and infrastructure; conserve natural and cultural resources; and maintain and restore natural ecosystem processes. The 2006 NPS Management Policies require each park unit with burnable vegetation to have an approved FMP.

An updated FMP is needed to ensure Glacier’s fire management guidelines are consistent with current conditions and the latest NPS guidance, and to continue to provide for firefighter and public safety, protect park values and resources, and remain consistent with the park’s resource management objectives.

The proposed plan would provide a framework and parkwide guidelines for the management of all wildfires, regardless of cause, size, or complexity. The plan would provide guidance on the use of prescribed fire and non-fire fuels treatments to reduce hazardous fuel loading and accomplish resource protection objectives. The plan would provide for firefighter and public safety, consider the ecological benefits of wildland fire, and remain consistent with Glacier’s resource management goals.

A scoping newsletter with more information is available on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FMP2024. Submitting comments through the PEPC system is strongly encouraged or comments can be mailed to:  Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: Fire Management Plan EA, PO Box 1, West Glacier, MT 59936. Comments by email or phone will not be accepted. Please provide comments by March 27, 2024.