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series of steep rocky peaks with three people standing on the top of one in the foreground

Wilderness Institute

The mission of the The Wilderness Institute is to further the understanding of wilderness and wild lands stewardship through education, research and service.

Housed within the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥'s , the Wilderness Institute provides Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, agencies, and the general public with information, educational programs and resources, and technical tools to understand public lands conservation, land stewardship, protected areas management, and the social and ecological values of wilderness.

Students sitting on a rock writing reflections

Apply for Fall 2025 Wilderness & Civilization!

Learn about the interdisciplinary, experiential academic semester grounded in field-based learning and interactive classroom courses. Offered every fall, this is the only program in Montana where Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ earn a Wilderness Studies minor. 
blazing forest fire

The Fire Problem Film

Watch The Fire Problem film, which delves into the origins of the increasing wildfire challenges and highlights what many experts believe to be a clear and achievable solution. 
tree charred by fire

Fire Suppression Makes Wildfires More Severe

Recent WI PhD graduate Mark Kreider and co-authors published findings that fighting every wildfire ensures that fires​ are more extreme, and may harm forests’ ability to adapt to climate change. Managing wildfires to safely burn under low and moderate conditions is thus a critical tool to address the growing wildfire crisis.