Background:
In 2018 Forest Service staff and partners developed a weeklong training program with the vision of “providing the highest quality Wilderness training program in the Northern Rockies that will educate, support, and cultivate a community of present and future wilderness and wildland stewards through the cooperation of the Forest Service, partners, and volunteers.”
The Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute (NRWSI) is a training partnership between multiple partners that include the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation, Society for Wilderness Stewardship, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, United States Forest Service, and the Ninemile Wildlands Training Center. The Institute currently features one week of training hosted each year. After a three-year hiatus, NRWSI returned as an in-person training in 2023 and we’re excited to continue in 2024.
The 2024 Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute was held from May 20 – 24, 2024 at the Powell Ranger Station on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in Idaho. It started at 11 AM PT on Monday and conclude at 12 PM PT on Friday. All participants were expected to sign up for the entire week.
Read the press release from the 2024 event: “These are the Skills that Built America” Taught at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
This training is open to all Forest Service employees, volunteers, and partners, and it is an approved FS Northern Region training. For FS Northern Region employees only: accommodations will be made available to assist supervisors in onboarding new permanent employees during the week’s sessions. When registering, be sure to check the box indicating that you are a new employee with an effective start date of Monday, May 20th (or you are signing up a new employee for this training). More information on onboarding logistics, as well as instructions on how to arrange travel in advance for new employees, will be shared with you at a later date.
COST: There is no cost to attend.
FOOD: On your own – no food provided. Participants will handle their own meals. Cooking facilities may be provided – more information will be provided ahead of the event.
Please contact Katie Knotek (kathryn.knotek@usda.gov) or Carol Hennessey (carol.hennessey@usda.gov) for more information.