Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP)

Youth Forest Monitoring Program (YFMP) is an innovative summer citizen science program for students high school students. Participants learn about forest ecology, explore their local National Forest System and other nearby lands, engage in forest health monitoring, and network with natural resource professionals. Areas that students monitor include lands impacted by wildfire, historic mining claims, important watersheds, grazing allotments, and recreation areas.

YFMP begins with a 5 days of training, after which students are divided into three teams and spend the next six weeks monitoring soil, water and weeds. Students collect, analyze, and interpret data by working in the field, in classrooms, and in the laboratory. Field instructors supervise students, and each monitoring project is guided by a designated Forest Service scientist. Students complete the program by presenting their data and conclusions to parents, the public, and Forest Service personnel in a report presentation. Student data is then integrated with other monitoring data and used to evaluate the Forest Plan.

Students receive a lump sum stipend at the end of the program once they have successfully completed their internship. Several past participants have even earned seasonal employment with the Forest Service in subsequent years.

The program is entering its 26th year and is open to students entering grades 10-12.  Students must be in good academic standing and/or have demonstrated ability and interest in natural sciences.

 

Celebrating 25 years of the Youth Forest Monitoring Program video (2023)

More Information

Apply as a 2024 member of the Youth Forest Monitoring Program! To find out more about the Youth Forest Monitoring Program, click on the brochure link below or contact Liz Burke at 406-495-3713 or elizabeth.a.burke@usda.gov.

2024 Program Brochure

How to Apply

To apply for the 2024 Youth Forest Monitoring Program, send the following documents to the address listed below by April 12, 2024:

• Contact information - email, mailing address, and phone number
• School transcript
• Letter of recommendation from a teacher
• Cover letter describing 1) what you hope to gain by this experience, and 2) special contributions you can make to this program

 

SEND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO:

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
ATTN: Liz Burke
2880 Skyway Dr.
Helena, MT 59602
elizabeth.a.burke@usda.gov

 

 

YFMP Field Instructor Position Available:

NEW LISTING – YFMP Field Instructor (archeology)

Position listed on 4/16/24 and will be open until filled

Click here for the position description and how to apply

Contact Liz Burke (elizabeth.a.burke@usda.gov) for more information.

 

The Youth Forest Monitoring Program is available through a partnership between the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, State Historic Preservation Office, Lewis & Clark County, Montana Discovery Foundation, and UM Helena College. 

 

Last updated Feb 28, 2024