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Linking Empirical Data and Numerical Simulation to Characterize Dynamic Fire Behavior Associated With Interacting Firelines
No full textUnderstanding fuel pattern-fire process relationships is key for predicting fire behavior and effects with follow-on benefits to proactive fire management and model validation. To characterize dynamic fire behavior, this thesis leverages empirical data and numerical simulation through two complementary studies.
In the first study, longwave thermal sensors aboard unmanned aerial systems (UAS) were used to capture fine-scale fire behavior in two experimental grass burns. A novel paired design was used to quantify the effects of fuel arrangement on fire behavior with 3.66 m diameter treatments cut to a height of 0.15 m. The treatments ephemerally reduced fire rate of spread and radiative output by 15.9% and 7.1% in the two fires, respectively. 38% of treatments (54% with steady state fire behavior) formed junction fires, or two firelines coming together at an angle. These junctions temporarily intensified fire behavior, increasing peak fire radiative flux density by up to 52%, but the fireline quickly reformed, negating any lasting effect. Initial results from the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), demonstrated consistency with field observations, supporting its utility in further exploring fire-fuel interactions in the modeling domain.
The second study used FDS to isolate the effects of ignition pattern, wind speed, and ignition length in homogeneous grass fuels to understand some of the controls on energy redistribution associated with junction fires compared to straight-line ignitions. Differences in fire behavior along the axis of symmetry and two adjacent transects were evaluated using peak and total heat release rate per unit volume (HRRPUV), HRRPUV over time, and spatial heat distribution. Peak HRRPUV values were 65% higher and total HRRPUV values 78% higher along the center transect, on average, for junction fires. Junction fires reached peak intensity earlier and produced consistently larger cross-sectional areas and higher projections of critical temperatures. They averaged 34% greater area affected and 21% higher temperature projections, raising potential scorch heights by an average of five meters.
These findings enhance our understanding of junction fire dynamics and demonstrate the value of integrating field data with numerical modeling. The results have practical implications for predicting canopy scorch, optimizing prescribed fire techniques, and informing fire management
Investigating Algal Response to Scouring Flow and Nutrient Interactions in the Clark Fork River, Montana
No full textAlgal communities play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems, but excessive growth can degrade water quality, disrupt ecosystem function, and hinder beneficial uses (Banish, 2017; Davie, 2012; Wang et al., 2007; Wurtsbaugh et al., 2019). Nutrient enrichment, particularly elevated nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, is a well-established driver of algal proliferation in lentic systems. However, these nutrient–algae relationships are less predictable in lotic systems, where the dynamic effects of flow can modify or obscure these patterns (Bennet et al., 2017; Biggs and Close, 1989; Dodds et al., 2002). The Clark Fork River in western Montana has long struggled with nuisance algal growth, prompting management efforts such as the Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Program (VNRP) and the establishment of the state’s first numeric nutrient and algae standards. Since the development of the VNRP, in-stream nutrient concentrations have declined, and where nutrient standards are met, algae standards are also being met. However, exceedances still occur in the upper river, and nuisance algal blooms persist, suggesting the need for updated management strategies (Hydrosolutions, 2025; Tri-State Implementation Council, 1998; Suplee et al., 2012). To better understand the drivers of persistent algal blooms in the Clark Fork River, this study examined the relationships between in-stream nutrient concentrations, scouring flows, and algal biomass using simple and multiple linear regressions and model comparisons. Total nitrogen emerged as the strongest individual predictor (p \u3c\u3c 0.001), explaining 16.5% of the variance in chlorophyll-a concentrations. In multiple regression, the inclusion of an interaction between scouring flows and total nitrogen provided enhanced explanatory power to the model (p \u3c\u3c 0.001), explaining 20.2% of the variance in chlorophyll-a. These results indicate that scouring flows act as an additional environmental control on algal growth in the Clark Fork River and highlight the importance of integrating nutrient and flow dynamics in river management. Through revealing additional factors influencing the spatial and temporal dynamics of algal growth, results can be used to provide a basis for updating the aging VNRP/TMDL framework, as well as guiding the development of the Central Clark Fork Watershed Restoration Plan (CCFWRP) to support more targeted and adaptive nutrient reduction strategies
INELIGIBLE PARTNERS: TRIBAL NATIONS AND COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM IN THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST LAW AND POLICY
No full textLands within the National Forest System (NFS), like all federal public lands, are rooted in Aboriginal Title and were once exclusively inhabited by Indigenous peoples and communities. Through the process of treaty-making, the federal government amassed millions of acres of ceded Tribal lands, many of which are now managed by federal public land agencies, including 194 million acres managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Several Tribes reserved various use and property rights on these lands that are protected by the U.S. Constitution’s Treaty and Supremacy Clauses. The federal government also has an overarching trust obligation to Tribes – a duty to protect tribal assets, rights, and interests on federal lands. Despite these federal obligations, laws governing the NFS generally fail to recognize Tribal histories and connections to National Forest lands and resources. A dominant theme across the body of law guiding the administration of the NFS is the use of “cooperative federalism,” a term that denotes the various frameworks and mechanisms designed to share authority and promote cooperation between federal and state governments. Reviewed in this Thesis are thirty laws that range from the creation of the NFS to its contemporary management in 2025. It finds that Tribal governments are less eligible for cooperative opportunities and partnerships with the USFS than are state governments. From 1891 to 1976, neither Tribes, nor their rights or interests on NFS lands were referenced in any statute conferring cooperative authority to the USFS. From 1976 to 2025, Tribal recognition and incorporation into cooperative frameworks remained limited and restricted, generally failing to reference, never mind protect, tribal sovereignty, reserved treaty rights or trust obligations. Furthermore, even where Tribes are recognized as eligible cooperative partners by statute, no additional direction is provided regarding the implementation of the trust responsibility or the effectuation of management systems that respect Tribal rights and interests. The thesis concludes by exploring options and pathways to extend cooperative federalism to Tribes
THE EFFECTS OF STIGMA ON MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT ENGAGEMENT
No full textStigma is often cited as a significant barrier to mental health care (e.g., Andrade et al., 2014), but less is known about the impact of stigma on treatment engagement over time. The literature often calls for prospective studies (e.g., Clement et al., 2015). Additionally, little is known about label avoidance and its relationship to the other components of stigma, public and self-stigma. This study examined stigma’s association with mental health treatment engagement over time and the relationship between public stigma, self-stigma, and label avoidance. Specifically, the study assessed participants’ responses to stigma and related covariate measures. Approximately 5 weeks later, treatment engagement and treatment consideration were assessed. Logistic regressions assessing the impact of stigma components on treatment engagement and consideration showed several significant findings. Higher levels of public stigma were predictive of lower treatment engagement. This finding remained consistent in a sample of individuals indicating at least moderate levels of distress. Higher levels of self-stigma predicted greater treatment consideration and higher levels of label avoidance showed lower levels of treatment consideration. The truncated sample of moderately distressed participants showed a similar result for label avoidance. Serial mediation and moderation models of stigma components impacting both treatment engagement and consideration were not significant. The truncated sample showed one significant interaction effect in the moderation model. This indicated that higher levels of public stigma and label avoidance were present with lower levels of treatment engagement. Implications for future research and interventions are discussed. Overall, the study shows the need for prospective studies examining the complex relationships between stigma and the behavior of interest, treatment engagement. Additionally, more research on label avoidance is warranted
I&I - A.I.: A force for good?
No full textToday is the July edition of Incentives & Instincts, a recurring series in which Justin speaks with economist and friend Bryce Ward about some of the broader challenges facing our society.
This episode is a continuation of last month’s conversation on artificial intelligence and its impact on our quality of life. In this conversation, Justin and Bryce discuss the business models and incentives around A.I. and its potential to be a force for good. They also dive into a listener question that harkens back to the duo’s interest in the youth-sports industrial complex.https://scholarworks.umt.edu/anewangle_podcasts/1404/thumbnail.jp
Becoming a Social Justice Worker
No full texthttps://scholarworks.umt.edu/grad_portfolios/1505/thumbnail.jp
MSW Portfolio-Transformation, Resilience, Holding Hope
No full texthttps://scholarworks.umt.edu/grad_portfolios/1490/thumbnail.jp
NACAA AM/PIC Conference 2025, Billings, Montana
No full textThis study was conducted for Montana State University (Extension) to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2025 National Association County Agricultural Agent’s Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference hosted in Billings, Montana. Four hundred forty-seven attendees of the event completed the survey. Results show that the majority of respondents resided outside of Montana, 95% in other US states and 1% visiting from other US Territories, only 3% of respondents were residents of Montana. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 6.4 nights in Montana, reporting a total spending of $748,676.05, mostly in hotel/motel/bed and breakfasts and event registration fees. Results provide event organizers with useful data for future event planning, making improvements to the event, event marketing/promotion, and understanding the visitor spending associated with the event