NSC seeks Smokejumper volunteers for summer

Updated: 5-19-08

The Junior Smokejumper Program is needing ex-smokejumpers who want to share their experiences with kids in West Yellowstone this summer. We are looking for six jumpers a week to staff a store front and provide simulated smokejumper training to kids 5 to 12. If you free for a week and are interested then volunteer by clicking here.

NSC requests Special Use Permit for Madison Ranger Station

Updated: 5-7-08

In a letter that was crafted with edits from the Gallatin and the NSC, the NSC formally requests a special use permit of the Madison Ranger Station for this summer. To read the complete letter, click here.

Mutual Agreement Nears Between all Parties

Updated: 5-5-08

NSC, Forest Service, and City of West Yellowstone are nearing an agreement that will preserve the historic Madison Ranger Station, provide for economic diversification, and create infrastructure that will allow the NSC to realize its vision and goals. To read minutes of meeting, click here.

National Museum of FS History supports the NSC

Updated: 4-12-08

In a letter from the National Museum of Forest Service History (NMFSH), the National Museum says, "The National Museum supports your efforts to obtain the historic Madison Ranger Station as a headquarters for the National Smokejumper Center.... Hopefully the Forest Service will not make the irretrievable decision to sell the property before they find out if your concept has merit."

To read the support letter, click here.

To find out more about the NMFSH, visit their site: click here

Welcome to New Aricraft Operations Director

Updated: 3-19-08

Dick Hulla has accepted the NSC Aircraft Operations Director's job and will be replacing Randy Leypolt who has served in that position for the past two years. The NSC board would like to thank Randy for his excellent service and to welcome Dick to his new position. Dick is a retired Forest Service Supervisor Pilot and former Smokejumper Pilot. Doug Houston says of Dick, “He's a great guy and a talented pilot.”

Historic Madison Ranger Station

Updated: 3-13-08

The NSC has started to recruit volunteers for preparing the Madison Ranger Station for occupancy by the Junior Smokejumper Program and store front for summer operations. It is anticipated that the Gallatin Forest will have finished their deliberations on the best use of the site and the best administrative vehicle which will allow the NSC to preserve the historic ranger station and educate kids and the public on the management of wildfire ecosystem.

Between now and the last update, the NSC has been working with the Forest Service, City of West Yellowstone Town Council and Chamber of Commerce , and state and local historic preservation organizations to realize our mission. Much of this of this activity is documented in our business plan, minutes of 2-11-08 meeting with the Gallatin, and correspondence addressing remaining issues. To help explain our mission, vision, and goals we have produced a presentation which can be viewed here.

Requirements for Tax Eximpt Status

Updated: 11-23-07

The formalized requirements for the NSC to receive non-profit status under 501(c) (3) were completed in a recent meeting with David Atkins of Nonprofit Support Services.

Read Minutes of 10-8-07 Here.

NSC News Letter Is Here

Updated: 07-12-07

Vol. 1 No. 1 of the NSC News Letter has been published and can be viewed on this site from the menu on the left. If you would like to receive monthly updates delivered to your inbox, send the subscription email from the “Subscribe” menu item.

Meeting Rescheduled

Updated: 06-27-07

2007 Fire season has dispatched three NSC board members to fires in New Mexico, Montana, and Alaska. As a result, we have rescheduled the June meeting to be held in September. Activities related to building infrastructure will continue as scheduled.

2007 - NSC Building Infrastructure

Updated: 06-07-07

The 07 season for the NSC will be devoted to building infrastructure. Our search for a facility in West Yellowstone has yielded some very encouraging results. We will be pressing forward for a successful conclusion that will be compatible with city development and economic diversification.

Our plans are to be fully operational by May of 2008 which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Yellowstone fires. The plans include a store front, a fully operational parachute loft, Junior Smokejumper Training area with a class room, and quarters for the staff.

Our next meeting will be held on June 26th and 27th in West Yellowstone. Our Agenda includes:

• Board Training Session for our 501 (c) 3
• 20th Anniversary of the 1988 Yellowstone Fire Season
• Negotiations with Forest Service on use of Madison RS
• Demonstration Jumps, Aircraft, jump equipment, jumpers.
• Junior Smokejumper Program, staff, location, lesson plans
• Store front operations and staff.
• Review of endowment funding opportunities
• Grants funding Activities
• Estimated revenue needs for 07 and 08
• Changes in by-laws in nomination process of board members

Feel free to attend our meetings and/or to contact us with questions or comments. Contact Us here

NSC in the News

The Big Sky Sun
July 13, 2006
Junior Jumper - New Program Teaches Kids About Smokejumpers
more -&- WEST YELLOWSTONE NEWS
Friday, June 29, 2006
Smokejumper demonstration for kid’s day camp a “magnificent success”
more

Our Vision:

The National Smokejumper Center will emphasize the stewardship mission of Wildland Fire Operations and the vital role Smokejumpers play in successful ecosystem management. The Center will become an educational resource with emphasis on youth as a vital audience of all programs. Activities will include public presentations, demonstration jumps, daily youth activities, facility tours, and flights over historic Quake Lake.

Our Progress:

We are presently in the planning stages of several projects. A steering group has been formed consisting of current and retired smokejumper base managers, retired and current smokejumpers with various skills, and professionals that share the Smokejumper Center`s Vision.

A Junior Smokejumper Program will be presented daily this summer for children ages 5-12 at the West Yellowstone, Montana city park. Other activities and presentations will be announced as they become available.

How you can help:

We are interested in reaching out to all past and current smokejumpers who are interested in telling the smokejumper story to the public. For anyone who shares our vision and has grant writing skills, legal skills, and/or good people skills we would like to here from you.

If you would like to make a donation, send to: NSC, PO Box 264, West Yellowstone, Montana, 59758

The Smokejumper Story:

Public lands belong to the public and in part are protected by Smokejumpers who can get there the fastest with the mostest. When you are a smokejumper, it is out the door you go.