In the stand

Standing under western larches, pine trees and Douglas-firs, the first group of University of Montana seniors began their pitch. To finish off the semester, these students - including six groups of about six - ran through their project description: how many trees were in their assigned area, their ideas for removal and retention of different tree species and their plan of action under a December blue sky just north of Placid Lake.

"Our objectives for the stand are to build resilience to fire through species preference and reduction in stand density, building resilience to insects and diseases...