A panel discussion, followed by a public Q&A, that covered how we can better align the efforts of community leaders and insurance providers in promoting and expanding wildfire risk reduction efforts in Montana.

Carole Walker of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association moderated the panel, which featured Nicole Mahrt-Ganley of American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Daniel Gorham of IBHS, and Jason Fehr of Chubb Insurance. The panel was hosted by Fire Adapted Montana Learning Network and Missoula County Office of Emergency Management, and was made possible with funding provided by the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network.

The opinions and positions expressed in this presentation are the presenter’s own and not necessarily those of their employers. They also do not reflect the the position or policy of the USFS, DOI, The Nature Conservancy, or the WRTC and no official endorsement should be inferred. The material presented herein is not intended to provide legal or other expert advice as to any of the subjects mentioned, but rather is presented for general information only. You should consult knowledgeable legal counsel or other knowledgeable experts as to any legal or technical questions you may have. This presentation is solely for informational purposes.

This webinar featured a talk by Aspen Ward, JD candidate at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law and M.S. candidate in the Department of Public Administration & Policy at the University of Montana. While working as the Baucus Institute Climate Scholar for The Nature Conservancy's Montana office, Aspen researched the policy avenues that other states have pursued to increase the pace and scale of prescribed fire and developed policy recommendations for Montana.

Aspen's presentation was followed by a panel Q&A with Aspen herself, Rachael Hamby of Western Resource Advocates, and Collin Haffey from New Mexico Department of Natural Resources.

The second session featured Annie Schmidt from the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (FACnet). Annie has worked extensively in wildfire planning and policy in her home state of Washington, and recently facilitated a policy learning group for FACnet. Annie faciliated a skills building workshop related to policy engagement best practices.