For Release: April 13, 2022 Contact: Danielle Trujillo

danielledevoe@boisestate.edu

208-426-2783

Andrus Center for Public Policy and Partners Seek National Student Congress Applicants to 

Address Wildland Fire Management

BOISE, ID -- The Andrus Center for Public Policy at Boise State University will be hosting the 2022 

Inaugural John Freemuth Student Congress October 3-6, 2022, in Boise, Idaho, and is seeking student 

applicants. This year’s congress will focus on wildland fire management to explore critical issues such 

as reducing wildfire risk throughout the country, protecting homes and communities, managing wildfire, 

and wildfire response. 

The Public Lands Foundation, Andrus Center for Public Policy at Boise State University, and National 

Association of Forest Service Retirees are coordinating this year’s event with the help of the National 

Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

“Wildland fire management is an issue that touches so many lives, particularly throughout the West, 

where extreme wildfire activity often threatens communities, livelihoods and precious natural 

resources,” says Danielle Trujillo, Executive Director for the Andrus Center for Public Policy. “This 

student congress will assess wildland fire management through field work and policy discussions, which 

will culminate in student-authored reports,” adds Trujillo.

Approximately 25 undergraduate and graduate students are recruited from colleges and universities 

across the country to ensure a diverse group of students. Students do not necessarily have to be studying 

natural resources–related fields, but they must have an awareness of and interest in public lands 

management. Selected students’ travel and participation expenses are covered by the generosity of 

donors, grant funding, facilitating partners and through the Andrus Center for Public Policy at Boise 

State University.

Students may apply online at: bit.ly/3LD2osr, and the application deadline is April 18, 2022. 

The first Student Congress was held in 2012 in conjunction with a symposium commemorating the 

200th anniversary of the creation of the General Land Office (the predecessor of the BLM). Each 

biennial Student Congress is place-specific and centered on a particular theme, which is why the focus 

in 2022 is wildland fire management and will include collaboration with the National Interagency Fire 

Center. 
As with previous congresses, this event will feature expert-led presentations, panel discussions, and field 

trips that will result in student-led recommendations to address current and future wildland fire 

management issues and public lands management. The congresses focus on four main goals:

● Educate youth on public land management history and current issues.

● Engage students, who are the future stewards of our public lands, to provide input and solutions 

for future public lands management.

● Expand potential career consideration and enrich student resumes.

● Memorialize the contributions of Dr. John Freemuth to public policy and public land 

management.

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About the Andrus Center for Public Policy

The Andrus Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit entity within Boise State University’s School of 

Public Service. The Center advances the legacy issues of former Idaho Governor and Secretary of the 

Interior, Cecil D. Andrus — wise use of our environmental resources and public lands, proper funding 

of education for our children and the cultivation of leadership from all segments of our society. The 

Center is committed to creating opportunities for women to fully participate, on an equal playing field, 

in business and civic leadership by removing roadblocks borne of outdated ideologies. Gender equity 

and equal pay for equal work are Andrus Center fundamentals. 

About Boise State University

A public metropolitan research university with nearly 28,000 students, Boise State is proud to be 

powered by creativity and innovation. Located in Idaho’s capital city, the university has a growing 

research agenda and plays a crucial role in the region’s knowledge economy and famed quality of life. 

Learn more at www.BoiseState.edu.

About the National Interagency Fire Center

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), located in Boise, Idaho, is the nation's support center for 

wildland firefighting. Eight different agencies and organizations are part of NIFC including, the Bureau 

of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, 

U.S. Forest Service, National Weather Service, U.S. Fire Administration, and the National Association 

of State Foresters.