Why conduct research at Lubrecht and Bandy?
Lubrecht Experimental Forest and Bandy Ranch are exceptional settings for research, particularly for studies that benefit from real-world application, collaboration, and landscape-scale experimentation. Key advantages include:
Expansive Landscape for Large-Scale Research
With over 22,000 acres of forest ecosystems and nearly 3500 acres of working ranch lands, Lubrecht and Bandy provide ample space for landscape-level studies, long-term monitoring, and experimental manipulations at meaningful scales.
Streamlined Project Approval and Support
A collaborative and mission-driven management approach minimizes administrative barriers, allowing researchers to initiate and implement projects more efficiently.
Proximity to Missoula and the University of Montana
Located less than an hour from the UM campus, Lubrecht and Bandy enable convenient access to university resources, supplies, and an airport while maintaining a field-based research setting.
Extensive History with Prescribed Fire and Fuels Management
Lubrecht and Bandy are regularly managed using prescribed fire as a tool for forest restoration and fuels reduction. This legacy provides a well-documented foundation for fire ecology studies and opportunities to build on decades of experience in applied fire management.
Diverse and Iconic Wildlife for Ecological Studies
The forest and ranch support a wide range of wildlife species—including mountain lions, black and grizzly bears, gray wolves, and ungulates such as elk and deer for research in wildlife ecology, behavior, and habitat use.
Collaborative Environment and Regional Expertise
Situated within the Blackfoot Watershed, Lubrecht and Bandy benefit from strong partnerships with agencies, nonprofits, and landowners who contribute deep knowledge in forest management, wildlife conservation, and ecological restoration.