The wildland urban interface (WUI), refers to the area where forest, shrub or grasslands meet housing or other developed areas. This rapidly expanding area is becoming riskier to develop and live in. Increasing human population and development paired with longer more intense fire seasons necessitate more focused fire management planning to protect both the public and firefighting crews. Montana is one of four major western states that are working to reduce the risk of property damage and loss of human life through planning regulations and zoning policies. All the states have differing levels of jurisdictional intervention, as well as varying amounts of participation in risk reduction programs. Montana can lower that risk with the proper selection of trees and plants to help reduce if not stop the spread of fire in these expanded developed areas. All the partners in this project hope that the following information will help Montanans make informed decisions for future growth.