About
Conference organizers:
- Michael Decker (College of Graduate Studies - University of Idaho)
- Andrea Alberto Dutto (College of Art and Architecture)
Dates: April 4, 2026
Time 8:00 AM PST to 7:00 PM PST
Location: University of Idaho, Moscow Campus, The 1912 Center in downtown Moscow, and Hunga Dunga Brewing.
Program: A formal program will be displayed here once speakers have been finalized in mid-February.
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: 02/01/2026
Abstract Decisions: 02/20/2026
About the Conference & Theme
The National Interdisciplinary Lookout Conference (NILC) invites abstracts and proposals for its second annual conference.
2026 Theme: “Lookouts and the Wilderness”
This year’s theme explores the fire lookout and Wilderness as mutual concepts, examining how they are connected and relate to one another. We will investigate the mutual infrastructures and relationships that these concepts create in both humans and human institutions.
Who Should Attend?
In the spirit of interdisciplinarity, we welcome submissions and participation from a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Hobbyists/Enthusiasts
- Active or former fire lookouts
- Natural resources professionals and fire managers
- GIS experts
- Humanities scholars
- Architects and civil engineers
Location and Mission
The conference will take place on April 4, 2026, at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.
Idaho is a fitting location for NILC 2026, as it was once home to more active fire lookouts than any other state—and therefore, the world. Our primary aim is to bring together diverse perspectives and disciplines to help shape the future of fire lookout towers, which remain integral to fire management policies in Idaho and across the American West.
Schedule
A full conference schedule will be posted in late-February 2026 once presentation submissions are finalized. More on the Conference Theme