In 1975, Charles E. "Mike" Hardy was contracted by the University of Montana and the U.S. Forest Service to organize the papers and laboratory equipment of Harry Thomas Gisborne, a pioneering fire scientist in the northern Rocky Mountains. During his work, Hardy incorporated into the Gisborne collection his own research materials compiled for a comprehensive report he wrote on Gisborne's contributions to forest fire research and its impact on the U. S. Forest Service and its approach to fire management. In 2003, Hardy's personal research materials were separated from the Gisborne archival collection. Hardy's research materials, including annual reports, oral history transcripts, speeches, notes, newsletters, interviews, and Gisborne's writings, became Series I of this collection. The second series contains U. S. Forest Service materials related to fire research in Region One including reports, fire studies, photographs, and weather reports. It is believed these materials were compiled by Hardy.