Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Restoration

Whitebark pine is a keystone species on which many other plant and animal species depend, so restoration of this critical ecosystem is a major management concern for many land management agencies. However, little is known of the health and viability of whitebark pine populations across its range in the western U.S. and Canada, and even less is known of whitebark pine ecophysiological relationships to climate, soils, and disturbance. Whitebark pine is currently experiencing massive mortality from blister rust, fire exclusion, and mountain pine beetle. Techniques to restore whitebark pine ecosystems are desperately needed, as are methods to prioritize areas requiring restoration projects.