RAD decisions in rad landscapes: Climate adaptation for whitebark pine in wilderness

Abstract

Whitebark pine, a geographically widespread upper subalpine tree species, exists largely within federally designated Wilderness areas (herein, wilderness) that are afforded greater protection from direct human manipulation as compared to surrounding public and privately owned lands. Nevertheless, climate change, associated disturbances, historical fire suppression, disease, and other factors are causing an increase in tree mortality of this federally threatened foundation species in parts of its range. The 1964 Wilderness Act mandates that wilderness areas are preserved in their “natural” condition, “untrammeled by man” (Pub. L. 88-577). However, the pervasive effects of human-induced climate change challenges natural resource managers and stewards to consider new decisions regarding whitebark pine restoration within wilderness. In this context, two dominant questions arise: 1) What kinds of management actions - if any - may be required to preserve or restore whitebark pine within wilderness and, 2) Can these actions be implemented while upholding the original intent of the Wilderness Act?

Citation

Hefty, Kira; Rushing, Jaclyn Fox; Parks, Sean; Hollingsworth, Teresa. 2025. RAD decisions in rad landscapes: Climate adaptation for whitebark pine in wilderness. Nutcracker Notes. 47: 6-9.