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Year Published:
Editor(s):
Robert E. Keane, Kathryn Ireland, Shawn T. McKinney

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire Ecology
Fire Effects
Recovery after fire
Resilience
Restoration

NRFSN number: 20059
Record updated:

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) forests have been declining throughout their range in Western North America from the combined effects of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks, fire exclusion policies, and the exotic disease white pine blister rust. Projected warming and drying trends in climate may exacerbate this decline; however, whitebark pine has a wide climatic tolerance because of its broad distribution coupled with high genetic diversity. The ongoing decline in this high-elevation tree species poses serious consequences for upper subalpine and treeline ecosystems and ecosystem services, and, as a result, whitebark pine is a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Many land management agencies are now employing various actions in attempts to restore this valuable forest, including implementing pro-active thinning and burning treatments, planting rust-resistant seedlings, and collecting seed from putative rust resistant trees. However, there has been limited research on this particular species. This Special Issue is designed to be composed of papers that can be used to help restore this important high mountain resource.

Citation

Keane RE, Ireland K, and McKinney ST. 2019. Special Issue "Ecology and Restoration of Whitebark Pine", Forests Special Issue, 16 papers.

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