Whitebark pine restoration and monitoring in the Canadian
Rockies.
Authors:
B.C. Wilson, Cordilleran Ecological Research, RR#1 GB15A C-7,
Winlaw, BC
R.C. Walker, Parks Canada, Box 220 Radium Hot Springs, BC
G.J. Stuart-Smith, Parks Canada, Box 220 Radium Hot Springs,
BC
Abstract: Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a
high-elevation keystone tree species that is an important part of
subalpine ecosystems in western North America. The species is
presently threatened by a number of anthropogenic influences.
These include an introduced Asian blister rust (Cronartium
ribicola), fire suppression and associated seral replacement
by more shade-tolerant tree species, and rapid global climate
change. We initiated a long-term research program to (1) monitor
the effects of restorative prescribed burning; (2) assess the
effects of forest structure on whitebark pine recruitment over a
range of stand ages; and (3) provide an inventory of whitebark
pine populations and their health in the Canadian Rocky Mountain
National Parks. Our initial results and a more general assessment
of the program goals will be presented.
