Developing a National Whitebark Pine Conservation Strategy.

Please join the Office of Policy Analysis on May 14 to learn about innovative restoration efforts and partnerships being employed to save Whitebark Pine.  Whitebark Pine is a keystone species of high elevation ecosystems throughout the northern Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and Sierra Nevada Mountains. The species is at significant risk throughout its range from the combined effects of infestation, disease, and decades of fire suppression. The extent and spread of the damage to the species is vast and some forests have infection rates of 90% or greater and high mortality. To survive, whitebark pine requires active forest management. The forestry community has developed tools and techniques to protect this species over the long term. The speakers will describe the national conservation strategy being developed by federal, state, and tribal cooperators to protect the species.

For more information, please visit these websites:

http://www.americanforests.org/discover-american-forests/our-work/wildlands-for-wildlife/national-whitebark-pine-summit/

http://whitebarkfound.org/

http://www.fedgycc.org/subcommittees/whitebark-pine/

Panelists:

• David Gwaze - National Silviculturist, USDA Forest Service
• Emily Guiberson - Forester, Dillon Field Office, Bureau of Land Management and Chair, Whitebark Pine Subcommittee, Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee
• Eric Sprague - Director, Forest Conservation, American Forests