October Program: Restoring Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) Ecosystems in the Face of Climate Change

October 21, 7 pm at Teller Wildlife Refuge Education Room (by the Slack Barn).

Robert E. Keane is a Research Ecologist Emeritus with the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory since 1994.  His most recent research includes 1) developing ecological computer simulation models for the exploring landscape, fire, and climate dynamics, 2) conducting basic research in wildland fuel science, and 3) investigating the ecology and restoration of whitebark pine.  He received his B.S. degree in forest engineering from the University of Maine, Orono; his M.S. degree in forest ecology from the University of Montana, Missoula; and his Ph.D. degree in forest ecology from the University of Idaho, Moscow.

Restoring whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) ecosystems in the face of climate change

Robert E. Keane

Abstract:  The combined effects of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks, fire exclusion policies, and the exotic disease white pine blister rust (caused by the pathogen Cronartium ribicola) have caused a severe decline in high elevation whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) forests across western North America. Predicted changes in climate may exacerbate this decline by (1) accelerating succession to more shade tolerant conifers, (2) creating environments unsuitable for whitebark pine, (3) increasing the frequency and severity of mountain pine beetle outbreaks and wildland fire events, and (4) facilitating spread of blister rust.  In this presentation, we will discuss the ecology of this valuable ecosystem to provide a context for restoration. We’ll look at the unique relationship of the pine with an amazing bird species, and its role of providing food for wildlife. We will also discuss the factors that are contributing to whitebark pine’s decline. Last, we will cover some important ways that we can restore this valuable species to the high mountain ecosystems.