Large-scale assessment of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) regeneration in Washington State

Project ID: F24AC01518

Federal Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Partner Institution: Central Washington University

Fiscal Year: 2024

Initial Funding: $67,644

Total Funding: $67,644

Principal Investigator: Scoville, Alison

Agreement Technical Representative: Agbalog, Rose

Abstract:

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a foundation species in subalpine ecosystems of the western United States. Populations are declining rapidly due to four interrelated threats: white pine blister rust, a fungal disease caused by the nonnative pathogen Cronartium ribicola; mountain pine beetle attacks; altered fire regimes; and the effects of climate change, leading to the species being listed under the Endangered Species Act. Several key knowledge gaps limit predictions of whitebark pine dynamics, including insufficient data on natural regeneration levels, the effectiveness of silviculture treatments and planting, the degree of shade tolerance and resilience to suppression, and the impact of increased wildfire. This project addresses these gaps by surveying natural regeneration and survival of planted seeds and seedlings across the range of whitebark pine in Washington State. The project will evaluate the relationship between regeneration and potentially important factors, including wildfire history and presence of competing species, to produce a statewide map predicting regeneration levels. This study will (1) identify areas with natural regeneration and those that may require active restoration, and (2) provide information regarding the success of past planting and silviculture treatment. These results will help inform future restoration and recovery efforts.