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Genetic Program - Whitebark Pine Conservation
Photo Essay
View a photo essay
on whitebark pine by Carol Aubry.
Based on growing concerns of the health of whitebark pine ecosystems in Oregon and Washington, the PNW Genetic Resource Program began work in the early 1990's with the PNW Forest Health Protection Program, USDI National Parks and others to gather information on the status of whitebark pine in Oregon and Washington. Early work included an informal information survey, seed collections to be used to examine natural genetic resistance to white pine blister rust and common garden studies to examine genetic variation, germination tests to examine longevity of seed in cold storage and germination procedures, protocols to grow whitebark pine seedlings, and surveys of the health of whitebark pine ecosystemssee publications and posters)-->. Beginning in 2004, this work has intensified and a four year 'Pacfic Northwest Albicaulis Project' was initiated.
Updated whitebark pine collection map
Genetic Resource Management and Climate Change
Pacific Northwest Albicaulis Project
The Pacific Northwest Albicaulis Project of the USDA Forest Service endeavors to support the conservation and restoration of whitebark pine ecosystems in Oregon and Washington through field and laboratory studies, publications, and development of management strategies. For more information on this project contact Carol Aubry, caubry@usda.gov.
Albicaulis Project Publications
Coming Soon...
- Range map for Washington and Oregon
- Mechanisms of seed dispersal in whitebark pine: a review of the literature
- NEPA and Wilderness
- NEPA for cone collection in Buckhorn Wilderness
- Results of health assessments in Washington State 2002-2005
- Tree selection plan
- DNA and isozymes study report
Blister Rust Resistance
Region 6 screening for whitebark pine blister rust resistance is underway at Dorena Genetic Resource Center. Naturally occurring genetic resistance to this introduced, invasive pathogen is rare. Current screening will provide information on the frequency of this resistance in Oregon and Washington, as well as identifying resistant parent trees from which seed might be collected in the future for restoration efforts.
more information from Dorena Genetic Resource Center
Genetic Variation
Several common garden studies are underway or recently completed. Stay tuned for details.