Introduction
High Elevation Pine Forests- Why We Care
Do high-elevation pine forests of western North America capture your passion? Do you want to learn the latest research findings and management techniques for restoring these valuable ecosystems? The second International symposium on high-elevation, five-needled pines (H5II) will convene internationally renowned scientists and resource managers to present state-of-the-art information on the research and management of these valuable pines. This important conference will redefine the management of valuable high-elevation pine forests.
Tragically, many high-elevation, five-needle pine forests are declining, or are at risk of declining, throughout North America. Six high elevation five-needle pine species, whitebark, limber, southwestern white, foxtail, Great Basin bristlecone, and Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine, are in great danger of rapidly declining in the upper subalpine forests of Western North America. Although they may have limited value for timber, they are of great ecological and symbolic importance to both the U.S. and Canada. Pro-active restoration is needed to ensure these species remain on the high-elevation landscape.
All scientists, ecologists, resource professionals, and managers interested in these iconic ecosystems are invited to learn new techniques, research results, and new information on the research and management of high-elevation, five-needle pine ecosystems. Topics to be covered include (1) blister rust and mountain pine beetle interactions with H5 pines, (2) rust resistance testing and findings, (3) wildland fire dynamics, (4) restoration techniques and actions, (5) status of the National Whitebark Pine Restoration Plan, (6) ecology and ecophysiology, (7) genetic concerns, and (8) nutcracker-pine interactions.
The program contains three keynote and six plenary presentations from recognized experts in the field that will set the stage for the conference. There will also be over 140 invited and contributed presentations in four concurrent sessions over the three days that will cover ecology, restoration, and management of the six tree species. Featured will be the National Whitebark Pine Restoration Plan (NWPRP) and a virtual field trip tour of a Montana whitebark pine restoration site and discuss the current issues in restoring high five tree species, especially under a future of changing climates.
Photos this page: Great Basin bristlecone pine tree, photo by Quinn Lowrey (featured); Limber pine cone, photo by Anna Schoettle (above, top left); Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine cone, photo by Anna Schoettle (above right); Foxtail pine cone, photo by Anna Schoettle (above, bottom left).
