MISCONCEPTIONS
Misconceptions about managing high elevation white pine ecosystems
Misconception: "Management of high elevation forests does not seem like a good way to preserve them."
It is important to remember that many of the threats to these ecosystems are from human induced change (fire exclusion, non - native disease introduction). Some of the possible consequences of non - intervention are extinction and isolation of many high elevation forests as well as loss of cultural, ecological, hydrological, etc. benefits of these pines.
The aspiration to sustain these ecosystems in their natural form is important. However, the "hands off" approach does not ensure the landscape sustainability over time, as has been seen in heavily impacted areas. Restoration and proactive management attempt to preserve and provide regeneration opportunities for these pines for future generations.
Misconception: "These pines are so stress tolerant and have lived for centuries; they can persist through these threats."
It is true that high elevation white pines have evolved to be very tolerant of harsh conditions. However, the stresses they face today are new and not ones they have evolved tolerances or defenses to. White pine blister rust is a new stress in North American forests; it was just introduced in the early 1900s. As a result the white pines of North America have little defense to this novel stress. The slow growth, delayed reproduction and low levels of natural rust resistance of these pine species provide a poor prognosis for the sustainability of these forests. Management intervention can help accelerate natural selection and the establishment of rust - resistant genotypes on the landscape.
Misconception: "Saving existing trees will save the species."
The cornerstone to sustaining the species for generations to come is increasing the frequency of heritable resistance on the landscape. To sustain the ecosystems, the entire regeneration process must be functional, i.e. seed production, seed dispersal, seed germination, seedling establishment, seedling growth and maturity (seed producing tree). If an existing tree does not have genetic resistance it's progeny (the seedling that develop from its seeds) is not likely to have resistance and will therefore be susceptible to white pine blister rust and will not contribute to the next generation of trees. Without successful regeneration, the forest will not be able to recovery after a natural disturbance such as wildfire or wind throw. The existing trees provide the genetic diversity that provides the rust resistant genes but management intervention may be needed to accelerate natural selection and the establishment of rust - resistant genotypes on the landscape.
For more information see:
For more information see:
- Management intervention example in Glacier National Park
- Whitebark pine restoration
- Proactive management options
- National report on white pine blister rust in the United States
Sources: 1, 111, 97, 112, 113, 114, 85