Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation (WPEF)

We are a science-based non-profit dedicated to counteracting the decline of whitebark pine and enhancing knowledge about the value of its ecosystems.

Contact

406-925-9545
[email protected]

Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation
PO Box 17943
Missoula, Montana 59808

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About

Our Mission

The Mission of the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation shall be to promote the conservation of whitebark pine ecosystems by supporting restoration, education, management, and research projects that enhance knowledge and stewardship of these valuable ecosystems. Through the cooperative organization of the foundation, and networking with other organizations, government agencies, and individuals, we will be able to do together what we cannot do alone.

Our Objectives

  1. Promote general understanding and appreciation for the ecological value of whitebark pine, and recognition of the accelerating losses of whitebark pine ecosystems rangewide.
  2. Form a membership base of like-minded individuals who provide basic financial support for operational needs and promote the mission of the WPEF.
  3. Inform and educate the public and natural resource agencies of the values of whitebark pine ecosystems and threats to their perpetuation.
  4. Support research to understand whitebark pine ecosystem processes and functions.
  5. Test and promote possible strategies for restoration.
  6. Provide financial assistance and technical support for restoration efforts. WPEF shall both facilitate and lead whitebark pine conservation and restoration efforts.
  7. Form associations with other organizations, governmental agencies, and individuals to further cooperation and collaboration in education, research, and restoration projects related to whitebark pine ecosystems.

Our Activities

  1. Encourage and support restoration activities in whitebark pine ecosystems by providing information, expert advice, and supplemental project funding.
  2. Develop and deliver educational tools for communicating information about the values of whitebark pine ecosystems and their restoration needs.
  3. Bring public attention to the challenges facing whitebark pine as opportunities arise, through interviews and articles in various media outlets.
  4. Publish the WPEF newsletter, Nutcracker Notes, at least twice yearly to communicate new information concerning whitebark pine and WPEF activities to the membership.
  5. Provide other sources of communication (web site, field trips, conferences, etc.) that serve as a forum for whitebark ecosystem research and management concerns.
  6. Identify research needs for whitebark pine restoration.
  7. Garner financial support from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and concerned individuals.
  8. Sponsor workshops, training sessions, and symposia to disseminate current research and management findings on whitebark pine ecology and restoration
  9. Encourage managers of high-mountain resorts such as ski areas to recognize their unique opportunity to restore whitebark pine forests between ski runs, and to draw public attention to the ecological values of whitebark pine ecosystems.

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