In summer 2016, the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation (WPEF) in partnership with American Forests approached the U.S. Forest Service with a bold idea:  We proposed developing a collaborative inter-agency strategic rangewide restoration plan for whitebark pine.  Although Keane et al. (2012) had previously published a general rangewide restoration plan which emphasized methods (RMRS-GTR- 279), we would take the concept to the next logical level—the development of a geographic plan that focused on prioritized areas (“core areas”) for restoration.

One of the many things the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation (WPEF) is doing is educating people on the importance of whitebark pine to the high elevation ecosystems, and the threats to whitebark pine existence. What better place to do this than where many people experience whitebark pine – on a ski hill. The WPEF has created a certification program to encourage ski areas to conserve and restore whitebark pine. The Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area (WPFSA) certification program was launched in 2016.

Explore how we have advanced the education and research of whitebark pines and their ecosystems.