WPEF 2017 Accomplishments

 

2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Restoration Projects

• Planted rust resistant whitebark pine seedlings in Glacier National Park
• Planted rust resistant whitebark pine seeds on the Custer-Gallatin NF
• In Memory of Bob Means, removed other conifer species from whitebark pine stand
• Collaborated with US Forest Service Forest Health Protection division on selection of whitebark pine restoration projects that resulted in $300,000 going to on-the-ground projects

Conferences

• Conducted a successful science and management conference in Jasper, Alberta
• Began planning for 2020 Symposium for Five Needle Pines in Missoula, Montana
• Co-hosted an Incredible National Summit with American Forests and the US Forest Service. This is the formal start to a National Whitebark Pine Restoration Plan. Data discovery for this project was completed in 2017.

Research and Education

• Awarded a scholarship to University of British Columbia graduate student Kiah Allen.
• Published two dynamic issues of Nutcracker Notes
• Maintained our vibrant and informative website for all to reference
• Provided support and technical assistance to the recently formed Crown of the Continent Hi5 Working Group
• Supported the Clark’s Nutcracker Citizen Science Project that educated over 300 people and resulted in 114 data surveys completed.
• Outreached to many high elevation ski resorts to become certified as Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Areas

 

Photo courtesy of Cliff Schwab. Taken of Hinkhouse Peak Ridge, Washington Pass in the Northern Cascades.