PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION WHITEBARK PINE RESTORATION PROGRAM
2009 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Andrew Bower1, Therese Ohlson2, Carol Aubry3
1 Geneticist, USDA Forest Service, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97330
2 Botanist/Ecologist, USDA Forest Service, 24 West Chewuch Rd., Winthrop, WA 98862
3 Geneticist, USDA Forest Service, 1835 Black Lake Blvd SW Suite A, Olympia, WA 98512
Photo: J. Alonzo
INTRODUCTION
The Whitebark Pine Restoration Strategy for the Pacific Northwest Region (Aubry et al. 2008) laid out a comprehensive 5-year plan to reach the goal of “a network of viable populations of whitebark pine throughout the Pacific Northwest”. The key actions prescribed include:
- collecting seed for gene conservation and rust resistance screening
- assessing stand conditions in priority management units
- developing plans for planting seedlings in priority management units
- continuing a rust screening program with emphasis on seed zones in grizzly bear areas
- treating for mountain pine beetle in high risk management units
- developing an approach for planting seedlings in designated wilderness areas
- developing an approach to mitigate the predicted impacts of climate change
- developing a monitoring plan to track accomplishments, success of actions, and provide feedback to improve project procedures and outcomes and disseminate information.
In this first year of implementation, approximately 70 individuals performed a wide variety of tasks that represents an investment of almost $170,000 which including dedicated funding from Forest Health Protection and “in-kind” contributions of salary of NFS personnel (see Appendix and a). A tremendous amount of workwas done, with significant progress made in the areas of cone collections, surveys, treating for mountain pine beetle, and screening for blister rust resistance[1].
Cone Collections: $44,500 was provided by FHP and $10,000 by the Region 6 R.O. for cone collections in 2009. A minimum of 30 cones from 276 individual trees from 36 different locations were sent to the Dorena Genetic Resources Center for seed extraction. Approximately 800 seed from each of these lots willbe utilized for ex situ gene conservation (Bower and Aubry 2009) and 200 seed for rust resistance screening. Any seed in excess of these needs will be available to the “home” forest of the tree for reforestation needs. In addition, bulk cone collections for reforestation were made on 6 sites in Washington and 9 sites in Oregon. There are 20 “collection areas” (see Table 9 in Aubry et al. 2008,) in the region where there is a target of a minimum of seed from 25 trees per area for gene conservation. Prior to 2009, this minimum target was met or nearly met in only 3 areas. After the 2009 cone crop, the minimum target has been met or nearly met for 13 areas (Table 1).
Stand Condition Surveys: The restoration strategy document listed the top 10 priority management units for surveying condition (see Table 6 in Aubry et al. 2008). In 2009, 46 permanent monitoring plots were installed in 21 different management units, including six of the top 10 priority units. The other four top 10 priority units were visited and surveyed, but no permanent plots were installed (table 2). Three were found to have an insufficient number of individuals to install plots, and the unit on the Fremont-Winema National Forest (Conservation area 802) is experiencing a massive mountain pine beetle outbreak, and funding is being sought to install a network of permanent plots in this area to monitor mortality and regeneration. Approximately 60 additional sites were visited to survey the cone crop and/or document the presence/absence of whitebark pine on sites where its data on its occurrence was previous unknown.
Treating for Mountain Pine Beetle: $2400 “emergency” funding was provided by FHP for the purchase of 300 Verbenone pouches for the Fremont-Winema NF for protection from mountain pine beetle attack. Priority individuals for treatment were trees with cones caged for collection, and other large, mature trees (either with or without cones) which would be prime targets for beetle mass attack. A total of 10 sites were treated throughout the region. Seven sites on the Fremont-Winema NF were treated using this funding, while other funds were used to treat 2 sites on the Mt. Hood NF and one sites on the Deschutes NF. While evidence of beetle mass attack and tree mortality was evident in many locations, no attack or mortality was noted on trees that were treated with verbenone.
Blister Rust Resistance Screening: Seedlings from 226 families from 12 national forests, 2 national parks, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, USFS Regions 1 and 5, and British Columbia were entered into the blister rust resistance screening program at the Dorena Genetic Resources Center. Inoculation took place in September and these seedlings will be tracked for the next five to six years for evidence of resistance. More information can be obtained from Richard Sniezko,
Planting: Planting project that took place this year were mostly opportunistic, taking advantage of excess seedlings that were grown at the Dorena Genetic Resources Center but not used for rust resistance testing. Planting occurred on three sites. 133 seedlings were planted at the Campbell Lake and Deadhorse Lake campgrounds on the Fremont-Winema National Forest. The planting was very scattered and work was performed by district personnel. The planting covered approximately 50 acres. 120 seedlings were planted on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Mt. Adams in the Cold Spring burn. The planting covered approximately 2 acres. Approximately 50 seedlings were planted on the Deschutes National Forest on Black Butte. The planting was widely scattered and covered approximately 2 acres.
Table 1. Progress towards meeting cone collection goals for ex situ gene conservation
SeedZone / Conservation area / # Seedlots
Collected
Since 1994 / # Seedlots
Tested for
Resistance / # Seedlots
>700 seed / # Seedlots
Needed / # trees
Collected
2009 / Target met?
1 / 101 / 16 / 9 / 9 / 16 / 0 / NO
2E / 202, 203, 204, 205 / 17 / 17 / 0 / 25 / 16 / no
2W / 206, 207, 208 / 34 / 23 / 12 / 13 / 0 / NO
2W / 208 / 10 / 10 / 1 / 24 / 0 / NO
3 / 301 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 25 / 19 / ALMOST
3 / 302 / 27 / 15 / 0 / 25 / 17 / ALMOST
3 / 303 / 19 / 14 / 1 / 24 / 0 / NO
4 / 401, 402, 403, 404, 405 / 43 / 26 / 24 / 1 / * / YES
5 / 501 / 22 / 21 / 18 / 7 / 7 / YES
5 / 502, 503, 504 / 47 / 40 / 25 / 0 / 26 / YES
5 / 505 / 20 / 20 / 4 / 21 / 26 / YES
6 / 601 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 25 / 25 / YES
6 / 602, 603 / 62 / 60 / 49 / 0 / 5 / YES
6 / 604 / 8 / 8 / 7 / 18 / 28 / YES
7 / 701 / 17 / 10 / 0 / 25 / 29 / YES
7 / 703 / 17 / 14 / 7 / 18 / 20 / YES
7 / 704** / 2 / 2 / 0 / n/a / 0 / **
8 / 801 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 25 / 11 / NO
8 / 802 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 25 / 19 / ALMOST
8 / 803 / 35 / 31 / 0 / 25 / 24 / YES
* Bulk reforestation collections made in 2009
** Very small conservation area (Mt. Ashland) with total population size <25 individuals.
Table 2. Progress towards meeting goals of top 10 priority units for condition survey (from Aubry et al. 2008, table 6
Conservation Area / Management Unit / Grizzly Bear Recovery area / Outside designated wilderness / # plots installed203 / 3 / Y / N / 4
204 / 4 / Y / Y / 1 survey*
206 / 7 / Y / Y / 2
208 / 2 / Y / Y / 1 survey*
301 / 1 / Y / Y / 2
404 / 3 / N / Y / 2
501 / 8 / N / Y / 1 survey*
502 / 3 / N / Y / 10
603 / 4 / N / Y / 1
802 / 2 / N / Y / 1 survey
* Insufficient whitebark pine found in survey to install permanent plot
Figure 1. Whitebark pine seed zones and conservation areas in Washington. (From Aubry et al., 2008)
Figure 2. Whitebark pine seed zones and conservation areas in Oregon. (From Aubry et al., 2008)
References
Aubry, C., D. Goheen, R. Shoal, T. Ohlson, T. Lorenz, A. Bower, C. Mehmel, and R. Sniezko (compilers). 2008. Whitebark pine restoration strategy for the Pacific Northwest Region 2009-2013. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. Portland, OR.
Bower, A., and C. Aubry. 2009. Whitebark Pine ex situ Gene Conservation Plan for the Pacific Northwest Region. Document on file with USDA Forest Service, Corvallis, OR.
APPENDIX: Accomplishments by Conservation Area
CONSERVATION AREA: 101
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1
LOCATION(S): Marmot Pass, Charlia Lakes
WORK PERFORMED: condition survey and 2009 cone crop survey
PERFORMED BY: Doug Archer – contractors
RESULTS: good cone crop in 2009 at Charlia Lakes
CONSERVATION AREA: 202
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 5
LOCATION(S): North Navarre – Sawtooth Ridge
WORK PERFORMED: Permanent plot installation
PERFORMED BY:Jessica McDaniel
RESULTS: 1 permanent plot installed
CONSERVATION AREA: 203
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 3
LOCATION(S): Sand Ridge, Gabril Creek, Sheep Mtn., Bald Mtn., Cathedral Ridge, Bob Mtn., Ashnola, Amphitheater, Lasamis
WORK PERFORMED: Permanent plot installation, condition, and 2009 cone surveys
PERFORMED BY: Connie Mehmel, Alison Nelson, Therese Ohlson, P. Ohlson
RESULTS: 8 transects, 12 permanent plots, 7 areas surveyed
CONSERVATION AREA: 204
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
LOCATION(S): Gabriel Mtn., Sheep Mtn., Sand Ridge, North 20 Mile Peak, Rock Mtn., Freezeout Ridge, Spur Peak, Starvation Mtn.
WORK PERFORMED: Permanent plot installation, cone collection, 2009 cone survey and survival check, post-fire planting survey, low-elevation flight photos.
PERFORMED BY:Connie Mehmel, Alison Nelson, Jamie Cannon, Brent Tannehill, Therese Ohlson, Jessica McDaniel, _ Nash, Bruce Akker, North Cascades Smokejumper Base smokejumpers, Leverett Hubbard (contractor)
RESULTS: 9 permanent plots installed, 50 trees caged and collected on 2 sites – cones from 13 select trees sent to Dorena for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing, 85 photos @ 1:5000 scale for long-term monitoring, post-fire planting area identified, 99% survival on 2008 planting.
CONSERVATION AREA: 205
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 4, 5
LOCATION(S): Scaffold Ridge, Sawtooth Ridge, Horsehead pass, Eagle lake, Crater lakes, South Navarre
WORK PERFORMED: condition surveys, 2009 cone surveys, cone collection, permanent plot installation
PERFORMED BY: Jamie Cannon, Brent Tannehill, Sherrie Farmer, John Jakubowski, R. Rex, Leverett Hubbard (contractor)
RESULTS: 2 permanent plots installed, 12 trees caged and collected –cones from 3 select trees sent to Dorena for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing, 6 areas surveyed
CONSERVATION AREA: 206
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 4, 6, 7
LOCATION(S):Tyee, Stormy Mtn. Devil’s Backbone (Big Hill)
WORK PERFORMED: condition surveys, 2009 cone surveys, permanent plot installation
PERFORMED BY: Jamie Cannon
RESULTS: 2 permanent plots installed, 3 areas surveyed
CONSERVATION AREA: 207
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2, 4
LOCATION(S): Nason Ridge, Whitepine/Lake Julius, Lake Ann, Long Pass, Iron Peak, Gallager Lake
WORK PERFORMED: condition surveys, 2009 cone surveys, permanent plot installation
PERFORMED BY: Glen Ferrier, Serena Lau, Jessica McDaniel, Judi Sandretto-Reed
RESULTS: 3 permanent plots installed, 6 areas surveyed
CONSERVATION AREA: 208
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2
LOCATION(S): Mission Ridge, Table Mtn.
WORK PERFORMED: condition surveys, cone surveys, permanent plot installation
PERFORMED BY: Glen Ferrier, Serena Lau, Jessica McDaniel, Judi Sandretto-Reed
RESULTS: 3 permanent plot installed, 2 areas surveyed
CONSERVATION AREA: 301
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1
LOCATION(S): Bonaparte Mtn.
WORK PERFORMED: cone collection, permanent plot installation
PERFORMED BY: Jessica McDaniel, _ Nash, Jamie Cannon, Brent Tannehill, North Cascades Smokejumper Base smokejumpers
RESULTS: 2 permanent plots installed, 25 trees caged and collected – cones from 19 select trees sent to Dorena for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing
CONSERVATION AREA: 302
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1
LOCATION(S): Copper Butte, Wapaloosie
WORK PERFORMED: cone collection, permanent plot installation
PERFORMED BY: Brock Mayo with Dorena crew, Tom DeSpain, John Stuart (contractor)
RESULTS: 15 trees caged and collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing, 2 permanent plots installed
CONSERVATION AREA: 303
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
LOCATION(S): Abercrombie Mtn., Salmo Mtn., Sullivan Mtn., Crowell Ridge, Molybdenite Mtn., Round Top Mtn., Mankato Mtn., Hall Mtn.
WORK PERFORMED: 2009 cone survey, cone collection, permanent plot installation
PERFORMED BY: Tom DeSpain, Mike Borysewicz, John Stuart (contractor)
RESULTS: 7 permanent plots installed, 7 sites surveyed
CONSERVATION AREA: 404
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 3, 5
LOCATION(S): Clover Springs, Darland Mtn.
WORK PERFORMED: cone collection, permanent plot installation
PERFORMED BY: Brock Mayo and Dorena crew, Doug Archer (contractor)
RESULTS: 4 permanent plots installed, 21 select trees caged and collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing
CONSERVATION AREA: 405
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 2
LOCATION(S): Cold Springs
WORK PERFORMED: cone survey, permanent plot installation, post-fire planting
PERFORMED BY: Jon Nakae, Beth Willhite and crew
RESULTS: 3 permanent plots installed, 2 acres reforested with 120 seedlings
CONSERVATION AREA: 501
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
LOCATION(S): Mt. Hood Meadows, Cloup Cap, Timberline, Dog Springs, Lookout Mtn., Flag Point, Badger Butte, Trail 685 (Gunsight trail)
WORK PERFORMED: condition surveys, 2009 cone surveys, cone collection, permanent plot installation, verbenone treatment,
PERFORMED BY: Beth Willhite, Keith Sprengel, Andy Bower, Sister Silviculture Crew
RESULTS: 6 permanent plots installed, 7 areas surveyed, 37 trees/clumps treated with verbenone pouches, 5 bushels of bulk cones from 25 trees collected, cones from 7 select trees sent to Dorena for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing
CONSERVATION AREA: 502
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2, 5
LOCATION(S): Horseshoe/Olallie Lakes, central Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Black Butte
WORK PERFORMED: 2009 cone surveys, pre-plant survey, permanent plot installation
PERFORMED BY: Sisters Silviculture crew, Chris Jensen, WolfTree
RESULTS: 10 permanent plots installed, 2 areas surveyed
CONSERVATION AREA: 503
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2, 3, 4
LOCATION(S): Black Crater, Mt. Washington wilderness, Tam MacArthur Rim, Mt. Bachelor, Tumalo Butte, Kwohl Butte, Broken Top trailhead
WORK PERFORMED: cone collections, scion collections, permanent plot installation, seed planting study assessment, post seedling planting survey
PERFORMED BY: Chris Jensen, Kristen Chadwick, WolfTree, Sisters Silviculture Crew, Redmond Smokejumper Base smokejumpers
RESULTS: 3 permanent plots installed, scion collected from 5 trees, cones from 23 select trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing plus 2 bulk collections, 5 seed planting plots assessed, high planted seedling survival, 6 select trees treated with verbenone pouches
CONSERVATION AREA: 504
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
LOCATION(S): Cultus Mtn., The Twins, Maiden Peak, Davis Mtn., Hamner Butte, Odell Butte
WORK PERFORMED: 2009 cone surveys, site visits, cone collections, scion collections
PERFORMED BY: Chris Jensen, Andy Bower, Ryan Schulenberg, Redmond Smokejumper Base smokejumpers
RESULTS: cones from 11 select trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing, scion collected from 7 trees, 2 areas surveyed
CONSERVATION AREA: 505
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1
LOCATION(S): Paulina Peak, Newberry Caldera rim
WORK PERFORMED: cone collection, seedling post planting survival survey, verbenone treatment
PERFORMED BY: Chris Jensen, Redmond Smokejumper Base smokejumpers
RESULTS: cones from 26 select trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing, high seedling post planting survival noted
CONSERVATION AREA: 601
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2, 3, 4
LOCATION(S): Mt. Howard, Eagle Cap wilderness, Mt. Fanny, Mt. Harris, Flagstaff Butte, Russell Mtn., Little Eagle Meadows
WORK PERFORMED: site visit/cone surveys, permanent plot remeasurements, cone collections
PERFORMED BY: Paul Survis, Rosemary Guttridge (contractor), Vince Novotny (contractor), Josh Alonzo and crew
RESULTS: 22 permanent plots remeasured, 5 areas surveyed, cones from 25 select trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing
CONSERVATION AREA: 602
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S):
LOCATION(S):
WORK PERFORMED: none
PERFORMED BY:
RESULTS:
CONSERVATION AREA: 603
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 4, 5
LOCATION(S): Vinegar Hill, Dixie Butte
WORK PERFORMED: Permanent plot installation, cone collection
PERFORMED BY: Lia Spiegel, W. Brendeck, E. Wunz, A. Lindsay, Josh Alonzo and crew
RESULTS: 3 permanent plots installed, cones from 5 trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing and reforestation
CONSERVATION AREA: 604
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2, 3, 4
LOCATION(S): Strawberry Mtn. wilderness, Indian Springs, Little Baldy, Lookout/Sheep Mtns. ridge, Baldy Mtn., Monument Rock
WORK PERFORMED: permanent plot installation, site visit/cone surveys, cone collections,
PERFORMED BY: Lia Spiegel, W. Brendeck, E. Wunz, A. Lindsay, Craig Schmitt, Karen Prudhomme, Josh Alonzo and crew
RESULTS: 14 permanent plots installed, cones from 28 select trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust resistance testing and reforestation, 3 areas surveyed
CONSERVATION AREA: 701
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 2, 3, 7, 8
LOCATION(S): Mt. Bailey, Cowhorn Mtn., Tipsoo Peak, Windigo Pass south
WORK PERFORMED: site visit/cone survey, cone collection
PERFORMED BY: Eric Baxter, Justin Hadwin, Jena Christiansen, Mike Black, Chris Jensen, Andy Bower, Redmond Smokejumper Base smokejumpers
RESULTS: cones from 23 select trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust testing, plus one bulk lot for reforestation
CONSERVATION AREA: 703
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 2, 3, 4, 5
LOCATION(S): Rocktop butte, Maude Mtn., Mt. McLoughlin, Buck Basin, Brown Mtn.
WORK PERFORMED: site visits/cone surveys, cone collection
PERFORMED BY: Jim Hamlin, Ellen Goheen, Don Goheen, Eric Baxter, Justin Hadwin, Michael Shettles, Redmond Smokejumper Base smokejumpers
RESULTS: cones from 20 select trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust testing, 3 sites surveyed
CONSERVATION AREA: 801
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2, 4
LOCATION(S): Walker Rim, Yamsay Mtn., Hager Mtn., Bald Mtn.
WORK PERFORMED: site visit/cone survey, cone collection, verbenone treatment
PERFORMED BY: Chris Jensen, Andy Bower, Kristen Chadwick, Donna Stubbs, Redmond Smokejumper Base smokejumpers, Sisters Silviculture Crew
RESULTS: cones from 11 select trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust testing, 1 site surveyed, 2 sites treated with verbenone
CONSERVATION AREA: 802
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2, 3, 4
LOCATION(S): Morgan Butte, Round Mtn., Bald Butte/Road 28, Green Mtn., Grizzly Peak, Cougar Peak
WORK PERFORMED: site visit/cone surveys, cone collection, verbenone treatment
PERFORMED BY: Donna Stubbs, Andy Bower, Sisters Silviculture crew
RESULTS: cones from 22 select trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust testing, 4 sites surveyed, 2 sites treated with verbenone pouches
CONSERVATION AREA: 803
MANAGEMENT UNIT(S): 1, 2
LOCATION(S): Abert Rim, Drake Peak
WORK PERFORMED: cone collection, verbenone treatment
PERFORMED BY: Donna Stubbs, Sisters Silviculture crew
RESULTS: cones from 24 select trees collected for ex situ gene conservation/rust testing, 2 sites treated with verbenone pouches
[1] Blister rust resistance screening is performed at the Dorena Genetic Resources Center independently of the whitebark pine restoration program, however, it addresses a key actions prescribed in the restoration strategy. For more information contact Richard Sniezko