White Pine Journal

Mature and seedling western white pines continue to grow and few losses to damage or disease occurred since 2014. Locally-adapted seedlings survived cold winters better than did rust-resistant hybrids.

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White Pine Journal, MPG North February 2017, Tanner Banks and Beau Larkin

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Tree Profiles- Native White Pine

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In 2011 the tree “released”, meaning the annual growth significantly increased after years of suppressed growth. We will prune dead limbs inspect the trunk for cankers on our next visit to MPG North.

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NWP-2

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NWP-11

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NWP-21

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NWP-21

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NWP-21 produced 106 cones this year. Several native seedlings thrive within a 100 yards of the tree.

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At 93 years old, NWP-34 grew to 111 feet tall and produced 53 cones.

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Tree Profiles- Native White Pine

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NWP-15 For several years this tree has declined from a blister rust infection. It is the one NWP mortality of 2016.

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NWP-15

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NWP-17 is one of four trees that produces cones on the property. The tree has a large pole blight lesion at the base of the trunk. Despite the infection, the tree’s annual growth is consistent.

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The photos above show pole blight scarring on NWP-17. It is the only cone producing tree with signs of disease. Pole blight generally impacts mature trees 40-100 years old but is not limited to those age classes (Leaphart et al. 1957). The 2014 Western Wh

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The majority of needles and the top of NWP-64 have died. Several years of persistent flagging suggests the tree has poor vigor. Thinning treatments have been ineffective in bolstering this tree’s growth. We will remove it from future white pine monitoring

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NWP-64

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Tree Profiles- Planted White Pines

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2003 WWP: Overall Growth

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2003 WWP Continued

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2013 WWP Plots 48-51: Comparison of Genotype

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2013 WWP Continued

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2013 WWP Mortality

Mixed Conifer

Location(s):

Camp

Tags:

Project:

Western White Pine Ecology

About MPG North

Established in 2005, the property boundary at MPG North encloses 200 undeveloped acres in Western Montana’s Swan Valley. Researchers and field staff manage the property to improve habitat quality for wildlife, discover new ways to restore damaged landscapes and study forest ecology. We also create opportunities to share what we've learned with local conservation organizations, students of all ages, management agencies and volunteers. Through these education and outreach efforts, we seek to inspire others to work together and protect undeveloped landscapes.