Limber pine monitoring at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: Observations and results from 2011-2013
Stucki DS, Jackson JI, Jules ES. 2018. Limber pine monitoring at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: Observations and results from 2011-2013. Natural Resource Report. NPS/UCBN/NRR—2018/1823. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Limber pine (Pinus flexilis) is susceptible to several threats including the introduced pathogen white pine blister rust (WPBR; Cronartium ribicola), the native mountain pine beetle (MPB; Dendroctonus ponderosae), and the native parasitic plant dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium cyanocarpum). Here we describe limber pine forest dynamics in Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho (CRMO) including species composition and structure, cone production, and incidence and infection severity of WPBR, MPB, and dwarf mistletoe. We surveyed trees in 50 x 50 m plots (n=93), providing baseline estimates of limber pine stand structure within CRMO. Overall, limber pine stands at CRMO have a low proportion of dead trees (~5%). There are currently no observed WPBR infections and very few trees are affected by MPB. Dwarf mistletoe remains a widespread stressor, infecting about a third of limber pine trees. Dwarf mistletoe infection was associated with higher average annual precipitation, higher basal area of dead limber pine, and larger tree diameters. Ovulate cone production was associated with larger tree diameters and higher average annual minimum temperatures. A decrease in ovulate cone production was associated with higher basal area of live and dead limber pine and with presence of dwarf mistletoe infection. Crown kill estimates were higher with larger tree diameters and presence of dwarf mistletoe infection. Our initial results show that limber pine at CRMO are experiencing lower levels of WPBR and MPB and similar levels of dwarf mistletoe compared to other limber pine sites within the range of the species.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Stucki, Devin; Jackson, Jenell; Jules, Erik
- Date of Issue
- 2018-11
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- CRMO , NRSS , UCBN
- Keywords
- blister rust, limber pine monitoring, long term monitoring, Pinus flesilis, tussock moth
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Shrubland Communities