Saving Whitebark Pines for the Future

Did you know that there are several keystone species that are native to our great state? One being the Whitebark pine—these beautiful trees can be seen in the Wood River Valley and on top of Baldy, but the best area to see large healthy stands is at high elevation in the Sawtooths. These trees love the rocky steep mountainsides where they hold the earth intact—protecting slopes from erosion and extending snowpacks to result in prolonged runoff into the spring and summer.

These magnificent trees are facing two serious threats— Whitepine Blister Rust and Mountain Pine Beetle. Thankfully, these trees received federal protection in December 2022 when it was listed as a threatened species on the Endangered Species Act. While the answers to saving these trees aren’t straightforward, with federal protection on the ESA, they will be studied, monitored, and protected. My hope is that these trees remain an important part of Idaho ecology for generations.  

One aspect that is vital for the trees to remain for thousands of years is dependent on the Clark’s Nutcrackers. Without these birds, the trees’ chances of survival shrink. For years these trees were warranted for protection but overlooked for other species. So, get out and explore before it’s too late, embrace Idaho’s nature, and promote the health of our ecosystems through conscious actions and thoughts.  

BY TANNER JOSEY

Want to Learn more? Check out this piece on NPR!