The Whitebark Pine, a resilient yet increasingly endangered species, faces challenges from rising temperatures, beetle outbreaks, wildfires, and the invasive blister rust fungus.
In the vast and picturesque landscapes of the Mountain West, a nonprofit organization in Nevada, Friends of Nevada Wilderness, is leading efforts to protect a crucial tree species under the looming threat of climate change. The Whitebark Pine, a resilient yet increasingly endangered species, faces challenges from rising temperatures, beetle outbreaks, wildfires, and the invasive blister rust fungus.
Members of Friends of Nevada Wilderness recently gathered in Sparks, Nevada, loading trucks with equipment and supplies ranging from shovels and picks to coffee and ice chests. Meg Tait, the group’s stewardship coordinator, emphasized the importance of their conservation trips, highlighting the allure of the beautiful areas they work in and the camaraderie fostered by providing ample food and coffee to volunteers.
The focus of their efforts lies in the remote Pahute Peak and Pine Forest Wilderness areas, north of Reno, where populations of Whitebark Pine thrive. Recognized as a keystone species, Whitebark Pines play a vital role in ecosystems by providing essential habitat, influencing snowmelt, and serving as a high-calorie food source for various wildlife, from birds to grizzly bears.
However, with over half of the Whitebark Pine stands in the West already dead, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the urgency to address the threats becomes apparent. Friends of Nevada Wilderness believes that the remote Whitebark Pine areas they are focusing on may be isolated enough to escape the devastating impact of climate change.
To further understand and protect these areas, the conservation group employed a unique approach. They placed small cages over some pine cones during the summer to protect them from birds. Returning months later, they collected the developed seeds, which will be handed over to their federal partner on the project, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The BLM plans to use the seeds for genetic research and to create a seed stock for potential replanting efforts in case of damage caused by fire or significant mortality. Michael McCampbell, a natural resources specialist with the BLM, praised the partnership, emphasizing that the collaboration with Friends of Nevada Wilderness significantly contributes to their ability to study and protect the threatened species.
Volunteers, the backbone of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, contribute to various projects across the state each year. The organization has already played a crucial role in protecting over 3 million acres of wilderness. As Nevada grapples with the escalating impacts of drought, wildfires, and invasive species, the work of conservation groups like Friends of Nevada Wilderness becomes more critical.
Shaaron Netherton, the executive director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, highlighted the importance of preserving intact landscapes in countering climate change issues. The organization is actively involved in a campaign to conserve nearly 1 million acres of open landscape in Washoe County, collaborating with U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen to promote sustainable growth, economic development, and the preservation of public lands.
As climate change continues to threaten ecosystems, Friends of Nevada Wilderness remains at the forefront, showcasing the power of community-driven conservation efforts to protect the natural treasures of the Mountain West.