Whitebark pine experts gather in Whitefish

The Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation is working with the Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park to hold the foundation’s 2016 science meeting in Whitefish on Friday, Sept. 16.

Whitebark pine is a keystone species. The tree’s large seeds provide a critical food source for over 110 species of birds and animals at high elevations. Its presence allows other tree species to establish under the harsh conditions near the tree line and helps retain snowpack and regulate runoff.

Whitebark faces several threats — primarily human-caused — that have decreased the number of whitebark pines in Northwest Montana by more than 90 percent.

The event is being held at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish and includes a full day of science presentations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An evening program for the public, covering whitebark pine ecology, threats and local restoration efforts, will be held after the science meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

There also will be an event at the Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Base Lodge on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., recognizing the resort as the first certified “Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area.”

Friday’s science program will feature presentations by many of the premier experts in whitebark pine research, policy and restoration efforts.

The evening program will feature presentations by Diana Tomback, a whitebark pine and Clark’s nutcracker researcher, and Flathead National Forest reforestation specialist Karl Anderson.

Evening events will also include a no-host bar and silent auction.

The public is invited. For more information on any of the events, contact Melissa Jenkins at 406-260-6500 or visit whitebarkfound.org.