Should Alberta Protect Endangered Whitebark and Limber Pines?

Official title: Whitebark and limber pine recovery plan engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta asked for public input on how to save two endangered pine species. Whitebark and limber pines are dying from a fungal disease called white pine blister rust and from mountain pine beetle infestations. The province developed a combined recovery plan and wanted to hear from Albertans before finalizing it.

Why This Matters

These pines grow in Alberta's harshest mountain landscapes where few other trees survive. They provide food for grizzly bears and Clark's nutcrackers. If you hike or camp in Alberta's Rockies, you've likely seen them clinging to windswept ridges.

What Could Change

The final recovery plan is now in place. It guides how Alberta manages these endangered species, including habitat protection and efforts to control blister rust and beetle infestations. Conservation actions in mountain parks and forests will follow this plan.

Key Issues

  • How should Alberta protect whitebark and limber pine habitat?
  • What actions can control white pine blister rust and mountain pine beetle?

What Happened

Feedback was collected through an online survey from August 10 to September 10, 2020. The input received helped finalize the Limber and Whitebark Pine Recovery Plan, which is now published and guides conservation efforts for these endangered species in Alberta.