Pine problem detailed at international conference

Diana Tomback, acting chair and professor of integrative biology at the University of Colorado Denver, was one of the primary organizers of a U.S.-Canadian conference, "High-Five Symposium: The future of high-elevation five-needle white pines in western North America," June 28-30 at the University of Montana.

The five-needle white pines are threatened by invasive disease, pine beetle outbreaks, fire suppression and climate change. The conference, attended by more than 150 scientists and managers, received funding support from several federal agencies and nongovernment offices, including the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, and the Natural Resource Defense Council. Tomback presented the overview plenary talk, "The magnificent high-elevation five-needle white pines: ecological roles and future outlook."