Setting priorities for conservation of the conifer genetic resources of British Columbia

Gene conservation of native conifer species in British Columbia is considered necessary primarily to safeguard the future evolutionary potential of species to climate change, new biotic challenges and for commercial genetic improvement programs. The tactical options include: (i) maintaining existing protected areas, (ii) creating new reserves for in situ management, and (iii) ex situ collections of various types.A two-part strategy is presented, with emphasis on technical justifications, for the conservation of conifer tree genetic resources of 23 British Columbia species. Part I is a survey of the frequency of each species in current land reserves in BC. Part II outlines an approach that will aid in setting priorities for additional gene conservation activities for specific species. This process attempts to use information on: (i) levels of in situ protection, (ii) the status of each species in current provenance research and breeding programs, and (iii) the relative capabilities for natural regeneration...