Ex Situ gene conservation in high elevation white pine species in the United States-a beginning

The eight white pine species native to the western United States face an array of biotic and abiotic challenges that impact the viability of populations or the species themselves. Well-established programs are already in place to conserve and restore Pinus monticola Dougl. ex D. Don and P. lambertiana Dougl. throughout significant portions of their geographic ranges. More recently, programs have been initiated for the other six species: P. albicaulis Engelm., P. aristata Engelm., P. balfouriana Grev. & Balf., P. flexilis James, P. longaeva D.K. Bailey, and, P. strobiformis Engelm. In December 2008, concerns about the future of one of these species, P. albicaulis (whitebark pine), led one group to propose 'Listing' of this species under the Endangered Species Act (Natural Resource Defense Council 2008); a status review of the species is now underway, and a 12-month petition finding is expected in July 2011 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2010).