Synthesis of lower treeline limber pine (Pinus flexilis) woodland knowledge, research needs, and management considerations

Lower treeline limber pine woodlands have received little attention in peer-reviewed literature and in management strategies. These ecologically distinct systems are thought to be seed repositories between discontinuous populations in the northern and central Rocky Mountains, serving as seed sources for bird dispersal between distinct mountain ranges. Their position on the lower treeline and foothills in semi-arid climate systems is predicted to be particularly vulnerable to climate change. The genetic variation within these stands is viewed as important to conservation geneticists in developing seed sources resistant to blister rust.