Into The Future: Long-term Recovery Goals for 5 Needle Pine

About this Presentation

Whitebark (Pinus albicaulis) is a long-lived five-needle pine species noted for its ecological importance as a keystone species. Whitebark pine grows within higher-elevation environments in British Columbia (B.C.). The long-term recovery goal for endangered five-needle pines is to ensure viable populations persist now and into the future within their projected range in B.C. Francis will discuss the current threats facing whitebark pine and provide an overview of current provincial recovery efforts for this endangered species.

Whitebark pine was designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as Endangered in 2010 and as Endangered on Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2012 and is the only tree in western Canada listed as an endangered species.

About Francis Iredale

Francis Iredale is a Senior Species at Risk Biologist with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. In his current role, Francis is coordinating the recovery of whitebark pine in collaboration with federal, ENGOs, and First Nation partners.

Francis has worked for the provincial government in various capacities as a wildlife and species at risk biologist. Prior to his employment with the provincial government Francis spent most of his time working in fisheries and inventorying and monitoring for species at risk. Francis is a registered professional biologist and a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Natural Resource Conservation Program through the Faculty of Forestry.

Francis lives in Kamloops and is excited to be presenting as part of the the Bulkley Valley Research Centre’s seminar series.