WHITEBARK PINE IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS OF ALBERTA

Abstract

Whitebark pine has been described by most authorities as a small commercially valueless tree usually found at timberline. Whitebark pine of exceptionally large commercial size forms an interesting component of some of the lodgepole pine - hybrid spruce stands in the subalpine forests of south-west Alberta. Because of a high commercial value many of these large specimens have already been used for the manufacture of "lodgepole pine" lumber. The presence of up to ten per cent or more of large whitebark pine in commercial stands in the region is an ecological enigma. It appears that this species can compete favorably with lodgepole pine and spruce on the better sites, but is usually restricted to timberline scrub. Inability to regenerate where fire frequency is high may be responsible. An inherent ability to survive at timberline coupled with excellent growth capability should recommend this species for management on sites where regeneration is difficult.