The magnificent white pines of the southwest are falling victim to mindless tree cutting by the U.S. Forest Service in the name of “forest health.” White pines, identified by having five needles per bundle, are uncommon in the the dry mid-elevation forests. They are at high risk of infection by an exotic disease that has been driving white pines throughout North America to near extinction for more than a century. However, in large parts of the southwest there is hope. The unique genetic makeup of white pines in northern New Mexico—resulting from intermingled populations of southwestern white pine and limber pine—may offer diseases resistance to the deadly white pine blister rust. But only if the trees remain standing.
Tell Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor Shaun Sanchez shaun.Sanchez@usda.gov to stop cutting down and burning white pines in fuel reduction projects to preserve their unique genetic diversity. The forest plan must be amended with binding measures to ensure their long-term protection. See here for five-needle white pine conversation resources.
