Award-winning Whitebark Pine is Dead
Crater lake News
Crater Lake, Oregon
February 7th, 2008
By Michael Murray
Terrestrial Ecologist,
Crater Lake National Park
Photographed in 2005, this whitebark pine has
succumbed to its enemies. The ancient tree was the subject of a
photo - voted first place by participants of the Pacific Coast
Whitebark Pine Conference (2006).
The tree, which lives at Crater Lake, Oregon,
was discovered dead last month.
It appears to have succumbed to both blister
rust and insects. A postmortem exam found two blister rust
cankers. A mountain pine beetle attack from late 2005 is also
evident on the tree.
Its age is estimated at 400-500 years old.
Located less than 100’ from one of the most popular stops on Rim
Drive, the pine’s picturesque and noble nature have undoubtedly
enhanced the experiences of visitors for decades.
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Photo by Sandra J.
Kegley |
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