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Biology 250
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Lodgepole Pine
Pinus contorta
Lodgepole pine is sometimes called black pine or tamarack pine. It has evolved into four different regional types, including the Rocky Mountain - Intermountain In addition to its use as a wood source, the lodgepole pine also provides major tree cover in many scenic and recreational areas and on critical watersheds, as well as providing important wildlife habitat. Forests of lodgepole pines cover up to 50 million acres in the western regions of North America. Lodgepole pines can grow up to 150 feet and live up to 400 years. Although lodgepole pines can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Threat
The mountain is the most severe insect pest of lodgepole pine, leading to bluestain fungi that girdle and kill the tree. Other potential insect invaders include the pine engraver, weevils, scale, spider mites and moths. The most common parasite is dwarf mistletoe, and frequent fungal infections can occur from stem cankers, root rots and wood decays.
Porcupines and pocket gophers may also attack seedlings. Climactic warming changes of less winter precipitation, earlier loss of snowpack and increased drought are affecting the range of the lodgepole pine, as well as increasing bark beetle infestations.
