2015 Whitebark Pine Discovery Trail
General Project Information
Project Title: Whitebark Pine Discovery Trail
Project Dates: 2015
Year project implementation started:
How many more years is this project expected to continue, if any?
Project Contact: (Please provide complete information for primary contact(s), e.g., name, position, phone number, email, agency name, unit/sub-unit)
Chris Jensen, Reforestation and Genetics Specialist, Deschutes and Ochoco NF, 541-383-4779
Brent Oblinger, Forest Pathologist, FHP, Central Oregon Forest Insect & Disease Service Center, 541-383-5788
Location (Land management agency or ownership and name of geographic area(s) where project was implemented. This information should be specific enough to identify a general project location on a map but not specific enough to compromise the project.)
Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
Cooperators: (List cooperating agencies and sub-units, other companies/organizations, and individuals as needed.)
Project Funding
Funding Sources (amount FHP/amount other incl. in-kind)
Forest Health Protection funding $ 8,650
Other funding $ 2,300
Total $10,950
Did Whitebark Restoration funding get used or obligated? (If not, please explain.)
Yes, funds were used to purchase the sign hardware including pedestals and an artwork creation contract.
Project Details
Scope and/or Size of Project or Treated Area: (Include a short description of the project or treatment area if helpful in understanding the scope of the project.)
Number of Acres or Other Units Treated, Monitored, or Surveyed:
½ mile trail system
Specific location of project or treated area(s): (If desired, add more specific project location information here, e.g., UTMs, Lat-long, specific landmark. Otherwise, indicate if more information is available by request.)
Objective(s) (from original request):
Visitors will greatly benefit from learning about the importance of whitebark pine by fostering appreciation and support for this resource, as well as on-going restoration efforts. They will also learn how to identify this tree and about white pine blister rust. Signs will describe the unique ecology of these ecosystems and the role of Clark’s nutcrackers, the many threats facing whitebark, and why the species is threatened across its range.
This interpretive trail is essential for augmenting existing education efforts regarding whitebark pine at Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Only two signs currently exist at the parking lot on Paulina Peak.
Planting: (Please answer the following questions if the project includes plantings or cone collections.)
Number of seedlings planted (List by location if applicable): N/A
Was the seed source screened for resistance? (If other, explain.)
Were Plus trees used?
Results/Outcome:
We anticipate positive visitor feedback after installation this summer.
Project Status (Is the project complete? If not, what remains to be accomplished and when?
The project is nearing completion. The artwork contract is completed, and the seven interpretive panels are currently in the final text word-smithing, design and layout phase by the design cadre. By April 1st, the signs will be submitted to the Government Printing Office (GPO) for sign fabrication. The signs are on-track to be delivered and installed in the field soon after above-average snowpack recedes at the project site during the summer of 2016.
Will outcome meet objectives?
Visitors should benefit from the installation of these signs and acquire a greater awareness of the challenges WBP faces.
Project Follow-Up
Are there plans for monitoring or follow-up? (If not, please explain.)
Trail signs will be installed using a YCC crew during the summer of 2016 – and monitored throughout the season for vandalism or needed maintenance.
Changes Needed or Problems Encountered:
The project was delayed due to artwork contract needs. The artwork estimate went beyond the micro-purchase limit, requiring a RFQ solicitation to be issued and processed. This slowed the sign creation train considerably.
The restoration funding stream was very cumbersome – basically the funds were lost and finally determined to be lumped into a general FHP fund. Hopefully, in the future, the transferring of funding will transition smoother and be more transparent.
Sharing Results/Products/Outcomes: (Please include pertinent photos and links to any relevant reports or publications)
Attached are the interpretive panel sign images. The final signs will be 14” x 18”.