About the Conference

The 2022 Whitebark Pine Science and Management Conference will be held September 14–16 in Dillon, Montana. It is hosted by Emily Guiberson of the Bureau of Land Management’s Dillon Field Office with support from the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation and WPEF of Canada. The annual conference showcases the latest research and management activities for whitebark pine and other high-elevation white pines facing similar ecological threats and needs for conservation measures. It brings together researchers, land managers and high-elevation forest enthusiasts from across the U.S. and Canada to share best practices and resources for restoring these remarkable ecosystems. The event is free and open to the public with a suggested donation only.

“Whitebark Trees to Sagebrush Seas”

This year’s theme “Whitebark Trees to Sagebrush Seas” highlights the unique landscape of southwestern Montana where whitebark pine can be found encroaching into lower elevation valleys and the challenges to implementing restoration projects with respect to multiple land uses and other management considerations. The conference will feature many opportunities to discuss management challenges with interactive breakout sessions and a daylong field trip.

Conference Program & Logistics

The conference web page includes details on how to register, a final conference program, and logistics information for attendees with lodging options, campus map, meeting locations and parking options. We also share some suggested local attractions to check out while in the area. Please note there is a block of rooms available through September 1 at the FairBridge Inn Express with a government rate of $134/night. Read more

“The Whitebark Pine Story” Community Event

6:30 to 8 p.m. | Wednesday, Sept. 14 | Patagonia Outlet Dillon

The conference kicks off with an evening community program featuring a public talk on whitebark pine by Dr. Diana Tomback, WPEF policy & outreach coordinator, and exclusive screening of the short film “The Bird and the Tree” from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The program will be followed by a Q&A session and shopping opportunity. The event is hosted by the Patagonia Outlet with beer and refreshments served. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program starts at 7 p.m.

Science & Management Talks

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Thursday, Sept. 15 | University of Montana Western

The conference will feature a full day of presentations and interactive breakout sessions on the ecology, management and restoration of whitebark pine and other high-elevation white pines. A keynote address also will be given by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representative on the status of the proposed listing of whitebark pine as a threatened species. Hear from a wide range of experts, including academic researchers, forestry practitioners and media professionals, on what can and is being done to protect and restore these keystone species.

Evening Social & Silent Auction

5 to 8 p.m. | Thursday, Sept. 15 | University of Montana Western

The main conference programming on Thursday will be followed by a fun-filled evening with a Mexican-style dinner buffet, silent auction and awards ceremony. All proceeds from the auction fund student research grants. Learn how you can bid, donate items and support student research at the auction on the WPEF website. Read more

Field Trip & WPEF Members Meeting

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Friday, Sept. 16 | BLM project sites

The conference concludes with a field trip to two BLM project sites to discuss management challenges in whitebark pine restoration. The first stop is to a site where whitebark pine is encroaching upon a sagebrush grassland, and the second to a limber and whitebark pine stand where restoration is underway. The WPEF Members Meeting will be held at lunch break.

About Dillon, Montana

Dillon, Montana, is located on the eastern side of the Continental Divide in an expansive valley where the Ruby, Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers drain. It is a regional hub of outdoor recreation like blue-ribbon trout fishing, backpacking and bouldering, and situated near many significant cultural and historical sites. The city is home to the Patagonia Outlet store, local breweries and eateries like the famous “Taco Bus”, and the University of Montana Western.

The Bureau of Land Management’s Dillon Field Office manages over 900,000 acres of public lands within Beaverhead and Madison Counties in the southwest corner of Montana. Ranching and livestock grazing are important uses of the area. The nearby Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest covers 3.6 million acres and is the largest National Forest in Montana with its headquarters located in Dillon. Learn more about the area on the Visit Dillon Montana and Visit Southwest Montana websites.

Snag Some WPEF Swag

Snag some cool WPEF swag while at the conference. We have new merchandise available for purchase, so you can sport your love of whitebark pine wherever you go — in the field or office.

Help Us Spread the Word

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About the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation

WPEF is a science-based, non-profit organization promoting the conservation and restoration of whitebark pine and other high-elevation, five-needle white pines in western North America through outreach, research and collaboration. We rely on support from conservation-minded folks like you to continue our mission-critical work. Consider joining as a member or making a donation.