White-Bark Pine Threatened

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By Arthur Touchot

Story Published: Jul 21, 2010 at 6:20 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 22, 2010 at 5:53 AM MST

BILLINGS - A new report shows that White-bark pine trees could soon disappear. Scientists predict the trees could become functionally extinct within the next decade.

Experts with the Natural Resources Defense Council say the red and grey trees are falling victim to the hungry mountain pine beetles, climate change and blister rust.

One region particularly hard-hit is the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. According to NRDC Senior Wildlife Advocate Louisa Willcox, white-bark pines provide a critical food resource for a wide array of wildlife, including the Northern American grizzly bear.

The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service announced Monday that it will consider giving federal protection to the species.

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