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2018 Insect, Disease, Fire Conference Recordings
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View these 12 presentations under the Contents tab:
Entomology & Pathology
It's in Their Genes - Identifying Patterns of Genetic Resistance to Blister Rust in Southwestern White Pine. Jeremy Johnson, Northern Arizona University
Root Disease Caused Tree Mortality in Western WA Forests: Highlighting the Impacts of Significant Disturbances. Amy Ramsey, Washington Department of Natural Resources
Science and Management of Ceratocystis Wilt on Metrosideros in Hawai'i. JB Friday, University of Hawai'i
The Invasive Shot Hole Borer and Its Symbiotic Relationship to the Fungus Fusarium. Madeleine Rauhe, California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo
Western White Pine Disease Resistance in Western Washington: Operational Planting and Resistant Stock Types. Amy Ramsey, Washington Department of Natural Resources
White Pine Regeneration: Effects of Competition on Growth and Pest Damage. Katherine Minnix, Michigan State University
Fire & Fuels Management
Accumulated Forest Floor Fuels Instigate Long-Duration Soil Heating During Burning in Longleaf Pine Forests. Jesse Kreye, Penn State University
An Assessment of the Economic Impacts of Select Colorado Wildfires. Kurt Mackes, Colorado State University
Managing Human Influenced Fire Regimes on the Washington Coastline. David Cass, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Predicting Time since Fire from Landscape Level Variables within the Boreal Forest of Alaska: A Spatial Tobit. Brian Young, Landmark College
To Insure or Not to Insure? Factors Affecting Insurance Options for Prescribed Burning Practitioners in the US. Rajan Parajuli, North Carolina State University
LiDAR Combined with Landsat Increases the Accuracy and Resolution of Landscape-scale Estimates of Fire Effects. Michael Hoe, SCS Global Services
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It’s in Their Genes – Identifying Patterns of Genetic Resistance to Blister Rust in Southwestern White Pine
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Open to view video.
Southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis), is a large, long-lived conifer native to the U.S. and Mexico, and is very susceptible to white pine blister rust (caused by the non-native fungal pathogen Cronartium ribicola). The species has a major gene (Cr3), that has been discovered at low frequency in some populations, that imparts complete resistance to the disease but may be overcome in the future by virulent strains of the pathogen. Partial resistance has also been documented in the species and allows infected individuals to survive with disease symptoms. Despite the fact that resistance is found to occur in southwestern white pine, little is known about the type, frequency, and geographic pattern of resistances across its range. We present early results from a range-wide assessment (446 families from 104 populations) of major gene and partial resistance, where most seed collections are from areas not yet heavily impacted by the disease. Seedlings were artificially inoculated with C. ribicola spores and scored for disease symptoms and patterns of growth. All populations show high infection, however, early results indicate that there is a significant (P < 0.05) relationship between the probability of canker development and geographic origin of maternal parent. Moreover, we identified variation in partial genetic resistance in the species at low frequencies (7%-11%) and have identified several Cr3 families. When combined with Cr3 resistance, partial resistance will likely provide more durable and usable resistance. These results will provide guidance to refine genetic conservation efforts and future seed collections for reforestation and restoration. Jeremy Johnson, Northern Arizona University.
Root Disease Caused Tree Mortality in Western WA Forests: Highlighting the Impacts of Significant Disturbances
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Open to view video.
In western Washington forests, root disease is one of the primary disturbance agents and can reduce the structural integrity of the base and roots of a tree, reduce growth, cause host mortality and increase tree susceptibility to wind throw and insect damage. These impacts can occur across a wide range of host species, tree ages, site conditions and locations, and may result in property loss, public safety concerns and unexpected trajectories to forest stand development in infested areas. Root diseases are often underrepresented in forest health related aerial and ground surveys and are often ignored when considering management activities on a site, resulting in missed opportunities to mitigate the impacts of these disturbance agents. This presentation discusses the assessment results of four, primarily Douglas-fir sites across western Washington impacted by Armillaria root disease (caused by Armillaria spp.) and Laminated root rot (caused by Phellinus sulphurascens). Symptoms and damage at each site ranged from trees with thinning crowns to wind throw and entire tree mortality, and the damage was found occurring in patches and/or scattered throughout stands. Results varied across assessed sites, with findings including the identification of root disease in 95% of survey plots on a site that was recently commercially thinned, in 30% of the survey plots on another recent commercially thinned site and root disease causing tree mortality on at least 25% of the acreage of a site that will be harvested soon. Amy Ramsey, Washington Department of Natural Resources.
Science and Management of Ceratocystis Wilt on Metrosideros in Hawai‘i
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Open to view video.
Sudden, widespread mortality of Hawaii’s most important native tree, Metrosideros polymorpha (‘ōhi‘a lehua), was observed on Hawai‘i Island beginning in 2010. Researchers initially diagnosed the pathogen as Ceratocystis, and recent results have shown that two new species of Ceratocystis, C. lukuohia (which causes a vascular wilt) and C. huliohia (which causes a canker), are currently attacking Metrosideros in Hawai‘i. These species are not known to occur elsewhere but seem to be recent introductions to the island. Ground-based plots in infected stands show an average annual mortality of ~ 10%. Surveys of the extent of the infestations being conducted using airborne digital sketch mapping show that approximately 135,000 acres of forest are currently affected. Island-wide maps of diseased stands have been produced using hyperspectral imagery; these are being analyzed for environmental clues as to reasons for the distribution of the diseases. Drones are being used to record short-term changes in survival in selected stands. Transmission is thought to be by scolytine beetles and wind-blown beetle frass. Human transport of infected wood also likely plays a role. Management is currently focused on felling trees in locations with incipient infestations and sanitation, including preventing movement of Metrosideros wood. Initial studies have shown some resistance in individual Metrosideros trees and work is beginning on developing disease-resistant lines. Methods to treat wood and living trees are also being investigated. While the disease is currently confined to Hawai‘i Island, Metrosideros forests are important across the Hawaiian archipelago and other Pacific Islands from Tahiti to New Zealand. JB Friday, University of Hawai'i.
The Invasive Shot Hole Borer and Its Symbiotic Relationship to the Fungus Fusarium
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Open to view video.
An outbreak of invasive ambrosia beetles in southern California’s urban and wildland settings has gained the attention of forest health professionals, pathologists, and entomologists, due to the beetles’ wide host range, the rapid increase in affected areas, and the severity of tree mortality. Two primary species of ambrosia beetles (Euwallacea sp.), polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) and Kuroshio shot hole borer (KSHB), collectively invasive shot hole borers (ISHB), are identified as having a symbiotic association with three fungi, the spores of which are carried by the beetles and farmed in the cambium of the host tree. The most detrimental of the three fungi (Fusarium sp.) results in Fusarium dieback (FD), a disease that affects the host’s cambium, preventing nutrient flow, often resulting in host mortality. Numerous agencies (governmental, academic, and commercial) are collaborating to evaluate the various treatments to mitigate the impact on urban landscapes. This work will use established techniques, such as multi-gene phylogenetic analyses, to understand how in-field treatments may result in morphological adaptations of the beetle or fungus. ISHB specimens, collected monthly from traps located in Anaheim, California, will be taken to the entomology laboratory at University of California Riverside. Once the ISHB specimens have been counted and properly identified, they will be cleaned and dissected to collect the fungal spores stored in the beetles’ mycangia. The collected spores will be cultivated to facilitate further DNA analyses, which will be studied for any indications that the pathogen may be responding to the attempted mitigation treatments.Madeleine Rauhe, California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo.
Western White Pine Disease Resistance in Western Washington: Operational Planting and Resistant Stock Types
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Open to view video.
Western white pine (WWP) is a wide-ranging forest tree species of high economic and ecological value. However, due to several factors, including the inadvertent introduction of the non-native fungal pathogen Cronartium ribicola Fisch. (the cause of white pine blister rust (WPBR) disease), there have been extreme levels of mortality in many natural populations of WWP, and a greater reluctance to use this species in reforestation. The objective of this study was to examine current WPBR infection levels in operational plantings of WWP and compare those results to the most recent data from a series of WWP field trials examining a diverse set of WPBR resistant families. Results were then used to determine if there were WWP stock types available that had greater resistance to WPBR than are currently being planted operationally. The rust resistant field trials provide key information on the efficacy of rust resistance over time, as well as the adaptability of different seed sources of WWP in a changing climate. Results have shown an average of 34% of the trees across all operationally planted sites had WPBR infections causing or likely to cause mortality. Among the 36 seedlots examined in the resistance field trials, five seedlots had an average of 10-20% mortality causing and likely to cause mortality infections and four seedlots had an average of less than 10% infections. The data suggests that there are WWP seedlots available with greater WPBR resistance levels than are currently being planted operationally. Amy Ramsey, Washington Department of Natural Resources.
White Pine Regeneration: Effects of Competition on Growth and Pest Damage
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Open to view video.
White pine weevil (WPW) (Pissodes strobi, Peck), a native insect, colonizes and kills white pine (WP) (Pinus strobus, L.) terminal leaders. Young, open-grown trees with stout terminal leaders are particularly attractive to WPW. Leader mortality can cause bole defects, affecting tree value. Since light competition facilitates recovery of apical dominance and slender leaders on shaded trees are not suitable for WPW, damage from WPW can be reduced by planting seedlings at high densities or beneath overstory trees. These strategies, however, slow WP growth. Trade-offs between growth and pest damage were evaluated in 2017 in areas planted from 1998-2000 under varying silvicultural conditions. WP seedlings were planted into an open field in replicated, 2-ha blocks at three densities (1682, 2196, 2989 stems/ha). Blocks were row-thinned in 2015. Trees in high density plots were significantly smaller (average DBH 14.7 ± 0.4 cm), than trees in low-density blocks (average DBH 17.8 ± 0.3 cm). Pest-related defects were significantly less common on trees planted at the highest density. Even-aged, mixed species stands were established by planting WP seedlings into hardwood clear-cuts (1-4 ha) at varying densities (526-2198 trees/ha). WP growth and damage incidence were highly variable but were not affected by stem density. WP seedlings were also planted at a constant density (2198 trees/ha) under varying levels of oak crown closure (0-100%) in a 16-ha stand. Maple regeneration, however, generally captured canopy gaps. Less than 5% of WP grown in this stand had bole defects but the WP were small (DBH of 3.5-5.6 cm). Katherine Minnix, Michigan State University.
Accumulated Forest Floor Fuels Instigate Long-Duration Soil Heating During Burning in Longleaf Pine Forests
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Prescribed fire is widely used in southeastern USA pine ecosystems, yet resultant soil heating is little understood. Ecological impacts that may ensue because of prolonged elevated temperatures are important considerations for prescribed burn planning. This is especially critical in restoration efforts aimed at returning fire to long-unburned forests where forest floor fuels have accumulated. We examined soil temperatures in both frequently burned and fire-excluded longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) flatwoods and sandhill ecosystems in north Florida, USA. Elevated temperatures and durations of lethal heating were most pronounced at the base of mature longleaf pines in fire-excluded sites where prolonged smoldering occurred in basal accumulations of organic duff (Oe and Oa horizons). In frequently burned sites, however, where flashy fuels burned quickly, little soil heating was detected. Results highlight the propensity for smoldering-induced soil heating and the challenges of restoring fire to long-unburned coniferous forests. Jesse Kreye, Penn State University.
An Assessment of the Economic Impacts of Select Colorado Wildfires
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Open to view video.
With increasing frequency of extreme drought conditions and high forest fuel loads, Colorado remains at risk to burn at high intensity, as it has in previous decades. This study reviews the 2002 Hayman Fire, 2013 Black Forest Fire and 2013 West Fork Complex Fire with the objective of identifying the true costs of these wildfires and the factors that contribute to those costs, many of which are related to human dimensions. The purpose of this study is to determine actual costs of these select Colorado wildfires, providing a sound basis for future policy-making and development of community wildfire plans. Our research evaluates the costs of these three fires, the factors that contribute to those cost, and how the fire costs may vary by forest and land use type. This presentation will influence public perceptions about wildfire by demonstrating the true costs of such an event in hopes of informing responsible restoration in the wildland urban interface. Kurt Mackes, Colorado State University.
Managing Human Influenced Fire Regimes on the Washington Coastline.
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Averaging 76 inches of precipitation annually, the Long Beach Peninsula did not historically experience frequent wildfires. However, in the past 200 years the 28 mile long peninsula has undergone dramatic changes. Introduction of two non-native species of beachgrass for dune stabilization, Amophila arenaria and Amophila breviligulata, has fundamentally changed fuel loads and fire behavior increasing fine fuel loads and the development of a new dense young forest cover. Strong coastal winds can dry out these fine fuels at any time of year. High density beachfront development significantly elevates risk such that a small wildfire can threaten dozens of homes. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission owns much of the interface lands between development and the ocean where many of these fires ignite. In 2016 WA State Parks began working in collaboration with local fire officials developed a prescription to reduce fire risk by removing wildfire fuels on State Parks property around 137 homes and businesses to create "defensible space”. Wildfire risk assessment techniques show a significant reduction in surface fire risk resulting from the treatments applied and a need to better address crown fire risk through mechanized treatments. WA State Parks is in a position to broadly address wildfire risk on our lands and help reduce risk to hundreds of our neighbors. Future approaches include additional on-the-ground treatments as well as collaboration with local government and state wildfire officials to recognize, assess, and address this novel human-influenced wildfire regime. David Cass, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Predicting Time since Fire from Landscape Level Variables within the Boreal Forest of Alaska: A Spatial Tobit
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Wildfire is both a naturally and anthropogenically produced disturbance which plays an important role in the development of the boreal forest. The boreal forest currently experiences frequent, stand-replacing fires which typically result in stands dominated by a single cohort of a limited number of tree species which establish simultaneously after fire but, differ in their growth rates. Substantial modeling and empirical evidence suggests that wildfire within the boreal forest of western North America is likely to increase in extent and severity with climate change. Therefore, a clear understanding of the present state of the entire forested area is crucial so that future change may be assessed. The environmental factors controlling the spatial heterogeneity of time since fire are numerous and vary from one ecosystem to another and between spatial scales. Large areas of Alaska are very difficult to access therefore; there is a need for advanced approaches to mapping. Here we investigate a predictive modeling approach that uses publicly available data and environmental variables to predict the time since fire for the interior forest of Alaska. Brian Young, Landmark College.
To Insure or Not to Insure? Factors Affecting Insurance Options for Prescribed Burning Practitioners in the US
Open to view video.
Open to view video.
Prescribed burning is one of the most desirable and cost-effective land management tools which can substantially reduce the likelihood of wildfires and other detrimental ecological effects. Prescribed fire in unexpected conditions, however, could be severely destructive causing property damage, injuries, and even human casualties. The insurance coverage for inadvertent damages while conducting a prescribed burn is relatively new to the insurance market. In order to understand the propensity of prescribed burners to purchase insurance coverage, we conducted a region-wide survey of prescribed burn practitioners in 13 southern and mid-western states. The results from logistic regression suggest that prescribed burn practitioners are much more likely to obtain the insurance if they are landowners themselves or they have a written prescribed burn plan. Among demographic attributes, age had a positive and significant impact in decision to obtain an insurance coverage. Similarly, respondents who valued compliance with environmental laws and regulations and following multiple objectives in the burn plans as important influencing factors in conducting and planning prescribed burning highly likely purchase insurance coverage. These results would provide useful insights for extending the prescribed fire insurance program in the U.S. Rajan Parajuli, North Carolina State University.
LiDAR Combined with Landsat Increases the Accuracy and Resolution of Landscape-scale Estimates of Fire Effects
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Open to view video.
Landsat-based fire severity maps have limited ecological resolution that can hinder assessments of change to specific resources. Therefore, we evaluated the use of pre- and post-fire LiDAR, and combined LiDAR with Landsat-based (RdNBR) estimates, to increase the accuracy and resolution of basal area mortality. We vertically segmented point clouds and performed model selection on spectral and spatial pre- and post-fire LiDAR metrics and their absolute differences. Our top multi-temporal LiDAR model included change in mean intensity values 2-10 m aboveground, the proportion of canopy reflection sum above 10 m, and differences in maximum height. This model reduced root mean squared error (RMSE) and root mean squared prediction error (RMSPE) by 39% and 37%, and bias by 58%. Our top combined model integrated RdNBR with LiDAR return proportions < 2 m aboveground, pre-fire 95% 31 heights and pre-fire return proportions < 2 m aboveground. This model reduced RMSE and RMSPE by 38% and 34%, and bias by 75%. Our results confirm that 3-dimensional spectral and spatial information from multi-temporal LiDAR can isolate disturbance effects on specific ecological resources with higher accuracy and ecological resolution than Landsat-based estimates, offering a new frontier in landscape scale estimates of fire effects. Michael Hoe, SCS Global Services.