The Spread of Whitepine Blister Rust

Devastation caused by Whitepine blister rust

The commercial value of Eastern White Pine was one of the contributing factors to the American Revolution in 1776. The Royal Navy claimed many of the trees as property of the crown and imposed fines and floggings on anyone caught chopping them down. Just like the Boston Tea Party, colonists often disguised themselves as Indians to avoid being identified when cutting the trees for their own use.

Eastern White Pine seedlings were taken to Europe in the 1700’s to see if they could be grown closer to the British shipyards and over-harvesting of the trees in North America continued right into the 1900’s. After the clearing of almost all the Eastern White Pine here, the U.S. government decided it needed to replenish the forests. With not enough local seedlings, in the early 1900’s it imported seedlings from Europe unaware that these were infected with whitepine blister rust. A massive reforestation project spread these infected seedlings throughout the eastern U.S.A. In 1910, similar infected seedlings were imported through Vancouver, BC and the disease started its spread through the Western White Pine forests.

Whitepine blister rust is a disease that attacks pine trees through their needles. Five needle pines like the Eastern White Pine, Limber Pine and Western White Pine are particularly susceptible to this disease. The spread of the disease is complex and requires two hosts. It does not spread from pine to pine but instead spreads from pine to currant plants in the spring then from currant plants to pines in the fall. The airborne spores can travel many kilometers so the disease is not confined to areas where currants and pines grow in close proximity.

Once the disease and its connection to currant plants was discovered around 1920, the U.S. government decided to fight it by exterminating currant plants. There was a ban on cultivating currants and many men were employed during the depression in a futile effort to try and exterminate wild currants. In Canada, the currant was often valued more than the pine and similar bans and extermination efforts were not put in place.

When the disease enters the pine needle, it starts to work its way back through the branches to the trunk where it will eventually cut of the flow of nutrients to the rest of the tree. If caught early, it is possible to prune the infected branches and save the tree but this is not practical in the wilderness. Younger, smaller trees can be quickly killed by the disease.

Today, white pine blister rust has spread throughout Canada and the U.S.A. It evens threatens the Bristlecone Pine of California, some of which have thrived for over 3,000 years. Much research is going into developing disease resistant white pine with some limited success but not without its own controversy.

The fascinating story of the Eastern White Pine is woven throughout the history of North America and demonstrates the massive impact our actions can have on our environment.

Relax in the scenic Bella Coola Valley at the newly renovated ‘Bella Coola Mountain Lodge‘. With 14 mountain view rooms , on-site tour operator and beautiful gardens to enjoy, you will be sure to experience the best the Central Coast of BC has to offer. Cascading waterfalls, majestic old growth forests, eagles soaring overhead and the relaxing pace of BC Central Coast, all at your doorstep.

Our lodge is located in the central Bella Coola Valley in the community of Hagensborg. We are a 15 minute drive east of BC Ferries and 5 minutes from the Bella Coola airport. At Bella Coola Mountain Lodge you can arrange car rentals for self exploration, or join a guided excursion, including hikes, alpine 4×4 tours and river and eco-rafting excursions.

In the fall (August to October) join our in-house tour company, Kynoch Adventures, on an exciting grizzly bear watching tour, which is certain to be a highlight of your visit to the Great Bear Rain Forest.

Overview

Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Rocky Mountain Range of Alberta and is spread out over 10, 000 square kilometers (4,200 square miles). Set against the Rocky Mountain Range is the Athabasca Glacier, Miette Hot springs, gorgeous waterfalls, pristine forests and sparkling lakes. Visit the wonders of the park by road or be whisked away on the Jasper Tramway to enjoy any of the wonderful sites and activities this incredible park have to offer.

Water Trips

White water rafting is possibly the most popular summer sport in the park. Many companies offer you a chance to plunge through the foamy water in exhilarating day trips or longer overnight trips. There are trips available for all experience levels and on site lessons for beginners. Swim in a secluded lake after a day of trekking around the foothills or just bask on one of the beaches for nap before dinner.

Whitewater Rafting in Jasper Park - Photo courtesy of Jasper Raft Tours

Motorized Tours

Van and van-assisted or motorcycle tours are available for sightseeing in the park. They offer you a chance to get out and closely explore areas you may not have seen otherwise. A helicopter can be hired for incredible sight seeing above the park or to deposit you in a private spot for a heart pounding heli-hiking experience. Choose a local company to take you on a guided tour of the Athabasca Glacier in one of their Ice Explorers.

Muscle Power

Guides can be hired for many of the activities you want to experience however, self guided tours are also popular. Spend some time walking, hiking or backpacking over some of the 1,200 kilometers of trails available. Many of these routes were used by Indigenous people and later by explorers as they traveled through these areas. There are climbing and mountaineering options, cycling and mountain biking expeditions and horse back riding tours available everywhere. Be sure to register or get any of the permits required for your chosen activity.

Mount Edith Cavell, Jasper National Park - Photo courtesy of Jasper Adventure Centre

Spend The Night

Whether you prefer the comfort of a lodge or hut, a tent amongst the trees or a primitive site off the beaten track, there is something for everyone. Spend a couple nights in one of over 1000 sites campsites to choose from. If you wish to have a fire to brighten up your campsite be aware that they are not allowed at all sites and pay attention to any fire bans that may be in place in your area.

Historical Sites

When it became clear, in 1907, that two railroads would be built through the Athabasca Valley the Canadian Parliament declared valley as a forest reserve. In time the reserve became known as the Jasper National Park and besides the scenery and wildlife the park also holds four National Historic Sites. The Jasper Information Centre was built in 1914 and showcases the value of building with local resources. This was the first substantial building built in Jasper and is the first to greet visitors arriving by train. The Athabasca Pass, Yellowhead Pass and Jasper House are also National Historic Sites within the park.

West Coast Wilderness Retreat
Sea Kayaking Tours & Wilderness Retreat in Kyuquot, BC

Are you a parent, teacher, instructor or facilitator looking for a Vancouver Island adventure travel experience or special location for a group? Look no further – our Wilderness Retreat options are flexible, diverse, and alarmingly comfortable for even the “non-campers” in your group!

Our comfortable Wilderness Retreat on Spring Island offers the perfect base for daily kayak explorations amidst picturesque islets, or multi-day expeditions to the rugged Bunsby Islands and Brooks Peninsula. WCE uses highly experienced professionally certified guides. Customize your experience for individual needs, groups, and families of all ages, with diverse opportunities for novice to more advanced paddlers.

For more information, check out these links to West Coast Expeditions:

• Greenland-style Kayaking Workshop
• Workshops & Retreats
• Photograph, Write, or Paint
• Weddings and Special Events
• Custom Family Adventures
• Booking Details
• Getting To Kyuquot and our Spring Island Wilderness Retreat
• Photo Gallery
• Video Gallery

Stubbs Island Whale Watching For the Ultimate Experience join BC’s first whale watching company established 1980. Stubbs Island Whale Watching operates out of Telegraph Cove, Northern Vancouver Island. Dedicated to ethical wildlife viewing, education and conservation, Stubbs Island Whale Watching’s tours begin in late May with wildlife tours. Whale Watching tours begin mid to late June once the resident Orca return to the area and continue into early October. Please contact us for rates and departure times.

For more information check out these links to Stubbs Island Whale Watching:

• Introduction to Stubbs Island Whale Watching
• Whale Watching Rates & Dates
• Stubbs Island’s Vessels
• Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island, BC
• Stubbs Island’s Specialty Tours

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With our fast and stable double kayaks carried on board, we explore the remote wilderness areas of coastal British Columbia rarely visited by other kayakers. Accompanied by qualified naturalist guides we kayak though glacial fed waters amongst lushly forested islands dotted with ancient First Nations village sites while observing the numerous species of local marine and terrestrial wildlife including orca killer whales, dolphins, harbour seals, black bear, bald eagles and deer. After each event filled day, we return to the warmth and security of the Columbia III, our mothership, and begin an evening of gourmet food, conversation, laughter and relaxation.

Creative Western Adventures offers a wide variety of packages for wild life viewing and native cultural study. Whale watching on the pacific rim, roaming the Rockies or travelling to the land of the midnight sun provide excellent photo opportunities. Follow the footsteps of the Athapascan tribes, the Plains Indians or BC native culture.

ECO RAFTING: The best river expeditions from Alaska to Nunavut. Knowledgable, qualified and friendly guides, superior guide/participant ratio & itineraries, excellent food and attention to detail. Nahanni, Tatshenshini, Alsek, Stikine, Firth, Wind, Snake, Mountain, Coppermine, Burnside, Soper, Babine, Chilko, Chicotin, Fraser and more. Canoe and raft options allow us to accommodate all skill levels on all rivers. We have helped thousands of northern dreams come true over the decades. Begin your plans now before our trips are completely full.