Wolf, Jerry . 2007. T&D Snippets—Tree Tong Puts Whitebark Pine Cones Within Reach. 0724 2S04. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program.

Tree Tong Puts Whitebark Pine Cones Within Reach

By Mary Ann Davies and Michael Murray

Many whitebark pines, which help stabilize watersheds and feed grizzly bears, Clark's nutcrackers, and red squirrels, are being killed by white pine blister rust. Field workers collect pine cones from healthy trees so nurseries can test the trees' resistance to the rust.

Because the cones grow in the tops of the trees, it's difficult for workers to install wire mesh cages to protect the cones while they're growing and to collect the cones when the seeds are ripe.

This tech tip describes how a device used to clean rain gutters was adapted to help field workers protect whitebark pine cones until they can be collected.

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