Forest geneticists visit Point Lobos
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Photo: Rita Dalessio
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An international conference of forest scientists, the Population Genetics
and Evolution group of the International Union of Forest Research
Organizations (IUFRO), convened at Asilomar in September. Genetic
conservation is a prime focus of IUFRO. Their interest includes research
on genetic diversity as affected by environmental impact, environmental
change and timber harvesting, leading to implications for forestry
practice.
Part of IUFRO's activities included a field trip to Point Lobos
to see the value and diversity there with emphasis on the rare Monterey
Cypress and Monterey Pine. There were 60 scientists from all over
the world including Spain, France, Australia, Finland, Japan, Sweden,
Canada, Poland, Slovakia, and the U.S.A.
The Reserve's Ranger Chuck Bancroft led the participants through
coastal scrub to the granite headlands that comprise the breathtaking
scenery of the Cypress Grove Trail. He gave a colorful and spirited
history of the Reserve including the culture of the Rumsen tribe,
the arrival of the Spanish with their cattle and dairy farming,
the rock quarries, and the abalone canneries. He pointed out the
native stands of Monterey Cypress with their adaptation to the strong
winds, known as "buttressing." Their trunks develop narrower
facing the salt-laden wind and grow thicker on the other side as
a brace, giving them their characteristic twisted appearance.
Following the hike along the cliffs, the scientists visited an
inland stand of native Monterey pine forest. Dr. Deborah Rogers
of the University of California, a conservation geneticist specializing
in native forest tree species, described the evolutionary history
and genetic diversity of Monterey pine (Pinus radiata). The species
once grew at more northern and southern locations, but became more
restricted in its distribution in response to climatic shifts. Today,
it only grows in three areas of the central California coast: Año
Nuevo, Cambria, and on the Monterey Peninsula; and on two Mexican
islands off Baja: Guadalupe and Cedros.
Monterey pine continues to lose habitat to development, and is
affected by over 40 exotic invasive plant species, pitch canker,
and genetic contamination from planted nonlocal pines. Conservation
efforts include such tools as conservation easements which restrict
development and outright purchase for conservation purposes. Often
these measures are the result of public/private partnerships and
frequently involve nongovernmental environmental groups. Dr. Rogers
pointed out the international collaborations and research that benefits
local conservation of the pines. She mentioned that local organizations
such as the Sierra Club, Big Sur Land Trust, Greenspace-The Cambria
Land Trust, and Monterey Forest Pine Watch are focusing efforts
to protect this rare tree.
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