Case study on red pine decline and mortality impacting cabin leases on the Chippewa National Forest Local contacts Audrey Gustafson Gary Swanson

North Sioux Lease cabins

 Older dead red pine are present  Younger red pine are growing within the decline pocket, they appear very healthy. 

Evidence of armillaria root disease was found (white mycelial mats).

How do you look for armillaria in a tree Use a hatchet, axe, polaski, or shovel. Take the bark off at the base of a recently dead tree or a tree under significant decline. Look for white mycelial mats, resin flow, or other signs

White pine, balsam fir and white spruce appear unaffected.

Terrain varies from a low wet area to a well drained ridge. The pocket extends across both Areas.

Red pine do not like wet feet!

There is a distinct edge to the pocket. Full, dark green crowns on one side; sparse, off-color crowns on the other side side.

Symptoms  General crown decline in a pocket or group  Some tree mortality but no clear center  Older red pine affected, white pine looks healthy as do young red pine  Distinct pocket border is present  Possible culprits….

Possible causes  Heterobasidion annosum  Armillaria root disease  Red pine pocket mortality – Leptographium and various insects  Ips bark beetles  High water table

Possible causes  Heterobasidion annosum  Armillaria root disease  Red pine pocket mortality – Leptographium and various insects  Ips bark beetles  High water table

Possible causes  Heterobasidion annosum  Armillaria root disease  Red pine pocket mortality – Leptographium and various insects  Ips bark beetles  High water table

Possible causes  Heterobasidion annosum  Armillaria root disease  Red pine pocket mortality – Leptographium and various insects  Ips bark beetles  High water table

Possible causes  Heterobasidion annosum  Armillaria root disease  Red pine pocket mortality – Leptographium and various insects  Ips bark beetles  High water table

Prognosis  The declining trees will not recover. Further mortality will occur. How quickly trees die is difficult to predict.

Prognosis  The pocket may or may not keep expanding down the lake shore.

Actions  Allow the cabin owners some leeway on cutting trees –  Sanitation – do not create further problems  The challenge is stopping the expansion of the pocket - Mark the current boundary – is the pocket expanding in size?