Tree experts to lead FSPW Sunday hike
(Photo courtesy FSPW) Admiring a whitebark pine tree in North Idaho.
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is hosting a whitebark pine focused hike on Scotchman Peak on Sunday, Aug. 19. The hike will go off trail looking at these unique trees while talking about their important role in the ecosystem and why they are in danger as a species.
“We will hike to stands of mature whitebark pine and will [discuss] ecological and morphological information about whitebark pine from habitat needs, current threats and recent restoration efforts in the area,” hike co-leader Mike Giesey said.
“(We) will also discuss restoration efforts the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation is engaged in.”
Giesey is a current board member of the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation and retired silviculturist on the Kootenai National Forest. He will be joined by co-leader Jeff Pennick, FSPW veteran volunteer and retired forester on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
This hike is classified as “strenuous” and will be approximately 8 miles round trip with around 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Hikers are encouraged to bring hiking poles in addition to plenty of water, food and gear for changing conditions for hikes in North Idaho.
To sign up for this and other hikes, go online to scotchmanpeaks.org/hiking/current-hiking-schedule/ or email britta@scotchmanpeaks.org.