KCP is pleased to introduce another one of our new partner organizations this month!
The Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada (WPEFC) is a non-profit dedicated to conserving, restoring, and recovering Canada’s endangered whitebark and limber pine ecosystems, unique high-elevation forests now facing significant threats.
WPEFC is powered by a diverse team of scientists, conservationists, volunteers, and community members who have worked collaboratively with government agencies, Indigenous communities, industry partners, and other stakeholders since 2009. Their work is rooted in the belief that collective action creates lasting impact. Whether planting seedlings, supporting research, or raising awareness about these iconic trees, WPEFC is committed to protecting the beauty and balance of Canada’s montane landscapes for generations to come.
Whitebark and limber pines are not only iconic and resilient trees, they are deeply foundational to their ecosystems. Their roots anchor fragile soils; their broad crowns shade snowpack and regulate meltwater; and their large, energy-rich seeds feed a range of wildlife, from Clark’s nutcrackers to grizzly bears. Yet these keystone species are increasingly threatened by white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetle, shifting fire regimes, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. With urgency growing, WPEFC leads science-based management, hands-on restoration, and dynamic educational outreach to safeguard these irreplaceable species and the ecosystems they support.
Here in the Kootenay region, WPEFC brings deep expertise in conservation science, restoration, and multi-partner collaboration, with a strong track record of seed collection, seedling planting, habitat enhancement, and knowledge-sharing.
WPEFC also hosts collaborative conferences that showcase the latest research, field workshops, best management practices, and valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing. Much like KCP’s Fall Gatherings, these events spark connections and build shared understanding.
Stay tuned for the 2026 Whitebark Pine Conference in the Kootenay region, and follow WPEFC’s website and social media for updates. If you’re interested in getting involved, consider joining the Conference Committee or becoming a WPEFC member!
As a new KCP partner, WPEFC looks forward to strengthening relationships with conservation organizations, land managers, and Indigenous communities across the Kootenays. Their aim is to share scientific expertise, coordinate restoration efforts, and co-create strategies that support healthier, more resilient ecosystems. As a small but highly specialized organization, they bring valuable knowledge in whitebark pine ecology, restoration, and risk mitigation, expertise that can be amplified through collaboration within the KCP network.
Check out WPEFC on the KCP Partner Directory to connect!
