CALL FOR PAPERS SPECIAL ISSUE OF FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT Resilience and Health of Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) Forests under Novel and Historical Factors in Eastern North America
Focus of the Special Issue Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is amongst the most valuable conifer species in eastern North America. During the last century, it's abundance, prevalence, and regeneration has been severely affected by clearcutting activities, introduction of non-native white pine blister rust, and native white pine weevil in the eastern forests. Further, during the last two decades, it has undergone unprecedented dieback and mortality due to previously innocuous native insect and pathogen species across its wide range. Current research being conducted includes the spatial and temporal patterns of dieback and mortality of eastern white pine; associated incidence of needle diseases, canker diseases, and a scale insect; forest structure and composition, and soils affecting pine health; management strategies to maintain pine health; and economic implications of declining white pine stands. In addition, white pine blister rust continues to be a major factor inhibiting pine regeneration, and southern pine beetle has increased its range and impact into northern pine forests. We aim to publish papers related to eastern white pine dieback due to both novel and historical factors in a single journal issue to provide a cohesive picture and synthesize current state-of the-art knowledge on its health. We encourage and welcome researchers, scientists, and foresters working in various parts of the eastern white pine range to submit articles to the Special Issue of the journal Forest Ecology and Management on the emerging and continuing issues related to its health, management, and restoration. Such a timely synthesis in a Special Issue will provide an in-depth resolution and recommendations for the long-term sustainability of eastern white pine, which is an iconic and invaluable conifer species in eastern North America. Plan to send your interest to join the Special Issue to the Guest Editor - Kamal J.K. Gandhi (e- mail:kjgan...@uga.edu), including an extended abstract of your planned manuscript to receive feedback from the editorial team about the suitability of your contribution to the Special Issue. Submission deadline for Editor evaluation is 31st July 2017. Further details about the submission process is at: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and- management/call-for-papers/special-issue-on-the-resilience-and-health-of-eastern-white Editorial Team - Dr. Kamal J.K. Gandhi (Guest Editor, Associate Professor, D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA) - Dr. William H. Livingston (Guest Editor, Professor, School of Natural Resources, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA) - Dr. Isabel A. Munck (Guest Editor, Plant Pathologist, Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Durham, New Hampshire, USA) - Dr. Todd Fredericksen (Overseeing Editor, Forest Ecology and Management, Ferrum College, USA)