Analyzing the Correlation of Environmental Variables and Geographic Variations on the Incidence of White Pine Blister Rust among Eastern White Pine throughout St . Louis County , Minnesota USA to Develop a High Resolution Blister Rust Hazard Map

The populations of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) throughout North America have drastically declined over the past century. Forest management practices are being implemented to preserve the species and protect against numerous damaging agents. However, white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), a lethal fungal disease, has hampered most expectations of successful restoration. By mapping hazard levels of the disease, silvicultural decisions can be made to alleviate the destructive nature of the disease. This study used geographic information systems to analyze the environmental conditions that correlate to various disease incidence levels. Statistical electivity analyses were performed on topographies, climate summaries, water sources, and soil data. Higher blister rust incidences are linked to specific environmental factors of lower average temperatures, higher moisture conditions, steeper slopes, high elevations, northerly aspects, and well-drained soil types. A high resolution blister rust hazard map was produced from these findings covering St. Louis County, Minnesota, USA for the use of localized forest management practices.