The Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources: Case Histories from Canada, Mexico, and the United States

Genetic diversity in forest trees is best conserved in native populations. However, natural populations are threatened by many factors, eliminating valuable but often cryptic genetic resources. Gene banks (seed banks, plantations, or clonal archives) provide a prudent backup for breeders and ecological restorers should native populations be lost. Ottawa Valley white spruce, Guadalupe Island pine, and Torrey pine are examples of the value of gene banks in the conservation of forest genetic resources.