Janine Marr, a 2021 graduate of the PhD in Environmental Studies at Antioch University’s New England Campus, has written and published her dissertation titled, White Pine Blister Rust Distribution in New Hampshire 1900-2018: Exploring the Impacts of an Exotic Pathogen on Forest Composition and Succession.
White pine blister rust has affected New Hampshire’s white pines for over a century. Yet, no data exists on the long-term effects of the non-native disease on the state’s forests, particularly concerning the regeneration and sustainability of white pine, and forest succession. Marr’s dissertation addresses the gaps in the literature by exploring: 1) the current distribution, incidence, and severity of white pine blister rust in New Hampshire; 2) the application of two historical hazard ratings models, one climatic, and one biotic; and 3) the long-term effects of the disease on forest composition, structure, and succession.
Using historical blister rust maps, and research sites to compare pine stands that had blister rust, and pine stands that were infection-free when mapped (1929-1976) by the NH Blister Rust Control Program. Marr’s research connected historical data with the present to improve our understanding of the relationship between white pine blister rust and forest succession in a changing climate. During this process, several knowledge gaps were identified for future research. One hundred sites in 50 towns were revisited in the spring of 2018. Marr’s research included the development and application of a white pine blister rust canker severity index for white pine, a disease-disturbance model for WPBR, and a forest succession trajectory for forests disturbed by WPBR.
Her results suggest that white pine blister rust incidences had increased since a 1998 statewide study and native Ribes populations were well-distributed throughout the state. She found that Ribes that infected white pines were less likely to be within the historical 300-yard protection zone though the historical hazard models were outdated, particularly with New Hampshire’s climate, and white pine blister rust can aid natural successional processes to influence forest structure and succession.
As a Land and Recreation Manager for Monadnock Conservancy in Keene, NH, Marr is responsible for the management of approximately 2500 acres of forests and wetlands in southwest NH and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, including hikers, nature enthusiasts, and hunters. Her focus is on forest and ecosystem health and sustainability while enhancing resilience to climate-related disturbance events. She has had experience in climate and public health projects as a leader and researcher in forestry & forest-related research, conservation, and management.
She teaches at college and graduate levels in forestry and communications, audio and mass media writing, recording, and production where she counsels adults and adolescents in gardening workshops/consultations for landowners, garden clubs, and courses. Her interests focus on relationships between dynamic climates, biological invasions, natural resource resilience, and human health.
Read and Download Marr’s dissertation, White Pine Blister Rust Distribution in New Hampshire 1900-2018: Exploring the Impacts of an Exotic Pathogen on Forest Composition and Succession.
