In the Pacific Northwest, no tree is as crucial as the Douglas fir. The conifer dominates the region's rainforests. It was the basis of the traditional economy and is still an important source of timber in plantations around the world. But research now suggests the iconic tree--famous for its prominence in Twin Peaks--may face a future rife with disease and decline, fueled by a warming climate. The culprit is Swiss needle cast (SNC), a fungus that grows only on Douglas firs. SNC can live on the tree benignly. Under certain environmental conditions, however, its activity intensifies, causing a yellowing and shedding of needles that slows growth. In severe cases, it kills the tree
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