For thousands of years the oak has been relied upon for a variety of uses, not only as a major food source, but wood for fire, utensils, and medicines. They are also critical habitat for a number of plant and animal species. Western Native American cultures actively managed their oak woodlands and savannahs in order to ensure the health of these trees for optimum acorn harvesting.

The latest mountain pine beetle infestation appears to be slowing down in Eastern Oregon, but not before becoming the leading killer of the signature tree of Crater Lake National Park — the whitebark pine.