In October 1980, the Junior Forest Warden Association of Alberta began efforts to have the lodgepole pine recognized as the official tree of the province, and on May 30, 1984, the Legislative Assembly officially adopted the lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta variety latifolia). (Pinus contorta var.latifolia) has played an important role in Alberta's economic development. It was the Indians' first choice for teepee poles, hence its name. During Alberta's settlement it was an important source of railroad ties, while today the long, straight lodgepole pine is in great demand in the lumber industry. It is a western tree, peculiar to the Rocky Mountains.