The effect of deer exclosures on the recovery of vegetation in failed clearcuts on the Allegheny Plateau

Abstract

In 6- to 10-year-old clearcuts that had failed to regenerate naturally, fencing was erected to protect seedlings from deer browsing. The fencing allowed the gradual recovery of the forest cover. Small seedlings that otherwise would have been browsed continued to grow, and ground cover species such as Rubus, which reduced ferns and grasses that sometimes interfere with seedling development, were reestablished. Fencing alone is likely to promote satisfactory restoration of forest cover only in failed clearcuts that contain adequate numbers of seedlings initially-few new seedlings became established after fencing.

Citation

Marquis, David A.; Grisez, Ted J. 1978. The effect of deer exclosures on the recovery of vegetation in failed clearcuts on the Allegheny Plateau. Research Note NE-270. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 5 p.