Canopy gap replacement failure in a Pennsylvania forest preserve subject to extreme deer herbivory

Abstract

While research has demonstrated the adverse effects of deer herbivory on forest regeneration in forests managed for timber production, less study has been devoted to the long term effects of deer on the dynamics of forests set aside as natural areas. At sufficiently high population densities, deer could interrupt the typical cycle of canopy gap formation and replacement by consuming all young trees. But other factors, such as invasive species, may also inhibit tree establishment and gap replacement.

Parent Publication

• 13th Central Hardwoods Forest Conference

Citation

Pedersen, Brian S.; Wallis, Angela M. 2003. Canopy gap replacement failure in a Pennsylvania forest preserve subject to extreme deer herbivory. In: Van Sambeek, J. W.; Dawson, Jeffery O.; Ponder Jr., Felix; Loewenstein, Edward F.; Fralish, James S., eds. Proceedings of the 13th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-234. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station: 265-266