Impacts of White-Tailed Deer on Forest Regeneration in Northwestern Pennsylvania

Abstract

Browsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus is a major cause of regeneration failure in Allegheny hardwood forests of northwestern Pennsylvania. I examined the impact of deer at 5 different densities (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 deer/259 ha) on tree seedlings, woody shrubs, and herbaceous plants in large enclosures over 5 years. I examined 3 silvicultural treatments (clearcut, thinning, and uncut) at each density. After 5 years, tree seedlings in the clearcuts at the lowest deer densities were nearly twice as tall as those at the highest deer densities. Browsing at high deer densities also reduced the diversity of tree seedlings, resulting in nearly pure black cherry (Prunus serotina) regeneration. Fern cover increased with increasing deer densities and blackberry cover (Rubus spp.) decreased. I suggest deer populations should be maintained at ≤ 18 deer/259 ha to ensure tree regeneration and desired tree species composition.

Citation

Tilghman, Nancy G. 1989. Impacts of White-Tailed Deer on Forest Regeneration in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Journal of Wildlife Management. 53(3): 524-532.