Effects of Ungulate Browsing on Aspen Regeneration in Northwestern Wyoming

摘要: Although clearcutting has been demonstrated to be an effective means regenerate aspen, stand replacement may retarded under conditions of intense browsing regeneration, such as that experienced near elk feedgrounds in northwestern Wyoming. We studied the effects ungulate on regenerating aspen following National Elk Refuge. Nine deteriorating, aspen-dominated stands were clearcut spring 1988, and regeneration characteristics subsequently measured periodically through 1996. Big game exclosures placed three immediately treatment. Post-treatment sucker densities relatively low but theoretically sufficient for replacement. The percentage “suckers” obtained heights >2 m was significantly greater inside after 9 years than outside exclosures. Average browsed unbrowsed suckers markedly taller within Our findings suggest repeated annual substantially increased mortality limited height achieved by stems. Small-scale not areas winter similar those adjacent feedgrounds.