Influence of repeated fertilization on forest ecosystems: relative habitat use by mule deer and moose

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Forest Research
• Main Authors: Sullivan, Thomas P, Sullivan, Druscilla S, Lindgren, Pontus M.F, Ransome, Douglas B
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2006
• Subjects: Ecology; Forestry; Global and Planetary Change; Canada; British Columbia; Williams Lake; Alces alces
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/x06-033; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/x06-033

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that large-scale precommercial thinning (PCT) and repeated fertilization of young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) stands would enhance relative habitat use by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus Rafinesque) and moose (Alces alces L.) in summer and winter periods, compared to that in mature and old-growth stands. Replicate study areas were located near Summerland, Kelowna, and Williams Lake in south central British Columbia, Canada. Each study area had a range of PCT densities, with and without fertilization, and mature and old-growth stands. Habitat use in summer and winter was measured by pellet-group counts of deer and moose from 1999 to 2003, 6–10 years after the onset of treatments. During summer months, habitat use by deer was enhanced by PCT with fertilization, and the 1000 stems/ha fertilized stands experienced greater use than the unthinned or mature stands. Winter habitat use by deer was similar in the 1000 stems/ha fertilized stands and old-growth stands. In both summer and winter, moose preferred fertilized to unfertilized stands and low-density to high-density stands. Intensive management of young lodgepole pine forests has considerable potential to develop summer and winter ranges for these ungulates.