Deer Exclusion Effects on Understory Development Following Partial Cutting in a Pennsylvania Oak Stand

Forty fenced and unfenced paired plots were established in a central Pennsylvania mixed oak stand following an improvement shelterwood cut to assess the influence of deer exclusion on the establishment and development of understory vegetation during the first four years following cutting. Exclusion of deer increased the abundance and height growth of woody regeneration which consisted primarily of yellow-poplar, red maple, black birch and black gum. Few oak seedlings became established during the study in either the fenced or unfenced plots. Deer exclusion affected herbaceous composition and enhanced the abundance of woody vines and shrubs. Possible implications of deer exclusion following partial cutting on stand development and plant diversity following further overstory removal are discussed. This article was written by Larry H. McCormick, John W. Groninger, Kathy A. Penrod, and Todd E. Ristau for the 9th Central Hardwood Forest Conference held March 8-10, 1993.

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