Herd reduction,forest regeneration, habitat destruction and earthworms.
The PGC has been telling us we had to reduce the herd because over browsing by deer was preventing adequate regeneration of our existing forests. But ,according to some scientists there may be another significant cause for the lack of regeneration and that is the effects of the european earthworm which is invading many of the forests in the northern tier states.
Here is a quote regarding the effects these earthworms have had on the forests in Minn.
Quote:
Invading earthworms appear to be causing widespread loss of native forest plant species and affecting the stability of hardwood-forest ecosystems, said Hale, a graduate student in the university's department of forest resources. During the last few decades, European earthworm species have moved into hardwood forests in the northern tier of the United States.
"We have documented significant damage in the Chippewa National Forest and in isolated forest preserves in and near the Twin Cities area in southern parts of Minnesota," Hale noted.
Minnesota's hardwood forests, which developed in the absence of native earthworms after the last glaciers retreated, contain a thick forest floor that serves as a perfect rooting medium for many species of forest herbs and tree seedlings. In the 1800s European settlers arrived, bringing with them European earthworm species in potted plants. European earthworms have been part of the habitats surrounding human habitation ever since..
__________________ In Miss. ,ARs reduced the average rack size of 2.5+ buck across the entire state
Because even a blind believer of the PGC propaganda should be able to figure out that the effects of browsing by deer would appear to be more severe if regeneration was also being reduced due to the effects of earthworms.
__________________ In Miss. ,ARs reduced the average rack size of 2.5+ buck across the entire state
Pgc has been telling us deer deer deer. Its no secret and the only "new" thing about this discussion is the worms. Though some will nitpick everything ever posted that doesnt equate to deer and deer alone being culprit.
Interesting bb. Some of us realize there are more than "those damn woodswrecker deer" at play since forests have been in existance long before gary alt and herd reduction.
Why cloud the issue with all the relevant facts, right?
You really need to get out more.
The relevant facts for this discussion is the effect invasive earthworm species have on regeneration. If you would like provide the impact this effect has on reducing the browse available for the deer , please feel free to provide any pertinent data.
I got out and observed the effects earthworms were having on the leaf ground cover before I read the article. Did you? Have you ever seen the worms in question or would you know them if you saw them?
__________________ In Miss. ,ARs reduced the average rack size of 2.5+ buck across the entire state
Actually you've uncovered the vast conspiracy! First we had the insurance companies and their midnite runs with truckloads of cougars and coyotes......
Now there are whispers of midnite truckloads of worms imported by Audubon. The worms were brought in, of course, to feed all the birdies that will roam the forests now that those evil deer are gone.
Next we'll see internet photos of USP prez Mohr with flashlight and bait bucket in hand conducting his own investigation.......
Look on the bright side, maybe the high worm population will drive down the high cost of fish bait
__________________
Cant wait for 2012!
If guns kill people, spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat!!!
Last edited by BTBowhunter; 08-23-2009 at 12:29 PM.
Herd reduction,forest regeneration, habitat destruction and earthworms.
