Elk State Forest District #13
Regeneration sampling conducted in the early spring of 2006 indicated significant browsing pressure. Browsing of forest regeneration continues at a level that is inhibiting the natural regeneration on the Elk State Forest. In consideration of the above we feel it is necessary to maintain deer densities at a level where forest regeneration can develop.
[ul][*]39% of the plots sampled had no forest regeneration[*]Of the plots with regeneration, 78% are stocked with undesirable species[*]Only 14% of the plots sampled were stocked with desirable regeneration[*]Browsing of tree species was encountered on 75% of the sample plots that had desirable or acceptable regeneration [/ul]
In consideration of the above we feel it is necessary to maintain deer densities at a level where forest regeneration can develop in response to canopy removal without the need to construct deer exclosures. DMAP is a necessary tool to this end.