Eastern white pine is not as shade intolerant as once thought so it is necessary to examine the amount of
removal of understory brush before taking on wide-scale restoration efforts. By keeping some horizontal
and vertical cover, the seedlings are hidden from deer, which decreases the probability of browse
(Saunders 1999). The use of planting species more palatable to white tail deer may also be an option. The
intermixed seedling plantings could occur on the outer edges of reforested areas containing eastern white
pines. The theory behind this is that the white-tailed deer will browse upon the more appealing planted
species and not the eastern white pine seedlings in the forest.

Release from competition (mechanical). Mechanical release (also known as liberation) from competition
within forested ecosystems involves the manual removal of competing plants both woody as well as
herbaceous. This removal reduces competition that young eastern white pine saplings experience on the
forest floor. For this particular method to be effective and implemented correctly, a forest inventory
should be made in order to protect key species in the forest along with the trees that are to be released.

Release from competition (herbicides). Herbicidal release operations can free young desirable trees from
competition and suppression within a forested area. This method utilizes a chemical application to the
foliage and stems of herbaceous and woody plants. In relation to eastern white pine trees, release methods
must be done carefully to avoid ‘burning’ the delicate foliage of the trees that are near targeted areas. The
most common and effective herbicide used in release operations is Picloram. This herbicide in particular
contains an amine salt that is readily absorbed by leaves as well as roots and can be sprayed or injected
depending on situational application (Smith et al. 1996). Picloram is very low in animal toxicity but can
remain at the site of application for about one year (Smith et al. 1996)

Prescribed burring. The role of prescribed burning and the eastern white pine tree is a delicate and
complicated process that should be implemented by trained individuals. Eastern white pine trees by nature
have a thin outer bark with the cambium layer especially vulnerable to disruption and damage, therefore
the rate of fire occurrence should be site and spacing specific ( J.Haarstad personal communication 2003).
In restoration of eastern white pine trees, fire is used to clear the understory of excess woody growth and
litter to provide for a good seedbed by adding essential nutrients released in the burn. The fires usually
used in eastern white pine forested areas are of low intensity; meaning the rate of duration and heat from
the fire is minimal. It is important that a particular prescribed fire frequency is followed due to the
volatility specifically related to eastern white pine trees and other conifers.

Planting high quality seedlings. Planting quality seedlings that are larger rather then using large
quantities of smaller seedlings may be used as an alternative or in collaboration with direct and indirect
methods. Larger seedlings are more able to compete and can grow out of browse height sooner ( Johnson
1984; Smith 1993; Zaczek et al. 1995; Schuler et al. 1996 Dey et al. 1997; Ward et al. 2000)

Conclusion

The decline of eastern white pine has leveled off through the efforts of resource management agencies,
with new efforts underway to restore the previous range (DNR 2003). However, problems from white-
tailed deer, disease, competing weeds and shrubs, and lack of a viable seed source still need to be
addressed. These issues have put enormous stress on the remaining stands and on the new generation.
The most significant of these aforementioned stresses is the increase in white-tailed deer populations in
the northeastern forested regions of the United States. White-tailed deer can stress this system of forest
ecosystems directly by browsing or indirectly by altering species composition.