Management of forest regeneration in boreal and temperate deer–forest systems: challenges, guidelines, and research gaps

Abstract

Abstract. Heavy browsing pressure from large ungulates is a multicontinent phenomenon that causes regeneration failure of many palatable tree species and induces important socioeconomic and ecological impacts in forest ecosystems. The development of forest management practices that address adequately this issue, however, remains scarce and challenging because (1) large herbivores are both a resource and a source of disturbance; (2) the management of forests and ungulate populations remains largely disconnected in practice; and (3) we still lack a good understanding of the role of critical factors, especially deer densities, vegetation attributes, and their interactions, on the magnitude of browsing damages on forest regeneration. We bring new insights into these challenging issues by critically reviewing the current methods used by managers and conservationists to mitigate deer impacts on forest regeneration, emphasizing the spatial scale at which these methods are undertaken. Specifically, we review management actions at multiple scales on both deer populations (e.g., hunting) and vegetation (e.g., silvicultural treatments) that are common to most deer-forest systems and, for that reason, deserve priority investigation. We identify strengths and limitations of current management actions and highlight the main research gaps. Based on this review, we propose a new integrated management scheme that explicitly addresses: (1) the integration and prioritization of management actions, (2) the development of adaptive management plans, and (3) the participation of stakeholders. Conflicting demands by different stakeholders have challenged the effectiveness of management strategies in deer-forest systems. To reverse this situation, we advocate for a shift of paradigm and the development of integrated strategies that (1) bridge the gap between management actions and the design of in situ experiments and (2) coordinate actions at multiple spatial scales on both deer populations and forests. We propose a new framework informed by key objectives and grounded in the adaptive management paradigm to support this transition, and suggest a research agenda for the next decade(s).

Young conifer stands form a deer browsing refuge for an oak admixture: silvicultural implications for forest regeneration under herbivore pressure

“…It is therefore essential, as mentioned in Introduction, to develop new forest management methods which may reduce the effects of large herbivores on forest regeneration. The issue is especially important for artificially regenerated forests, since trees in man-made stands are usually substantially more exposed to damage than their naturally regenerated counterparts (Beguin et al 2016). However, as already mentioned in Introduction, one should keep in mind that the option to reduce the negative effects of deer browsing on tree regeneration by silvicultural measures may become rather limited if the deer density is high (Horsley et al 2003;Tremblay et al 2007).…”

Explaining gender differences in private forest risk management

“…In addition, climate change is expected to lead to increased risk of damage from fungi, insects, spring frost, and wind (Statens Offentliga Utredningar (SOU) 2007). However, implementing pro-active risk management strategies may reduce the risk of damage in the future (Fuhrer et al 2006;Bouriaud et al 2015;Beguin et al 2016). …”

“…increased risk of damage from wind and insects), silvicultural measures, such as more mixed forests and varying rotation length, may be implemented (Fuhrer et al 2006;Bouriaud et al 2015). Strategies used to reduce the risk of damage by animal browsing include treatments, plantation fencing, and hunting (Beguin et al 2016). The characteristics of the ecological system are important for outcomes of forest risk management, but the socio-economic system, including infrastructure, knowledge, institutions, and stakeholders, is also an integral part of forest management (Lindner et al 2010;Beguin et al 2016).…”

“…Strategies used to reduce the risk of damage by animal browsing include treatments, plantation fencing, and hunting (Beguin et al 2016). The characteristics of the ecological system are important for outcomes of forest risk management, but the socio-economic system, including infrastructure, knowledge, institutions, and stakeholders, is also an integral part of forest management (Lindner et al 2010;Beguin et al 2016). An understanding of the socio-economic system is important when identifying barriers and facilitating pro-active risk management that aims to reduce damage to forests in the future (Charnley et al 2017).…”

Herbaceous competition and browsing may induce arrested succession in central European forests

“…Messier et al, 1999). However, increasing ungulate population densities, as observed in many forests worldwide, can cause a chronic biotic disturbance that severely inhibits tree regeneration (Beguin, Tremblay, Thiffault, Pothier, & Côté, 2016;Côté, Rooney, Tremblay, Dussault, & Waller, 2004) and favours the development of a dense herbaceous layer (e.g. Rooney, 2009).…”