Atlantic White-Cedar cones

On-line Proceedings of the
2009 Atlantic White-Cedar Symposium

The Ecology and Management of
Atlantic White-Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) Ecosystems

A Symposium held on June 9, 10, and 11, 2009 at the
City Hotel and Bistro in Greenville, North Carolina - USA

Table of Contents and Conference LInks

Browsing Trends of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and Effectiveness of Exclusion Fencing in Atlantic White-Cedar Restoration

Jacqueline Roquemore and Robert B. Atkinson, Christopher Newport University; David Norris, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Presented by Roquemore

Stands of Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) were once widely distributed throughout the Atlantic costal plain but historical and existing impacts on this ecosystem have created an urgent need for restoration. Tree mortality and growth impairment due to of herbivory by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can impede restoration. The purpose of this study is to identify seasonal trends in deer browse and examine the effectiveness of deer exclusion fencing. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries planted 165,000 Atlantic white-cedar seedlings in 48.6 ha of former cut over forest land east of the Dismal Swamp Canal in Chesapeake, Virginia. Deer exclusion structures constructed from wire fencing were placed around 25 seedlings and a tree of similar initial condition and height near each fenced tree was tagged and monitored. Tree height, width, and browse intensity were recorded in May, November, October and January. Mortality of seedlings without exclusion fencing (48%) was greater than mortality of seedlings with exclusion fencing (24%). In May, median height of both fenced and unfenced seedlings was 30.5 cm and in October, mean height of fenced seedlings (55.0 cm) was greater than unfenced seedling (40.5 cm, p=0.035). Greatest browse was recorded in January and was less on fenced trees (p=0.002). Identification of trends in timing and intensity of herbivory coupled with an assessment of fencing techniques may help conservation organizations allocate resources effectively.
Proceedings Table of Contents and Conference Links