The oak regeneration study in New River Gorge National River: monitoring the effects of prescribed burning and deer exclusion on tree regeneration and groundlayer diversity in xeric oak-dominated forests
Perles S, Forder M, Paull S, Fry J. 2017. The oak regeneration study in New River Gorge National River: monitoring the effects of prescribed burning and deer exclusion on tree regeneration and groundlayer diversity in xeric oak-dominated forests. Natural Resource Report. NPS/ERMN/NRR—2017/1374. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Oak-dominated forests are an important resource in the Appalachian Mountains, covering vast areas of dry ridgetops and mesic hillsides. Within New River Gorge National River (NERI), oak forests cover nearly half of the park area; however, the future of these forests is uncertain due to the lack of regeneration. Oak-dominated forests are a critical park resource because of the many ecosystem services they provide, including habitat and food for a wide diversity of animals and plants. This report describes a study examining the individual and combined effects of prescribed fire and deer herbivory on tree regeneration and ground layer diversity in dry oak-dominated forests. We establish a randomized split-plot design experiment with treatments of prescribed fire (burned or unburned) and deer exclosure fence (present or absent) at two sites (Grandview and Backus) in NERI. Standard vegetation sampling methods are used to monitor the effects of the treatments alone and in combination on seedling and sapling growth and on understory diversity. Site selection, sample design, field methods, data management and a project timeline are described herein. This study directly supports the understanding of prescribed fire, deer herbivory, and regeneration in oak forests. This will allow park managers throughout the Appalachian Mountains to plan more effective treatments to meet resource objectives.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Perles, Stephanie; Forder, Melissa; Paull, Stephen; Fry, John
- Date of Issue
- 2017-01
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- ERMN , NERI , NRSS