Forestry and Black-tailed Deer: Conflicts, Crises, or Cooperation

Abstract

Prior to 1970, research on the relationships between black-tailed deer and forestry practices was largely restricted to areas of low snowfall. Findings suggested that deer populations responded positively to the increased forage generated by timber harvesting practices, and forestry was assumed to be beneficial to black-tailed deer. The first research in areas of high snowfall obtained contrary results; in fact, old-growth forests were found to be valuable habitats for deer. Subsequent research documented that there were four major reasons why old-growth forests provided ideal winter habitat: reduced costs of locomotion in snow, lower rates of food burial, provision of arboreal lichen, and a more heterogeneous, fine-grained environment. Initial research findings encouraged harvesting guidelines that temporarily reserved tracts of old growth as winter ranges. The guidelines were enacted while research, would eventually suggest alternative approaches, continued to examine functional relationships. Current solutions to the conflict include intensive, specific silvicultural practices to mimic old-growth features in managed stands. Review of the conflict provides several lessons of broader applicability.