Northern white-cedar regeneration dynamics in the context of high ungulate densities

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Northern white-cedar is a valuable species, both for the wood industry and as deer habitat. Cedar can provide shelter and a food source but high deer densities can compromise cedar establishment. In this context, there is a strong tendency to ban forest harvesting from deer yards. However, this strategy, in addition to having an impact on wood procurement, does not guarantee a sustainable management of deer habitat, since there may be no regeneration to replace trees that will eventually die. The current study aims at getting a better understanding of deer impacts on cedar regeneration in order to identify conditions that could favor cedar regeneration in high deer density areas. A first part of the study will look at stand structure and regeneration in existing deer yards. Dendrochronological analysis will make it possible to identify time periods that provided establishment opportunities. A second part of the study will look at stands treated within the last 15 years. Dendrochronological analysis will be conducted as for the previous part of the project. In the last part of the study, seedling survival and growth will be monitored in areas of high deer pressure. A simulated browsing study will enable to look at the effect of browsing timing and intensity in interaction with light level. At the northern limits of its range, deer is especially dependent on a suitable winter habitat. At the same time, the forest industry is increasingly dependent on a shrinking cedar resource, a significant portion of it being protected as deer wintering habitats. In this context, an active management of deer yards could promote an integrated valorization of both resources.