Protecting Forest Health: Deer Exclosures

Hardwood forests reflect the historical character, natural diversity, and natural processes of the northeastern US. But they face daunting challenges right now. Competition from exotic plants, chronic high levels of deer herbivory, and lack of adequate regeneration threaten their future. If these issues are not addressed, they will lead to significant loss of forested land and critical habitat.

To protect hardwood forests, National Park Service (NPS) managers need to know which management techniques work and how to use them effectively. A recent study funded by the NPS Natural Resource Condition Assessment program shows how exclosures can help protect forested habitats from high levels of deer browsing, which can enhance forest regeneration and preserve native species.

In this study, Rutgers University synthesized 30 years of data collected across 24 deer exclosures in Morristown National Historical Park in New Jersey. Additional information on the study’s sampling methodology and native plant species recovery can be found in published reports.

Click the image on the right for tips on creating effective deer exclosures learned from this study.

Learn More:

To learn more about how park stewards use Focused Condition Assessment projects to answer specific natural resource questions, visit the Natural Resource Condition Assessment Program.