Bears, Deer, and Extreme Weather Disturb Tree Shelter Study

Hunters familiar with the south cabin unit or management unit F-1 where the Conservancy has its American Chestnut Orchard, prescribed fire burning units, and mowing operations may have noticed the 200 tree shelters that were installed in the spring of 2008 as part of a cooperative study to assess growth and survival of northern red oak seedlings using a traditional tree shelter with a black locust stake versus a new mesh tree shelter and a bamboo stake. One of the objectives is to determine if the more cost effective mesh shelter and bamboo stake can withstand the elements as well as the traditional shelters and hardwood stakes. Preliminary data are showing that the mesh shelters seem to be more enticing to bears and the bamboo stakes, being round and having less surface area are more susceptible to windthrow and breakage. Recently, Penn State Extension Forester, Dave Jackson and myself spent a day repairing and/or replacing shelters and stakes within the planting area. This spring will mark the 3rd growing season. I am amazed to see that some of these two year old seedlings have actually grown to exceed the height of the shelters (4 and 4.5 ft'), however sure enough all of those seedlings have been browsed back by deer. I wonder if we shouldn't have invested in 8 foot shelters and protected the stem up to the first half merchantible log - LOL!