Spatial and temporal patterns of use by moose of pre-commercially thinned,naturally-regenerating stands of balsam fir in central Newfoundland

A study of use and damage of pre-commercially thinned (PCT) forest stands c ontaining balsam fir (Albies balsamea [L.] Mill.) by moose (Alces alces L.) in central Newfoundland was undertaken to determine how potentially confli cting resource management goals such as wood yield optimization and provisi on of stable moose populations could be achieved. Objectives were to measur e spatial and temporal variability in damage to balsam fir due to moose hab itat preferences for certain stand types and stern densities, and, secondly , to explore possibilities for manipulating PCT operations, within this con text, to minimize damage. A stable moose population was achieved over 5 years of study, through the i ssue of licences for a management sub-area designed to coincide with on-goi ng PCT. Good road access ensured high success for hunters in this sub-area, and this management option eventually allowed fur declines in moose densit y and in browsing of crop trees in PCT stands. Aerial census techniques wer e the preferred means of determining areas of high use or high potential us e; pellet group counts were only weakly correlated to measures of browsing in vegetation sample plots. Identification of localized areas of use, or of moose habitat preferences that were likely primary to the selection of PCT stands, may allow PCT operations to be planned to avoid winter moose 'yard s.' Consideration by management should be given to locating PCT in stands l ike those containing black spruce, which are less frequently occupied by mo ose. Management of hardwood also appears to be important for reducing poten tial moose damage to balsam fir stands when moose densities are high. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.