Influence of browsing cessation on Picea sitchensis radial growth

Picea sitchensis is an ecological and economical component of North America north temperate rain forest. In Haida Gwaii which is one of the most produ ctive forest land of British Columbia archipelago (Canada), it is an import ant and a valuable commercial species. The present study aims at precising deer browsing consequences on growth regeneration of Picea sitchensis. Usin g ring-width series, an empirical model is built which describes browsing i mpact on radial growth and removal of these pressure. Taking into account d eer pressure and browsing upper limit when building predictive height growt h models proves valuable for comparing growth pattern of different species under browsing pressure and deducing changes in forest dynamics.