Determining Elk Browse Patterns in Northwest Washington
Research Mentor(s)
McLaughlin, John
Description
The Pacific Northwest is home to recovering elk populations, a species of importance to First Nations in the region as well as a contributor to ecosystem functions. While elk restoration in this region is important to some, elk are perceived as a nuisance to others due to impacts on agriculture and riparian restoration projects. Learning the herbivory patterns of elk in the area may inform work to support elk while reducing conflicts. I measured elk browse intensity and plant selection in the Nooksack River South Fork valley, Whatcom County, Washington. I recorded fraction of woody stems browsed by species in circular plots clustered around randomly located focal points. I calculated absolute browse intensity for each plant species, and determined selectivity using resource selection functions. These results can be applied in riparian restoration programs by selecting plants less preferred by elk and in agriculture by allocating deterrence measures where browse pressure is greatest.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
18-5-2017 9:00 AM
End Date
18-5-2017 12:00 PM
Department
Environmental Sciences
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Elk--Northwest, Pacific; Browsing (Animal behavior)--Environmental aspects--Northwest, Pacific; Plants--Effect of browsing on--Northwest, Pacific
Geographic Coverage
Northwest, Pacific
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this documentation for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Determining Elk Browse Patterns in Northwest Washington
The Pacific Northwest is home to recovering elk populations, a species of importance to First Nations in the region as well as a contributor to ecosystem functions. While elk restoration in this region is important to some, elk are perceived as a nuisance to others due to impacts on agriculture and riparian restoration projects. Learning the herbivory patterns of elk in the area may inform work to support elk while reducing conflicts. I measured elk browse intensity and plant selection in the Nooksack River South Fork valley, Whatcom County, Washington. I recorded fraction of woody stems browsed by species in circular plots clustered around randomly located focal points. I calculated absolute browse intensity for each plant species, and determined selectivity using resource selection functions. These results can be applied in riparian restoration programs by selecting plants less preferred by elk and in agriculture by allocating deterrence measures where browse pressure is greatest.