Winter Conifer Cover Establishment

Timber Stand Improvement: The project's central goal is increased winter survival of whitetail deer. On 625 acres of state forest land, release coniferous tree species by hand-cutting competing vegetation. The goal is increased regeneration and growth rate of conifers, providing winter thermal cover for whitetail deer. Conifer cover provides refugia during winter, reducing stress on deer and increasing survival.Whitetail deer are often highly stressed during winter months in Northern Minnesota. They rely on coniferous tree stands for protective shelter, especially during the coldest periods. Conifer regeneration in harvested stands is often problematic
as other species often out compete them during the first few years of regeneration post-harvest. Conifer dominance takes decades or centuries to establish after harvest. Releasing conifers from competition by removing adjacent vegetation is the fastest and surest way of establishing conifer stands. This will reduce deer herd thermal stress during the coldest period, improving herd survival rates and overall health. Release by hand-cutting is the surest way for
achieving this goal as large equipment is not suitable for this practice.