Following the first harvest at the Holt Research Forest in more than three decades, Maine TREE has secured a grant from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund to advance new research opportunities that include the impact of deer. Through the grant and investment from the timber harvest proceeds, Maine TREE plans to erect at least four deer exclosures this summer to determine the long-term impacts of deer on tree regeneration and understory herbaceous and woody vegetation. While it is widely known that deer browse has a significant impact on regeneration, the ability to study that impact in detail and its relationship to other factors presents a unique opportunity in Maine for applied research relevant to family forest owners and community members. For those interested in learning more about this project or to ensure you receive other updates on Holt Research Forest, including public tours, please email info@mainetree.org.
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