As agriculture and development encroach on California's 10 million acres of oak woodlands, offsetting those losses will depend on the success of tree-planting projects and the natural regeneration of seedlings. A combination of mesh protectors around individual trees and an inexpensive material to protect against large animals would increase the feasibility of large-scale regeneration projects. Tree branches often are available at regeneration sites and can be piled over seeded areas or individual plantings. Brush piles, as physical barriers, have also been observed to provide effective protection from large browsing animals. They concluded from this trial that cages made of aluminum window screening effectively protect oak seedlings from damage by small animals and that brush piles made of oak branches will remain in place around the seedlings to discourage access by deer and cattle for many years. They recommended that precautions be taken to reduce the impact of wildfires on brush piles. Further research on how and why brush cover per se affects oak seedling growth rate might lead to a better understanding of oak regeneration problems.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.