Opperman and Merenlender sampled willow (Salix spp.), white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), and Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia) density, inside and outside of unreplicated, 4 to 15-year old deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) exclosures, along tributaries to Russian River in northern California. Mean density of saplings was significantly greater within exclosures. Further, 65% of saplings were taller than 1 m within exclosures, compared with only 3% of saplings outside of exclosures. The fact that little regeneration had occurred in control plots suggests that deer herbivory can substantially reduce the rate of recovery of woody riparian species within degraded riparian corridors. Exclusionary fencing has demonstrated promising results for riparian restoration in a region with intense deer herbivory.
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