This study, in Illinois, found that Trillium stem height was positively correlated with the percent of the herbaceous understory that is browsed, which indicates that change in stem height can be a good indicator of the general status of the herbaceous flora as influenced by deer browsing. Based on deer population densities in association with study sites supporting Trillium populations, with stable stem heights and flowering plants, maintenance of deer densities of 4-6 individuals/km2 is recommended for deciduous forest health in northeastern Illinois. In the eastern United States, intense,historic deer browsing may have significantly altered sites that have occasionally been mislabeled as 'undisturbed' sites.
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.