Deer browse impact on low cost forest restoration efforts

Background/Question/Methods The restoration challenge is very much a regeneration challenge in Denmark. Beech (Fagus sylvatica), oak (Quercus robur, Q. petrea) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) are some of the most prominent native tree species in Denmark. Only three conifer species are native. Some of our most common tree species today are exotic species like Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Sitka spruce (P. sitchensis). Although not well adapted to our climatic conditions, these species have proven to be very productive.
The natural vegetation in Denmark is the temperate broadleaved forest but like in most easy accessible landscapes of Europe, Denmark was almost cleared reaching a low of 2-4% forest cover 200 years ago. Following such historic devastating and unsustainable landuse conifers were practically the only species that could survive and grow when forest restoration efforts finally were initiated in the second half of the 19^th Century.
Because of the improved soil and microclimatic conditions created by the initial restoration programmes using conifers, today it is possible to establish the native broadleaves and they are often the desired species in restoration efforts. The problem, however, is high population of ungulates. We conduct research and development to find new and highly needed low cost artificial regeneration and restoration methods for establishing densely stocked regenerations of desired tree species that can withstand even a heavy deer browsing regime.  
One of the greatest regeneration challenges are provided by deer. Denmark has experienced a five-fold increase since 1940 in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population with an estimated current population of 350,000. Red deer (Cervus elaphus) are also increasing to a current level of 12-15,000 animals. The red deer distribution is restricted to certain regions of Denmark whereas the roe deer is widespread across the country.

 Deer and the related hunting interests are today very important sources of income and forest value for particularly private forest owners and forest recreationists. One solution, deer fences, are expensive to establish, maintain and remove, and unpopular for many reasons.

Results/Conclusions Our research aims to support the development of novel and integrated deer and forest landscape management means and approaches. In this paper we focus at new methods to artificially regenerate broadleaves on cleared sites following clear cut or storm felled Norway spruce (Picea abies) to improve future forest stability and resilience. We will present results on regeneration success of directly sown deer-browse tolerant regenerations established in 2002-2006.