Canadian Forest Service Publications
Estimation of the effect of intensive logging on ungulates (cervids) in the White River drainage. 1988. Schuerholz, G.; McNamee, P.; Massie, M.R.C. Forestry Canada, Pacific and Yukon Region, Victoria, BC. Information Report BC-X-303. 35 p.
Year: 1988
Issued by: Pacific Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 2802
Language: English
Series: Information Report (PFC - Victoria)
Availability: PDF (download)
Abstract
A generalized ungulate population model was developed to estimate sustainable populations of elk, moose, and deer before and after salvage logging of beetle-damaged Lodgepole pine in the White River area of the East Kootenays. The ecosystem classification schemes of Krajina (1969) and Utzig et al. (1983) were used to describe the biogeoclimatic zones and subzones for the study area as a basis for the discussion of habitat requirements by corresponding cervid species. Information on current forest cover was obtained from the digitized 1: 20,000 British Columbia Forest cover maps. The data were analyzed and related to snow classes and range-specific productivity values. Biological and ecological baseline information on cervid species were taken from the literature and incorporated into the ungulate population model. Sustainable populations were calculated by species for different snow classes. Based on the results, habitat use patterns, calf-female ratios, and population densities in response to changing forest cover and environment are discussed. A brief history of ungulate management in the East Kootenays in relation to forest management is also presented. The results show that salvage logging in the East Kootenays will significantly enhance winter ranges for elk, deer and moose.
