Moose and forest dynamics in Trøndelag - Norway

In this project we will examine environmental and societal aspects of forest ungulate browsing in boreal ecosystems within an ecosystem services framework to underpin an ecosystem approach to sustain forest resources. Replicated exclosure/browsed paired plots of 20x20 m are in place in recently clear-cut forest where moose is the dominant forest ungulate: In Trøndelag 15 sites are monitored since 2008. We investigate the impact of browsing forest ungulates on: (1) Forest development (tree growth, species composition, browsing pressure and tree density), to collect primary data relating to timber provisioning, forest ungulate production (forage availability) and ecosystem functioning. Methods: The density of trees of different species and height classes is recorded in four subplots in each exclosure/browsed plot. Individual trees are also marked and height and browsing pressure are recorded annually, producing a time series of forest development; (2) Field layer vegetation dynamics (species diversity and primary productivity, berry production) – focusing on the provisioning services of berries and wildlife forage. Methods: Field layer is recorded biennially in 10 quadrats per exclosure/browsed plot using the point intercept method