Herbivory and flooding impacts on planted bottomland hardwood seedlings

Abstract Bottomland hardwoods forests (BLHW) are increasingly subject to active management for water quality improvement, streambank stabilization, mitigate urban expansion and improve habitat wildlife. Since the majority of remaining BLHW degraded, restoration attempts becoming commonplace within Western Gulf Coastal Plain (WGCP) US. However, success in terms obtaining high stem densities desirable species has been mixed, with managers observing survival rates <15 per cent planted oak hickory seedlings some situations due a variety limitations. Over two growing seasons, we investigated effectiveness portable electric fences, individual tree shelters 2.4-m woven wire fences mitigating herbivory by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) feral swine (Sus scrofa). Treatments fell degraded forested areas abandoned agricultural fields where tested four interest: Nuttall (Quercus texana Buckley), Shumard (Q. shumardii bur macrocarpa Michx.) pecan (Carya illinoinensis K. Koch). Where occurred, mitigation techniques produced higher rate ($\bar{\rm{X}} $ = 17.6 cent) than unprotected 9.1 cent). In density, prominent browsing was evident, resulting two-growing-season height growth being less non-fenced 2.33 cm) 4.33 fenced plots compared 13.02 24.23 cm). Additionally, observed negative relationship between number days that were inundated flood waters during season. Matching interest site conditions, specifically local hydrologic regimes, should carry priority planning project WGCP.