Small mammals play
a central role in the ecology of forests in the Pacific Northwest
and are the primary prey base of many species of predators.
In addition, small mammals play key roles in the dispersal of
mycorrhizal fungal spores and influence population dynamics
of herbaceous and woody plants.
Alternative silvicultural methods (e.g., thinning, shelterwood,
green- tree retention, group- and single-tree selection) can
be employed as alternatives to traditional clearcut systems
to promote structural diversity within forest stands, and
to provide commodity production and revenue generation. However,
our understanding of the responses of wildlife in general,
and small mammals in particular, to these methods is poorly
developed.
In recent years, there has been increased interest in retaining
some dead wood on the forest floor to promote biodiversity
and other ecological values. Coarse wood provides numerous
benefits to small mammals and other vertebrates such as favorable
microhabitat for dens and cover from predators. 
Research
on how small mammals respond to downed wood in stands harvested
with alternative silvicultural systems is lacking, and would
enable managers to better manage forest stands to meet multiple
objectives, including timber and wildlife.
The purpose of this study is to determine the influence
of coarse wood and other habitat variables on population demographics
of small mammals.
For additional information about this research study see the
CFER
Annual Report. (2.2 MB)
