These data describe the response of herbs, shrubs, and trees to the exclusion of Roosevelt elk using fencing exclosures. The study is being conducted on two terrace levels in the South Fork of Hoh drainage, Olympic National Park, Washington. When the study was established, a resident herd of elk were hypothesized to be impacting the structure of both the understory plants and tree regeneration. Transects were established in and outside the exclosures and cover of herbs and shrubs, as well as abundance and height structure of tree seedlings has be periodically determined.
Diane L. Mitchell, Jerry F. Franklin, Mark E. Harmon, Miles Henstrom, Sarah E. Greene
This study was established following the 1978 pulse that was conducted on the South Fork of the Hoh River, Olympic National Park, Washington. During the pulse it became apparent that Roosevelt elk were having a major impact on understory plants and tree regeneration. Exclosures were established to exclude the elk. Comparisons of plots inside and outside the exclosures were to indicate the effect of the elk.