Throughout its range, coast redwood is subjected to vertebrate feeding damage at various life stages. Although some quantified information exists regarding feeding behavior by black bears and woodrats, only anecdotal evidence exists for most rodent feeding behavior, including California voles. This project adds to the base of knowledge regarding vole damage to sapling coast redwoods by describing and quantifying damage characteristics, and it establishes a protocol for field assessment and monitoring over time. It describes the distribution of vole feeding damage within a sample area, and it identifies cultural practices that potentially intensify feeding behaviors. An index is developed and provided to assay damage to saplings, in order to facilitate field assessments. A monitoring scheme is presented to evaluate sapling vigor and growth over time. Additionally, pruning of saplings is being assessed to evaluate the utility of this treatment in improving growth traits to damaged trees.

Black bears, Ursus americanus, have been known to cause severe damage to second-growth redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). The damage is seasonal and is often associated with logging roads, skid trails or other openings in the forest. Signs of damage are characteristic and cannot easily be confused with other species of wildlife that damage redwoods.

Black bear (Ursus americanus) feeding on coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) has been documented for several years. Quantitative analysis of the feeding damage has not been done. Feeding damage was analyzed on six belt transects in two drainages of the Smith River, Del Norte County, California. Bears are selecting trees of specific d.b.h. classes and not feeding on the size class most abundant. Damage estimates are presented for number of trees per hectare and percentage of stands that are impacted by bear feeding. A proposed approach to bear management is presented with emphasis on a multi-management approach.

Part 2 of the 24-part Forest Stewardship Series.

Inter-row plantings of herbaceous cover crops has become a widely accepted practice by orchard and vineyard managers. Cover crops, used as part of a production management system, are not considered a cash crop and are therefore selected by individual growers for various reasons. Little is written regarding the relationship of cover crop management and the impact on rodent populations. This paper reviews the recent literature and examines how cover crop species and cultivar selection along with management procedures may be influential in limiting rodent populations and their damage to cropping systems.

Part 8 of the 24-part Forest Stewardship Series. The Forest Stewardship Series is a 24-part free online publication that provides owners of California forestland with a comprehensive source of information pertinent to the management and enjoyment of their lands. This information will help you formulate and implement strategies for achieving your personal goals as a landowner. The series provides an introduction to the lifelong study of forest stewardship that is part of owning forest property.

Part 16 of the 24-part Forest Stewardship Series. The Forest Stewardship Series is a 24-part free online publication that provides owners of California forestland with a comprehensive source of information pertinent to the management and enjoyment of their lands. This information will help you formulate and implement strategies for achieving your personal goals as a landowner. The series provides an introduction to the lifelong study of forest stewardship that is part of owning forest property.

The Forest Stewardship Series is a 24-part free online publication that provides owners of California forestland with a comprehensive source of information pertinent to the management and enjoyment of their lands. This information will help you formulate and implement strategies for achieving your personal goals as a landowner. The series provides an introduction to the lifelong study of forest stewardship that is part of owning forest property.