HomeMy WebLinkAboutBrowse Study discription.pdfBrowse Study
The Village of Cayuga Heights is conducting a “browse Study” to collect baseline data
on the level of deer browse. While some may question the need for this study with
the remark “we know they eat everything” this study will produce simple
quantifiable data on the existing browse level. Having this baseline data will allow
us to measure the impact of deer population reduction on the level of browse
damage as we move forward.
The study will plant 40 native saplings at each of five sites within the Village. At
each site, wire cages will protect half the saplings and half will be left unprotected.
The survival rates and growth rates will be assessed after 10 days, and every 2-4
weeks thereafter during the course of the study.
The study is not being conducted to justify beginning deer population control. The
Board voted in April 2011 to proceed with the deer management program examined
extensively under NYS DEC SEQR regulations. Rather, beginning the browse study is
simply a step in implementation.