of Long Term Research Conducted by the Northeastern Research
Station Undergrowth and Small Mammal Response to Overstory
Stocking Levels (Undergrowth Project - Vegetation) ||1) To
describe undergrowth response to overstory thinning and deer
browsing. 2) To describe small mammal habitat relationships.
||expected to continue thru 1996 ||All plots are located in
Franklin and Hampshire Counties MA where a Forest Service
research permit is renewed annually on Quabbin Reservation. Land
is part of Boston's municipal water supply managed by
Metropolitan District Commission. Of the 20 stands, 12 stands
are located on Prescott Peninsula inside a wildlife sanctuary
and 8 stands are located in hunted area of Quabbin Reservation
in New Salem, Shutesbury, Pelham and Belchertown compartments.
Deer are 3 to 4 times more abundant in the sanctuary than
outside of it. Land use history, forest management, and soils
are similar inside and outside the sanctuary. Elevation range
150 to 300 meters. Location of the stands ranges betwe