Browsing by Author "Arnison, Colleen"
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- ItemOpen AccessForest stand management and implications for elk selection in Jasper National Park, Alberta(2014-09-04) Arnison, Colleen; Musiani, MarcoSeasonal resource selection patterns of elk in Jasper National Park, Alberta revealed elk select for areas that would be enhanced by natural or anthropogenic disturbance as they prefer herbaceous, shrub, and open conifer habitat types as well as burn sites. The FireSmart-ForestWise Community program was designed to mimic natural disturbance, such as fire, and consisted of timber removal to protect the community of Jasper from wildfires and improve ecological conditions for wildlife. Following timber removal, forage availability and cover for ungulates increased including grass and forb biomass, cover and diversity along with shrub cover. This thesis demonstrates that changes in human alterations to the landscape can benefit herbivores. If Parks Canada mandate continues to focus on maintaining and enhancing ecological integrity, programs such as this should be encouraged and continued.