EFFECTS OF COTTAGE DEVELOPMENT ON WHITE-TAILED DEER, ODOCOILEUS-VIRGINIANUS, WINTER HABITAT ON LAKE MUSKOKA, ONTARIO

We studied the effects of cottage development on the food and cover characteristics of winter habitat of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on Lake Muskoka in 1989. Forest canopy characteristics (canopy closure and size of gaps) and browse supply were measured and contrasted with data collected on sites with cottage development and sites with no development. The canopy closure of conifers was greater on undeveloped sites than on developed sites. Openings in the shoreline fringe of conifer cover on developed sites did not show increased forage production typical of openings in forests because cottagers removed underbrush and established lawns. Winter browse supply was four times lower on developed cottage lots than on undeveloped shoreline sites. Cottage development reduced the carrying capacity for deer by lowering food supply and thermal cover provided by mature conifer trees. Cottage development which minimizes removal of conifers and underbrush from the shoreline fringe will minimize the impact of development on deer habitat.