on specific criteria (<70% slope, <65% covered in exposed rock, <60% canopy and understory cover, and at least 30 stems of preferred browse species) and at each site, between 1-6 sampling plots were selected. Each plot was measured with a 6 ft. radius, and the center, along with the 4 cardinal directions, was marked using PVC pipe or rebar, dividing the plot into 4 quadrants for easier sampling. At least 30 woody seedlings were tagged at each site and are measured once per year. Plot descriptions are updated when significant changes are noted, or after 4 years. Plot description includes canopy, subcanopy, ground/shrub layer percent coverage, and a list of the most abundant species. The protocol used was AVID (Assessing Vegetation for Impacts from Deer), a collaboration between authors Kristi L. Sullivan, Peter J. Smallidge, and Paul D. Curtis from the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University, as well as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry. (AVID; https://aviddeer.com/about).

neration. 8 permanent 10x10m plots were established in flat, upland, oak forests, and unfenced/fenced plots were paired together in 4 discrete locations. Each of the 8 plots contains 5 microplots, each 1x1m. At an interval of 5 years, seedlings and saplings within the plots are assessed for height and presence/absence of deer browse, while tree species are assessed for height, DBH, deer impacts, and canopy dieback. Starting in 2023, deer indicator species within the plots are assessed each year for height, count, and reproductive status. Data collection occurs during summer months, June through August. This project is a collaborative effort with the Environmental Monitoring and Management Alliance (EMMA; https://www.emmahv.org/).

rom the National Park Service’s Northeast Temperate Network (https://www.nps.gov/im/netn/forest-health.htm). This project monitors the composition and structure of the Mohonk Preserve forests, and collects data for assessing forest soil condition, impacts of white-tailed deer herbivory, and land cover. In 2018, 24 plots were established in four habitat types: Eastern hemlock forest (n = 6), white ash forest (n = 6), historic prescribed burn forest (n = 6), and randomly selected forest (n = 6). In 2021, an additional 14 plots were established in two historic Breeding Bird Survey research areas: Eastern hemlock forest (n = 8) and pitch pine forest (n = 6). In 2022,an additional 14 plots were established in two historic Breeding Bird Survey research areas: mixed deciduous forest (n = 9) and hemlock hardwood forest (n = 5). All data collection occurred between the months of June through August. Plots are scheduled to be resampled every four years.

escription and assessment​, presence of forest pests/pathogens​, and understory species cover. The Preserve used the inventory data to create a prioritized climate-adaptive management plan for its eastern hemlock northern-hardwood forest that promotes healthy, resilient future stand structure and preserves (as much as possible) the ecosystem services provided by hemlock. Our other Preserve forest datasets were also used to create effective land management plans.