Small mammals and reforestation following prescribed burning.

Changes in populations of small mammals were investigated on four Pinus banksiana tracts in N.E. Minnesota. One tract was left uncut, one was cut with slash evenly distributed, and two were cut and subjected to controlled burning. Mice were trapped in July and October for three consecutive years; the method used is described. Populations of Peromyscus maniculatus were significantly higher on burned than on unburned tracts in the first and third post-fire years. This increase was related to the supply of seed released by burned P. banksiana slash, and also other seed exposed in the upper layers of soil, as well as to cover conditions. Since burning created habitat and food conditions favourable to the increase of seed-eating mice, this must be taken into consideration in regenerating burns. KEYWORDS: Pinus banksiana burning, prescribed \ Pinus banksiana logging waste \ Pinus banksiana \ natural regeneration \ Rodents population studies \ seeds \ pests rodents