Assessment of a nondestructive method for estimating browse use

We measured twig basal diameters, diameters at point of browsing, and diameters of unbrowsed twig tips on 6 shrub species to estimate browse use without developing regression equations or relying upon before and after browsing measurements. Simulated browsing of twigs was redicted accurately for paper birch (Betula papyrifera), red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), prickly rose (Rosa acicularis), and Scouler's willow (Salix scouleriana). The technique adequately predicted leaf use only for Douglas maple (Acer glabrum). Minimum sample sizes to estimate total browsing of twigs appear feasible, if maximum error is expressed as percentage points around average use, rather than as percentage of average use.