Analysis of Spruce Grouse Habitat in North-Central Washington

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Abstract
Spruce grouse (D. canadensis) habitat use was measured during the summer and early autumn of 1982 in Okanogon County, Washington. Grouse most commonly occurred in equally mixed stands of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni). Basal area of pine and spruce represented 63% and 31% of the study area. Grouse observations were associated with sites having deadfall logs, a slope of 12-28%, shrub density of < 10,000 stems/ha, and with trees having the lowest live limb at heights ranging from 1.5-4.5 m. The means for only 2 variables were different (P < 0.05) between grouse and control plots. Variances were different (P < 0.05) for 6 variables. These variance differences indicate habitat selection not detectable by more commonly applied statistical tests of mean values. Discriminant analysis indicated that Engelmann spruce density, subalpine fir density and deadfall log dispersion correctly classified 74 (73%) of 102 plots. Larger than average lodgepole pine trees were used as activity trees for feeding and/or loafing-roosting (P < 0.03). Discriminant function analysis correctly classified 90 (75%) of 120 activity trees.

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