This study examined bryophyte community re-assembly and propagule availability of forest floor bryophytes in clearcut forest stands in New Brunswick. In permanent quadrats, similarity of pre- and 4 years post-harvest bryophyte communities decreased with increasing disturbance severity (microclimatic change 41% to physical damage 25%); liverworts were particularly vulnerable to local extirpation. Forest floor bryophytes which persist in refugia within harvested areas may contribute propagules to community re-assembly. Two potential refugia are patches of remnant canopy (young trees of merchantable species) and riparian buffers. Patches of canopy >1.5m high were effective refugia, providing appropriate microclimate and containing nineteen species that were potentially sensitive to forestry disturbance. Riparian buffers bryophyte community was only 58% similar to pre-harvest community overall, therefore it was not an effective refugium. To facilitate conservation of bryophytes within harvested stands, forest floor damage should be minimized, and patches of canopy should be maintained as refugia.