Description
The project addresses 2 forest habitat types in unfavorable condition. Condition of first habitat type is connected with decrease of groundwater level and shortening of the flooding period (measures implemented on Mura River and farmlands in 60s and 70s); second habitat type is affected due to inappropriate management. Problems of species reflect these causes: amphibians are threatened by disappearance of water and swamp habitats, beetles by disappearance of oak trees and variable quantity of dead wood. Otter and beaver are not studied enough yet; condition of the selected bird species is also unknown. The aim of the project is to analyze factors affecting conditions of forest habitate types, selected amphibians, beetles, beaver and otter on several locations along Mura River, to prepare management plans for test areas Murska Šuma and Gornja Bistrica on the basis of findings and to carry out protective measures for them. In the framework of the project will be additionally established monitoring of birds in unknown condition and monitoring of measures. Information and notification as a separate complex will take place during the entire project duration.
Summary of project results
Insufficiently developed approaches to holistic forest conservation planning and management and sparse knowledge on the objective evaluation of conservation statuses of forest habitat types alongside the Mura river, were the main factors that have encouraged the development of the project idea named GoForMura. While the first part of the problem was addressed by introducing the concept of forest ecosystem management and designing a comprehensive forest conservation management plan, its second part was addressed by the intensive monitoring of both selected test sites. Both actions were agreed between the forest owners and forest service. Both parties committed themselves to pursue and further implement forest conservation management plans and management actions and to continue with monitoring of forest habitat types. The objectives of the project were to: i) conduct detailed forest inventories in both test sites, ii) analyze factors affecting the conditions of forest habitat types (GHT 91E0 - riparian willows, alders and ashes; 91F0 Flooded Oak-Ash-Elm Forests) along with selected amphibian and beetle species and beaver and otter along the river Mura, iii) prepare forest conservation management plans for both test areas (Murska Šuma and Gornja Bistrica), iv) tailor management actions and v) prepare a plan for the implementation of conservation actions. Many conservation actions were implemented during the project (planting, weed competition control, improving habitats for animal and tree species), and many of them will have to be implemented in the following years. The objectives were reached entirely. The main outcomes were the forest conservation management plans for the test sites of Murska šuma and Gornja Bistrica and the execution of planned conservation actions. All the outcomes were realized in accordance with the plan. Following outputs were delivered: publication of 11 e-news "Berek"; Publication of a brochure; publication of the collection of scientific and professional papers (Managing forest habitat types and species in the selected Natura 2000 regions alongside the river Mura); installation of 4 information boards and design of 2 forest conservation management plans. The beneficiaries (representatives of authorities, local self-government and state institutions, forest owners, foresters, beekeepers, non-organized public) were engaged at the occasion of workshops where they had equal chances for cooperation (opinions, suggestions, remarks).
Summary of bilateral results
During the project a formal partnership with one scholar from the Norwegian institute of nature research (NINA) was established. The participation of Norwegian partner was very specific and limited to the ecology and management of beaver. Regardless, the partnership contributed to the: - publication of 1 joint professional article; - provision of news to the local media; - intensive field work (at two occasions) dealing with the beaver issues - better understanding of timely set beaver-management actions. Two project associates participated in the workshop Bioeconomy and forest pedagogics in Norway, that dealt with forest pedagogics. In the conference they presented innovative children games (Memory) and know-how, helping in raising knowledge and awareness about the ecology of species, relationships between species, sustainable forest development along with assuring demographic curves, etc. The bilateral partnership contributed to: - more comprehensive knowledge in the field of beaver management and integrated management with animal species; - widening perspectives of nature conservation management.