Degradation and protection of raised peat-bogs in the Bieszczady National Park

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Degradation and protection of raised peat-bogs in the Bieszczady National Park

Journal Title: Roczniki Bieszczadzkie - Year 2012, Vol 20, Issue 1

Abstract

Bieszczady peat bogs for a long time were treated as barrens, which were used as the lowest class pastures (moss communities on peat bog domes), or meadows (wet ecosystem around peat bog). There are no signs of peat exploitation. Pastoral usage might cause the subsidence of peat deposits, but the main threat for these sites were drainage works which began in the upper San river valley in the 2nd half of 19th century. In many places still are visible old drainage ditches and drain-pipes. The greatest intensity of drainage works took place in 2nd half of 20th century. At that time the probes to continue grazing were carried out, among others in wetlands. Until late 1980s anthropopressure on peat bogs diminished, and protection in nature reserves enabled partial regeneration, which unfortunately accelerated succession (due to drainage) of shrub communities. In late 1990s peat bogs were included to the Bieszczady National Park. Regeneration of these ecosystems were begun by restoration of previous water table and inhibition of succession rates. Among the most important measures were: building the weirs on drainage ditches (more than 500), disassembling of drainage system (digging out or choking of drains), removing the self-sown trees and shrubs from peat-bog domes and laggs, building barriers against grazing animals. Populations of Drosera rotundifolia and Carex pauciflora were included into programme of monitoring of rare and endanger ed plant. In the aim to observe changes in vegetation the research transects were settled, in which periodically phytosociological records were taken, and all types of vegetation in peat-bogs were mapped in detail. Within peat-bog domes the changes of water table and water temperature were recorded using 24 piezometers. All protective measures as well as methods and monitoring objects are currently verified. Evaluations of regeneration processes in raised peat bogs confirm efficiency of protective tasks which gives premises for further continuation and for monitoring of all ecosystems.

Authors and Affiliations

Stanisław Kucharzyk, Adam Szary

Keywords

EP ID EP161512
DOI -
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