Moronica Nature Park Environmental-Biodiversity Study_final Report

7/27/2019 Moronica Nature Park Environmental-Biodiversity Study_final Report

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REPORT (Draft)

PP49 Environmental Study for Moronica Park, Junik, Kosovo,

Submitted to:

Directorate of Urban Development, Junik, Kosovo

Prepared by: Mehmet Metaj,

Consultant, UN-Habitat, Kosovo,

(15 .09.2013)

Logo: Junik Municipality


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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................................

1.1. Environmental Study for Moronica Park...................................................................................................................

Specific tasks: ........................................................................................................................................................................

Prepare a Baseline Environmental Survey .................................................................................................................................

Prepare Environmental management guidelines...........1.2. FOREWORD ..II. ENVIRONMENT ..........................................................................................................................................................

2.1.1. Location of Moronica Nature Park........................................................................................................................ 2.1.1. Site Overview.........................................................................................................................................................

2.1.2. Geographical pos............................... ..

2.1.3. Geographic characteristics ......

2.1.4. Demographic profile.....Natural environment of Moronica Park....1

2.1.5. Site Identity........1

2.1.6. Geology, bedrock and ................... ....1

2.1.7. Climatic conditions .....2.1.8. Hydrography ...

2.2. Parks infrastructure...1

III. BIODIVERSITY .......................................................................................................................................................... 3.1. Vegetation ................................................................................................................................................................

3.1.1. Moronica Park biodiversity status. ......................................................................................................................

3.1.2. MP Biodiversity species.........2

3.2. Forestry.. .23.2.3. Overview of Austrian Pine.....2

3.2.4. Description of habitat and related species ..2

3.3.1. Ecological services and benefits of the habitat ...23.3.2. IUCN Categories of Protected Areas Management ....3

3. Legal provisions .....3

4. Site protection and conservation measures .

4.5. Buffer zone of MP........................................................................................................................................................ 5.3. Public educationkey to informing people about fire hazards, how to avoid them and what to do when a firdoes occur. 3

5.3.1. Collaborative management and ongoing consultation. The objective of establishing......3

5. Tourism management and sustainable financing....Monitoring and evaluation indicators ......................................................................................................................................

8.1. Basics of Monitoring Program...48.3. The Parks Inventory & Monitoring (I&M)...

8.4. Parameters (indicators) to be measured. 4

8.5. Annual Monitoring Report.9. Flora and Fauna of Junik Municipality ................................................................................................................................

Documents consulted: ..........................................................................................................................................................


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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY1.1.Environmental Study for Moronica Park

The aim of this assignment is to provide an environmental study (including guidelines for the protection biodiversity) that will support decision making in order to ensure protection of the natural resource base in t

Moronica Park area and at the same time the sustainable development in the buffer area. The assignment includ

the Site inventory & analysis study of Moronica Park, providing information on the environment of the naturpark, management guidelines, measures for protection of the environment and proposed educational activitie

The analysis should clearly identify strengths and weaknesses in the area.

Main tasks

Under the direct supervision of the Human Settlements Officer and in close cooperation with the assigne

working group, with the support of the MuSPP team of international and national professional officers anassisted by the Junior Environmental Officer, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

Define and spatially represent the current state of environment in the study area (with emphasis obiodiversity assessment, geologic and topographic constraints, the protection of sensitive environments, bi

physical constraints, etc);

Based on consultation with relevant interested and affected parties, develop guidelines for the protection othe environment (including Emergency and Maintenance Access needs) allowing for the balanced

development of recreational activities in the park;

Develop monitoring and reporting systems to measure the success of the implementation of the above-mentioned strategies.

The study provides information on the environmental conditions, landscape, biodiversity, monitoring measurand guidelines for nature protection in Moronica. For the purpose of this assignment, the study area is Moroni

Park within the Municipality of Junik, as well as a buffer area surrounding the Moronica Park.

Specific tasks:

Initial Meeting with Project Team to confirm the Scope of Work which took place on August 12th

, 2013, at t

Junik Municipality premises with Mr. Agron Kui, Mayor, Mr. Faik Tofaj, Director, Urban DevelopmeDirectorate, Mrs. Catarina Camarinhas, UN-Habitat-Kosovo, Mrs. Teuta Jaha, Project-Coordinator, UN-Habita

Kosovo, Ms. Doruntin Rexhepi, Junior Environment Specialist, UN-Habitat-Kosovo, Mr. Tafe Tofaj, Forest

Specialist, Junik Municipality,

After appointment the consultant team has met with the MuSPP and Municipality and:

. Confirmed the scope of the assignment.

. Agreed upon time frames for the deliverables.

Literature review

The literature review includes the following:

General environmental legislation:


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. Law n.02/L-18 of 23.03.2005 on Nature Conservation;

. Law n.03/L-025 of 26.02.2009 on Environmental Protection;

. Law No. 04/L-086 of13.12.2012 on National Park Bjeshkt e Namuna.

Municipal and other documentation/studies:

Junik Municipal Development Plan; Junik Urban Development Plan; Moronica Park CIP Project Proposal; Local Environmental Action Plan for Junik (LEAP). IUCN: Guidelines for Protected Areas Management Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity, 2011-2020 Kosovo Biodiversity Assessment Report, 2009 MESP/INEPP: Group of authors: Study on Bjeshket e Namuna (Accursed mountains/Prokletije), Prishtin

2003

Co-authors: A. Nikolovski, A. Mehmeti, H.Shabanaj: Regional workshop on implementation of phyto-sanitary standards in forestry, Sarajevo, 15-18 April, 2013;

MANAGEMENT of Natura 2000 habitats(Sub-)Mediterranean pine forests withendemic black pines 9530;

Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and floraPrepare a Baseline Environmental Survey

After the necessary review of the literature and field investigations, the consultant has prepared a report on th

current environmental situation. This report address the following aspects:

Identification of the key environmental issues (opportunities and constraints) in the study area; Biodiversity and conservation status of fauna and flora in the study area - inventories in selected places with

Moronica Park of animals, plants and vegetation; Delimitation of the buffer/peripheral areas surrounding the park (areas in need of protection or special

consideration);

A spatial representation of the current state of the environment (including sensitive naturalenvironmentNational Park delimitation and buffer area).

A draft of this report will be submitted to the MUSPP team for comments prior to finalization.

Prepare Environmental management guidelines

The baseline environmental survey will serve as a basis, together with the consultative process, to establish the

Environmental Management guidelines for Park management and maintenance which should address/include

guidelines for the protection of biodiversity.

1.2.FOREWORD


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Mirsevini nKul lat e Junikut! Welcome to the Juniks towers !Freskohuni me uj in e Erenikut! F reshen-up with Ereniks water!Pushoni nMoronic! Rest in Moroni ca!Ngji tuni nGjeravic! Cl imb up to Gjeravica!

"Junik is a unique place, so I believe and I invite all Junikasit to be unique in realizing the vision for futurdevelopments in Junik". Junik Municipality is a new Municipality, formed as pilot municipalities on 2

September 2005 and certified on 13 August 2008. Although the new Municipality, with the involvement of Loc

Government, residents of the Municipality and a number of donors, has managed to compile Junik and approv

key strategic documents for the Municipality as an Urban Development Plan (UDP), Urban Regulatory Pl"Center", Development Plan for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Local Development Strategy and now

drafting the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) as one of the most important document for the municipal spati

development. The process of drafting the MDP-Junik is based on the Law on Spatial Planning and guidelineprinciples established by this Law.

This plan has great importance because it is compiled by municipal staff that includes experts from various fiel

within the municipal departments, which have been supported by experts from the Program for Support Municipal Spatial Planning in the UN-HABITAT and non-governmental organization "Cultural Heritage witho

Borders" (CHWB) both funded, by Swedish Development Agency (Sida). During this process we had t

professional support of the Institute for Spatial Planning of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Plannin

Having developed this plan with our human resources and a very small financial cost, Junik has shown aalternative way of preparing these documents practices used so far in Kosovo municipalities.

Municipal Development Plan (MDP) of Junik, for us it is a very important document because it offers us a clevision and provides guidance to future economic development, social, physical and spatial development

Municipality until 2023.

With this plan are coming in evidence the main pillars of the future development of the Municipality as a tourisbased on natural and cultural potential of Junik, agriculture and agro-business, research the potential use of fore

and alternative energy.

To achieve our vision, we must invest in education and advancement of our human capacity in the foregoing are

and those related to them. Here special emphasis will be given to young people considering a new and veenthusiastic to work. Wherefore we wish that this item through the implementation of proposals and projec

outlined in this plan to provide employment opportunities. In this manner it will be prevent their migration abrobut also generally improve social welfare for all residents of Junik, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.In the process of drafting this document, we have demonstrated dedication, responsibility at work but are als

showing very cooperative in relation to our partners involved in this process. We have been transparent to citize

by involving them in various stages of drafting this document. Therefore, I believe that the implementation of th

plan have the support of citizens and first of all whether relevant government representatives, public or privasector and civil society representatives. Of course, taking in consideration very modest budget of th

Municipality, the Municipality will be shown Junik dedicated and open for cooperation with donors in t

implementation of this plan.Junikas have left positive developments in Kosovo's history; that are willing to do even now.

Therefore, Junik is rather unique, and I believe and I invite everyone to show unique Junikas-united in the

realization of this vision for future developments in Junik.

II. ENVIRONMENT


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2.1.Identification of the key environmental issues (opportunities and constraints) in the study area;2.2.A spatial representation of the current state of the environment (including sensitive natural environments,

Park delimitation and buffer area).

2.3.Community and regional settings;2.4.Interaction between social and physical factors

2.5.Zoning and mapping

2.1.1. Location of Moronica Nature Park

2.1.1. Site Overview


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Moronica Nature Park lies at an altitude of 550-662 m above sea level and is the main feature of the woodhilly landscape of Junik Municipality, lying to the west of the town and to east of Erenik river. It marks t

beginning of Junik mountain, located in the north-west of the country. According to the local development pla

this zone is designated as a protected panorama and it also links the National Park of Bjeshkt e Namuna

(Prokletije/Accursed Mountains).

The total area of Moronica Nature Park is approximately 40 hectares. The parkland is regarded as both a gate an

buffer protection area to Ereniku Valley and Gjeravica, allowing the connection to Bjeshkt e Namuna Nation

Park. Study and analysis of Moronica is recommended since it is considered a natural area of particul

recreational importance in the Municipality.

Mapping for Moronica Nature Park with buffer areas.

(Source: Cadastral maps and data of Junik M unicipality, fi eld sur vey collected and processed data using GPS

2.1.2. Geographical positionPosition: Junik is situated in the western part of Kosovo, nearby Bjeshkt e Namuna (Acurs

Mountains/Prokletije). It has a territory of 77.77 km and geographic latitude of 42,22 and geographic longitud

of 20,26. Junik has a suitable geographic position, reaching the northwest of Dukagjini valley, facing the gorof Erenik River, which flows from the lakes of Gjeravica and serpentines through the valleys ofAlbanian Alps.

The territory of Junik Municipality extends to the northern-western part of Dukagjini Plain, and is in border with

municipalities of Dean/Decani, Gjakova/Djakovica, Albania and Montenegro. Distance from Junik to Peja/Pec

is 25 km, Junik to Gjakova/Djakovica 20 km which passes by the village Batusha, whilst the distance from Junikto Rastavica (highway Peja/Pec-Gjakova/Djakovica) is 5,5 km.


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2.1.3. Geographic characteristicsTopography: Junik Municipality has a suitable geographic position, facing the picturesque gorge of Erenik Rive

The altitude of Junik is between 450-2600 meters above sea level. The town itself is in a sea level of 593m. Thighest mountain point is Gjeravica, with sea level of 2.656 m, which is also the highest mountain point

Albanian Alps in Kosovo.

Natural features: Junik has different types of landscapes, from the hydrographical (Erenik and Trava rivers), fielandscapes (Junik field) and hilly or mountainous landscapes (Gjeravica, Moronica). On 28.08.2008 ThMunicipal Assembly of Junik has announces Moronica as special zoneof Junik Municipality. It is presum

for this zone to be the future park of the town(..). which will be as a linking bridge between the ethnograph

park and the national park Bjeshkt e Namuna (Cursed Mountains/Prokletije) In its entirety, Junik is presentas an entity that has been, is and will be closely linked with the nature. Climate conditions: Junik has a continent

climate with some Mediterranean influence. This climate is convenient for agricultural. The average temperatu


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is 21C in summer and -11C in winter. The average of rain falls is approx. 670 mm, whilst in the vegetation seaso(from April to September) is approx. 330 mm.

Rivers and water areas:Erenik river is the biggest and most important river in the region, also used for irrigatiof Junik field. Erenik flows from the lakes of Gjeravica, respectively from the mountains crown, from the ho

of Erenik and Bjeshkt e Namuna, creating superficial watercourses. If managed properly and there will be nmisuse of water, there will be sufficient amount of water for irrigation and drinking water. Land compositio

From the total area of Junik Municipality which is 77 769 ha, there are around 4 439 ha (57.08%) composed

the agricultural land. Meadows and pastures occupy around 2000 ha (45.05%) out from the total area

agricultural land and the forests occupying over 3 029 ha (38.95%) that present potential for development. Thurban area of Junik is relatively dominated by quite suitable land for agricultural products. While in other par

outside the urban area dominates the shallow land suitable for fodder and forestry development.

F lora and fauna:Being adjacent to the nature has enabled Junik to be enriched in terms of biodiversitBiodiversity reflects the variety of living beings depending on which area they are developed. This concept al

conveys the multi-colorless within the species, between species and ecosystems.

2.1.4. Demographic profilePopulation: The latest official data of the Statistical Office of Kosovo (SOK) (2009) of the survey Populatio

household economies, according to the settlements and territorial organization of Kosovo until 2008, indicate thJunik, as a settlement, has 624 household economies, 5423 resident members, 1427 construction building

whereas, the villages Jasiq - Gjocaj have 2 household economies and a total number of 7 members and construction buildings.

The table below indicates the data on population according to age and gender. More than 50 % population is

under 26 years old. Gender ratio is almost balanced (F:M=50.26 %: 49.74 %). The population comprises ofAlbanian ethnicity.

Table 2.Population according to age and gender based on on-site analysis. (Including diaspora)

Population according to age and gender

1-7 8-18 19 - 25 26 - 40 41 - 64 >657.06% 6.54% 9.92% 10.46% 8.48% 7.71% 12.70% 11.67% 8.60% 8.95% 2.98% 4.93%

M F M F M F M F M F M F

13.60% 20.38% 16.19% 24.37% 17.55% 7. 91%


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Natural environment of Moronica Park

A visitors environment A coff ee-bar in the Moronica Nature Park

2.1.5. Site IdentityCharacter Areas:

Area 1: Playground,Area 2: Camping/Picnicking

Area 3: Amphitheatre, andArea 4: Pedestrian passesArea 5: Promenade access area

The planning aim and objectives of the Moronica park establishment are:

Campingpicnicking area: A campsite area of about 1100 m2

in the northern part of the park is the area enoug

to manage such site and has a water source and where can install a tap (which can be used as drinking and

freshwater for visitors and hydrants for fire protection).


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Amphitheatre area: It is located in the southern part of the MP , with an area of approximately 1000 m2

h

started to be built ( from a joint project of UN-Habitat and Junik Municipality). It was constructed by usingtraditional model, with a dry stone wall and fence above it.

Promenade: At the entrance of the Amphitheatre there is designed a Promenade as a facility for visitors to enterthe site.


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Pedestrian passes: The pedestrian pass is already designed in the park that has access to the amphitheater an

traverses across the surface after the park closes and comes in its southern part. During this passage road surfac

and meadows needs to put and garbage bins.

Meadows: 3-4 meadows were identified in the territory of the park, with bushes grass characteristic vegetation.

Shelter woods: Inside the park area there are several ( 2-3 ) shelters created by cutting black pine trees, where

the black pine and other vegetation seedling installed, shrub and herbaceous vegetation due to the shelt

conditions are to be preserved to grow up and create and maintain new mixed forest stands which are moresistant against abiotic factors. In the north- eastern parts there are fallen some woody pine trees and they have

be to be either removed or cleaned to avoid the risk of fire.

Erosion: In the very eastern part there is an area of about 500 m2hitchis partially slided and with collapsing so

and eroded by the effects of the rainfall and Erenik river overflows. This area needs to be rehabilitated by fillin

with stone and wire gabion wall and planting saplings of the existing vegetation and seeding herbaceou

vegetation to stabilize and avoid further jeopardizing collapse and soil erosion and to preserve the vegetation.


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2.1.6. Geology, bedrock and soilThe MP bedrock is dominated by the ultrabasic on shallow serpentine bedrock. The site soil is a grey dark soilwhich is a typical soil of the black pine forest stands.

Soil classes of Junik Forest Area:

Land

codeLand class Area, ha %

7 Litosol on basic bed-rock formations 206 6

23 Clayey dilution 1 0

44 Typical rendzine soil over strong limestone

substrate

343 10

57 Typical ranker on Basic bed-rocks (gabbro,

dibasic, basalt)

651 19

120 Shallow grey soil on bed-rock-grill substrates(filit, mikashist, etc..)

2.243 65

Total area 3.444 100

2.1.7. Climatic conditionsJunik has a continental climate but with some Mediterranean features. This climate is suitable for growing vario

forest species. The average temperature is 11C- 21C. The average amount of precipitation is 670 mm, while thvegetation season (middle of IV-IX) near 330 mm.

Rainfall: The mean annual precipitation in the territory of Municipality move from 900 - 1500 ml/m2

. Oaverage, during the year there are 126 days of the rainfall. There are at least 6 to 8 days during July, August anSeptember of a average rainfall amount up to 70 ml/m

2. The largest amount is during the half cold year where t

amount of precipitation reaches up to 1500ml/m2

day.The Junik Municipality, precipitation is mostly in the for

of rain, they often appear in form of snow from November to April and may be levied in October and MaAveragely there are 39 snow days with over 10 cm snow and there are 22 days with up to 30cm snow cove

There are only 6 days with over 50cm.

The amount of monthly and annual rainfall in ml/cm


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I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Yearly

101 102 74 66 57 48 45 34 60 104 114 103 908

Snow cover in the territory of Municipality has different time durations. According to the durability of relief, ansea level, stability of snow is on mounts over 2000m in height.

2.1.8. HydrographyRivers and water surfaces: Erenik river is the largest and most important river in the region, which also serves

the water source for irrigation of the Junik field. Erenik stems from the Gjeravica lakes.Respectively flowinwaters coming from the mountains crowns, from the spring of Erenik and drops down to form surface wat

flows. If managed well and no misuse of water, also has sufficient quantities of water for irrigation and drinking


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2.2. Parks infrastructureAssessment and Analysis

A welcoming Place

Good and Safe Access

The Moronica Park has opened amity -entry access and they should be under control for visitors and tour

management. There are no high fences, ditches and bridges have been used to limit easy access from the play pa

out to the street and road. The visitors recreational areas reflects the demand for an new guidance: A Guide Parks Tourists/Visitors Information (Tourist Guide Sheet) which should be produced based on legal framewo

of nature conservation and this baseline environmental and biodiversity study.

Paths and equal access for all. New paths installed and existing paths rehabilitated and furniture with safetyfacilities. A circular hard surfaced walk around the middle tier with measurement markers makes the site

accessible and allows all year round enjoyment of the park, and also from the middle tier to the top tier allows

safe pedestrian access to the Park.


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Good Signage

Park Signage: There are no buildings on site; however the new signs on site display contact numbers, email

address and the postal address for Moronica Park should be installed. In case of emergencies there should be bui

special emergencies entrance/s A new Park Signage for Moronica park should be produced and installed based

on this baseline environmental and biodiversity study and being installed at parks entrance/s.

Signage system

The most common symbols used intrail blazing

For long-distance trails, or trails where there is any possibility of anyone taking a wrong turn,blazingor signag

should be provided. This may be accomplished by using either paint on natural surfaces or by placing pre-made

medallions. Horseshoe-shaped blazes are good for bridle trails.

Maintenance

Natural surface, single track trails will require some ongoing maintenance. However, if the trail is properly

designed and constructed, maintenance should be limited to clearing downed trees, trimming back brush and

clearing drainages. Depending on location, if the trail is properly designed, there should be no need for major

rework such as grading or erosion control efforts. However, mountain trails which see both significant rainfall

and human traffic may require "trail hardening" efforts in order to prevent further erosion. Most of the seemingly

natural rock steps on the mountain trails of the northeast United States are, in fact, the work of professional and

volunteer trail crews.

Park Trails

Trail Way-finding and Signage

The MP Service will work in consultation with residents Junik Municipality to develop and implement

accurate and comprehensive trail way-finding system as MP Signage Systemfor the dwelling areas, (includitrail names, markers and maps), to improve park accessibility and safety which will be in keeping with tcommunity's desire forunobtrusiveand rustic park signage.

Main Trails: Tourists and visitors trail which will be clearly defined, well used and provide main connectioto all other trails within the park area. These trails will be identified on maps with specific trail names, identifie

with markers, and be multi-use (pedestrian, cycling, horseback riding).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_blazinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_blazinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_blazinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_blazinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Trail_blaze-symbols.svhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_blazinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_blazing


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Side Trails: In the MP existing narrow trails which currently receive infrequent use and provide access througenvironmentally sensitive areas within the park area will be the visitors and tourist passes for entering the parWhile being referenced on the park trails map and designated with trail markers, side trails will be named an

will be limited to pedestrian and cyclist use only. Some existing side trails that create trespassing issues will n

be signed or maintained.

Trail difficulty ratings

A simple colored symbol to classify a trail's difficulty was first used for ski trails and is now being used for

hiking, bicycle, other trails and even airport security lines.

Green circle - easy

Blue square - moderateBlack diamond - difficult

Other systems may be used in different locations.

Segregation

Trail segregation, the practice of designating certain trails as having a specific preferred or exclusive use, is

increasingly common and diverse. For example, segregated cycle facilities, for bicycles, are used not only on

roads open to motor vehicles, but also in trail systems open to other trail users. Some trails are segregated for usby both equestrians and mountain bikes or by equestrians only, or by mountain bikes only. Designated

"wilderness area" trails may be segregated for non-wheeled use (hence permit backpacking and horses but

exclude mountain bikes and motorized vehicles).

Often, trail segregation for a particular use is accompanied by prohibitions against that use on other trails within

the trail system.

Trail segregation may be supported by signage, markings, trail design and construction (especially selection of

tread materials), and by separation between parallel treads. Separation may be achieved by "natural" barriers

including distance, ditching, banking, grading, and vegetation, and by "artificial" barriers including fencing,

curbing, and walls.

The opposite of segregated use is shared use. Shared use may be achieved by sharing a trail easement, but within

it maintaining segregated and sometimes also separated trail treads. This is common in rail trails. Shared use ma

also refer to alternate day arrangements, whereby two uses are segregated by being permitted on alternate days.

This is increasingly common in long-distance trails shared by equestrians and mountain bike users; these two us

communities have similar trail requirements but may experience encounters with each other on the trail as

difficult.

Trail administration

A trail may be completely contained within one administration (e.g. a State Parks management team) or it maypass through multiple administrations, leading to a confusing array of regulations, allowing dogs or mountain

bikes in one segment but not in another, or requiring wilderness permit for a portion of the trail, but not

Trail construction

While many trails have arisen through common usage, quality trail design and construction is a complex process

requiring certain sets of skills. When a trail passes across a flat area that is not wet, often all that is required is to

clear brush, tree limbs and undergrowth to produce a clear, walkable trail. When crossing streams, bridges may
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segregated_cycle_facilitieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_trailhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-distance_trailhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-distance_trailhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_trailhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segregated_cycle_facilities


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may not be desirable, depending on the size of the stream and the depth of its banks. In wet areas, it may be

necessary to create an elevated trailway with fill or by building a boardwalk. One problem with boardwalks is

that they require frequent maintenance and replacement - boards in poor condition are often slippery and

hazardous.

Trails on slopes

A common mistake in establishing trails is to make them on slopes that are too steep for comfort and th

environment. Such steep trails generally result in serious erosion, a wide swath of impacted area as walkers go

the sides to find better footing, and the inability of many hikers to walk the trail. Trail gradient should b

determined based on a site specific assessment of soils & geology, drainage patterns of the slope, surroundin

vegetation types, position on the slope of a given trail segment (bottom, mid-slope, ridgeline), avera

precipitation, storm intensities, types of use, volume & intensity of use, and a host of other factors affecting th

ability of the trail substrate to resist erosion and provide a navigable surface. Trails that ascend steep slopes mause switchbacks, but switchback design and construction is a specialized topic that takes great care.

If a trail is being made to be accessible to off-road wheelchairs, the grade should be no more than one in ten. If

paved trail has to be accessible to all wheelchairs, the grade must be no more than one in twelve, with period

level pull-offs.

The off-slope, orside-slope, of the trail also must be considered. This is the slope of the trail from side to sid

and should never be more than one in twelve. Side-sloped trails are prone to gullying. Ideally, the tread way of t

trail should be almost, but not quite, level in cross-section.

Achieving the proper slope in hilly terrain usually requires the excavation ofside hill trail. This is trail way thatconstructed by establishing a line of suitable slope across a hillside, then digging out by means of a mattock

similar tool to create the trail. This may be a full-bench trail, where the tread way is only on the firm groun

surface after the overlying soil is removed and side cast (thrown to the side as waste), or a half-bench trail, whe

soil is removed and packed to the side so that the tread way is half on firm old ground and half on new packed fi

In areas near drainages, creeks and other waterways, excavation spoils should be end-hauled (taken away in bu

and deposited in an environmentally benign area). In problem areas, it may be necessary to establish the tra
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boardwalkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairpin_turnhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchairhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattockhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattockhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchairhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairpin_turnhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boardwalk


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entirely on fill. In cases where filling is used, it's necessary to pack it firmly and to revisit the site periodically

add to the fill and repack it until fully stable.

Drainage

A critically important and often-overlooked factor in trail construction is that of drainage. There are three genera

types of drainage problems on trails. The first is accumulation of water to the point that the trail is unusable. The

second is erosion from moving water on the trail. The third is the creation of local mud spots.

The first type of drainage problem is common in places such as the north country. In such places, it is often

necessary to build some type of raised walkway. This is often done by cutting poles from the woods, staking

parallel poles in place on the ground, then filling between them with whatever material is available to create the

raised walkway. The more elaborate option of the deckwalk is by necessity reserved for shorter stretches in very

high-traffic areas.

The second type of problem is caused because trails, by their nature, tend to become drainage channels andeventually gullies if the drainage is not properly controlled. Where a trail is near the top of a hill or ridge, this is

usually a minor issue, but when it is farther down it can become a very major issue.

In areas of heavy water flow along a trail, it may be necessary to create a ditch on the uphill side of the trail wi

drainage points across the trail. The cross-drainage may be accomplished by means of culverts, which must

cleared on a semi-annual basis, or by means of cross-channels, often created by placing logs or timbers across t

trail in a downhill direction, called "thank-you-marms", "dead men", orwater bars. Using timbers or rocks for th

purpose also creates erosionbarriers. Rock paving in the bottom of these channels and in the trailside ditches m

help to maintain stability of these. Ideally, water bars should be created, with or without ditching, at major poin

of water flow on or along the trail, and in conjunction, if possible, with existing drainage channels below the tra

Another important technique is to create Coweta dips, or drain dips, points on the trail where it falls briefly (for

meter or so) and then rises again. These provide positive drainage points that are almost never clogged by debris

The third type of problem can occur both on bottomlands and on ridge tops and a variety of other spots. A local

spot or short stretch of the trail may be chronically wet. If the trail is not directly on rock, then a mud pit forms.

Trail users go to the side of the trail to avoid the mud pit, and the trail becomes widened, sometimes bizarrely so

If the drainage can be corrected, it must be. A common option if the location cannot be effectively drained is the
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culverthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erosionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erosionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culvert


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"corduroy." This can range from random sticks laid across the path to split logs being laid across the path. Some

of the early turnpikes in the United States were log corduroys, and these can still be found in third-world foreste

areas. With recreational trails, it is common to cut sticks that may be one to three inches thick and lay them in

place, as close together as can be achieved. Sometimes, a short bridge may be a more feasible option.

Water crossings

For pedestrian use, footbridges may be preferred. Other options are culverts, stepping stones, and shallow fords.

For equestrian use, shallow fords may be preferred.

Trail width

Trail width has two main components: width of the trail base orfoot bed; and width of the clear space on either

side of the trail, as in cuts on steep slopes, tunnels, and through vegetation. Variants in width include single

trackand two track trails.

Multi-use trails

Trails intended for use by bicycles, wheelchairs, equestrians, and pedestrians will often be surfaced, especially

heavily-used or urban areas. A wide variety of surface materials are used, including asphaltpaving a

compressed dust such as: crushed rockfines, cinders, ordecomposed granite. Such trails will also have well-bu

bridges with a supported deck and side rails. There has been a major effort to convert abandoned railroad grad

to bike paths or multi-use paths. This has been termed "rails-to-trails". Railroads in use with adjacent tra

are rails with trails.

Well Maintained and Clean: There are no buildings or toilet facilities on site and within new settlements

installed they should be associated with environmental impact assessment and environmental facilities installed.

Management. Moronica Park is managed by Junik Municipality forestry structure within Directorate of UrbDevelopment. The Park Management is overseen by the Directorate of Urban Development. Day to Day issu

such as damage to fences and infrastructure are dealt with by the Parks management team. The parks strategsustainable management remains as responsibility of the Directorate of Urban development of the Jun

Municipality. The Municipality anticipates every year the parks maintenance and protection budget within Urbdevelopment Budget Plan.

Park Amenities

Park amenities will be installed at key locations throughout the Moronica Parks area that both suit and enhance

the park's wilderness recreation experience. Only park amenities that enhance the park's recreational function wi

no negative impact on its ecological and cultural values will be installed along main trails and accesses. Thefollowing amenities are allowed inside the parks area: entrance signage, trail signage or markers, and rustic

benches.

Parking Areas

Parking areas will be developed outside the parks area boundary to minimize impact to park neighbours and to

provide a safe and accessible staging area for all park users, with minimal disturbance to the park's natural and

cultural values

Emergency Access Route

An emergency access route through the parks area will be designated and maintained in collaboration with the

Parks Management Staff, approved by the Urban Development Directorate of the Junik Municipality
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culvertshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_track_(mountain_biking)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_track_(mountain_biking)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphalthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crushed_rockhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decomposed_granitehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bike_pathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_trailhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rails_with_trailshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rails_with_trailshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_trailhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bike_pathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decomposed_granitehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crushed_rockhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphalthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_track_(mountain_biking)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_track_(mountain_biking)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culverts


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III. BIODIVERSITY3.1.Vegetation

The Phytocenoses that present scientific value and natural resources for Junik Municipality and Moronica Natu

Park are those most of which are present in the Kosovo-Albanian Alps which we can call as park natural sel

defense. In river valleys dominate species of willow (Salix sp . ) and poplar (Populus spp.). The northern area

MP is mostly covered by forests of oak dominate species like Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto), Turkey o(Quercus cerris), Sessile Oak (Quercus petreae), Downy Oak (Quercus pubescent) , and chestnut (Castan

sativa) belonging to the order Quercetalia pubescentis. The presence of Thermophillous oak forests inclu

considerable area of forest within Junik, which liee on altitude of 300-1200 m. In the mountainous massifs whethe greatest impact continentalclimate, these forests developed mainly in southern and southwestern expositions

These forests except the Central European plant species are rich with Mediterranean and Submediterrane

species. These forests belong to the class Querco-Fagetea, to the orderQuercetalia pubescentis and to t

alliances: Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis, Quercion frainetto and Quercion petraea-cerris. Within tthermophillous oak forests in Kosovo fall phytocenosis: Quercetum trojanae, Quercetum frainetto cerr

scardicum, Quercetum montanum, Ostryo-Quercetum cerris, Quercetum pubescentis cerris andLembotrop

Quercetum cerris. In these forests at different stages act

anthropogenic factor. This move in woods as potential natural vegetation is especially expressed phytocenosis: Quercetum trojanae dukagjini, Quercetum pubescentis cerrisand Quercetum farnetto cerr

scardicum.


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3.1.1. Moronica Park biodiversity status.

Photo: M oroni ca Park (Bl ack pine forest, 13.08.2013)

3.1.2. MP Biodiversity speciesThe site vegetation of Moronica Nature Park is composed mostly of the planted black pine or Austrian Pin

(Pinus nigra-Arnold) and is buffered with mixed broadleaved species like: chestnut (Castanea sativa-L

hornbeam (Carpinus betulus-L.), oaks species, several grass-spp., and is evidenced a natural pine regenerati

within shelters of the forest stand. The average altitude of the site is: 662 m. The dominant species of the site an

vegetation species of the understory and in the buffer zone identified are:

Forest and shrubs species.The most dominant major forest species are: Black pine or Austrian pine (Pin

Nigra, Arnold), Turkey oak (Quercus cerris, L.), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea, Liebl.), downy oak(Querc

pubescens), Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto_Ten.), chestnut (Castanea sativa, L.), hop hornbeam (Ostrycarpinifolia, Scop.), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.), maple spp.(Tartarian maple), common ash (Fraxin

excelsior_L.), manna-ash (Fraxinus ornus), Acer tataricum, Acer monspesulanum, Malus dasiphyllus, Ligustru

vulgaris, turkish hazel (Corylus colurna), wild rose (Rosa cannina), spring heather (Erica carnea, L.), bla

juniper/Common juniper (Juniperus communis, L.), plum (Prunus spinosa L.), Prunus prostrate, whitebea(Sorbus aria), Cornus mass,fern (Dryopteris filix-mas, Schott-L.),

Herbacous vegetation identified. Among herbaceous species we have identified the following, which are growmostly within shelters and meadows of MP:

Ononis spinosa, Sanguisorba minor, Arimonia agrimonioides, Seseli Santalus albus, Stachys scardica elatum

Brachipodium sylvaticum, Koeleria splendens, Trifolium medium, Asplenium adianthum-nigrum, Pteridiuaquilinum, Laburnum sp., Cichorium inthybus, Pimpinella saxifrage, Daucus carota, Centaurea jacea, Lot

corniculatus, Lychnis viscaria, Tunica saxifrage, Clematis flamula, Aster albanicus, Dorychnium pentaphyllu

Festuca sp., Potentilla reptans, Teuchrium reptans, Crepis sp., Brachipodium sp., Cynanchum huteri, Osyr

alba, Achillea millefolium, Asperula aristata, Hypericum perforatum, Tanacetum vulgaris, Crepis sp., Hieraciusp, Thimus chamaedrys, Fragaria vesca, Potentilla macrantha, Hypericum perforatum, blackberry (Rub

fruticosa_L.), heart-grass, brachypodium sylvaticum, graminaceous spp., etc.The bedrock is ultrabasics/sedimentary and the soil grey-brown. It is also important to note the lack organization. In Junik there is still no association of farmers and the agricultural branch is covered with only on

professional worker within the Municipality. Another concern is the fact that agriculture is not seen as profitab

occupation by the young people.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Wilhelm_Schotthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Wilhelm_Schott


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Gromatr gjmbae-spiny restharrow( Ononis spinosa)

Tipton's weed/heart-grass (Hypericum perforatum);

Thimus chamaedrys/serpyllum Pteridium aquilinum (common bracken), or "eagle fern


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Trifolium medium or Zigzag Clover

Salad burnet(Sanguisorba minor), Koeleria splendens Brown Knapweed(Centaurea jacea)

Asplenium adianthum-nigrum Burnet Saxifrage Potentilla reptans known as the

-Pimpinella saxifraga creeping cinquefoil, European,

cinquefoil or creeping tormentil


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3.2.Forestry

Potential forest in Kosovo level is 41.8%% with around 455,000 ha. Forests (respectively forestry culture whe

are include trees mass in agriculture lend) in Junik Municipality cover an area of 3197ha (41% of the territory

Junik). In private sector is around 22% of forestry. Around 50% of forestry are young around the age of 30 yea

old with different wood species of Beech, Chestnut, Oak and Alder. Most common types are: beech (prevalent79% of forest area), coniferous: Black Pine, common spruce, fir and black alder (about 20% of public forests

Chestnut, oak and alder are mostly privately owned, while birch and other deciduous and coniferous mainly are

public sector and in small area.

3.2.1. Forests and forest land surface.Total forest area, 4266 ha, of which,State Forests: 3339.99 ha, 78% of the surface. 50% are young forests, afforestation, 30-year-old

Natural high forest-public are: 2496 ha (74%) of the total surface), and,

Plantations: 214 ha (6.4% of the total surface), and,

Low-coppice forests are: 243 ha (7.3% of the total surface),Shrubs: 10 ha

Land available for afforestation: 245 ha

Private Forests: 1415 ha

Species: spruce/picea, Macedonian pine, Bosnian Pine, black pine, beech, chestnut, oak, Common Alder, maple,fir,

Annual growth: 5.7 m3/ha/vit

Annual growth in the Municipalitys forests: 16900 m3, and,

Average volume per 1 ha: 226 m3;

Tabel 1. : Forest category

(Sour ce:Municipal Development Plan of Junik 2011-2023)

The forest stands crown density is ca 0.8 and there are inventoried 1000-1200 trees /ha and the trees avera

height is 15-16 m. There are evidenced some sporadic illegal logging in the site and understory trees cutting fro

the forest department. There are evidenced also the pine trees needles yellowness which is due to the plantatiowhich is out of its habitat/areal. The site has been penetrated from fire and the understory has been burned an

there are rare or almost scarce of understory and grass vegetation grown.

The site is surrounded: in the North from broadleaved forest which belongs to the private owners, in the southepart from the road, in the western part from the road leading to the site and in the eastern part from Erenik riv

Forest category %

H igh forests 74.9

Low/coppice forests 7.29

Plantation for ests 6.42

Bushes 0.3

Forest land f orforestation

7.34

Other land 3.83

F or est l and use system


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For all types there are optimal conditions for growing trees of high quality. Annual growth of woody planthroughout the forest area is ~ 5.07m

3/ha. The potential of forestry development in Junik in favor of the timb

industry development and final processing is not yet explored. Currently they are used for production of wood f

fire wood as the market and proper organization of a considerable amount of beech forests used for wood indust

needs is missing.(based on data from Spatial Plan of Kosovo, 2009 and SNV 2011).

On the other hand the difficulties in developing of this sector are seen also in forest management competenci

that were recently delegated to the municipalities and so far have been competencies of the central level. Transf

of competencies to protect and use the forest gives us the opportunity to create a new situation, especially

publicly owned forests. It is necessary that the roles and responsibilities for all parties involved to be clarified anunderstand because forest management needs to address the potential of the area as well as thecommunity's nee

for forest products and services for sustainable management. The current model of forest management to apply

this new situation with decentralized powers to forests is not yet clarified. Capacity building of municipal foremanagement is essential. Private forest sector is poorly organized and with limited institutionalization, leading

a forestry sector that does not provide the necessary framework and optimal services to the private sector.

Most forests have no sustainable management and illegal logging remains a serious problem. In the private sectof the forestry this is because the legal framework for private sector and the decentralization of fore

management is not fully regulated. There is a low level of involvement of local actors, such as municipalities an

communities in the forestry sector, resulting in limited regulation of forest management related to the needs

these actors and limited opportunities for economic development.

Private sector development and decentralization of the forest provides a good opportunity to rural economdevelopment. Especially in faraway areas, the forestry sector is one of sector that provides income an

employment opportunities. Currently, due to limited conditions, forests are not used and not managed proper

(there is forest degradation and depletion of resources). Appropriate conditions (institutional, social aneconomic) may change this, where private forests and decentralized are contributing to the rural economy an

keeping the forest service to benefit society by contributing to social and economic welfare.

Silviculture: silviculture is developed in Junik. There are two enterprises, Ptuja and Fidanishtja(Nurserwhich operate respectively with 0.5ha and 0.6ha.

3.2.2. The pre-dominant species throughout the parks area is the black pine or Austrian pine (Pinus nigra-ArnoldAustrian Pine-Black pine (Pinus nigra-Arnold).Black pineis one of the most common trees in the country. This a plant with strong axial root, its stem is up to 15 m high. Branch out sideways horizontal stem which form

crown long as umbrella. We place open more branches root and forms a dense crown..The black pine develops

a forest of slender stalks with a quite small conic crown, and crowns on top of the stems. Stem bark is protectby the thick, rift-tiles tiles, chestnut colored in gray and overwhelmed with resin. Resin serves to protect the pla

from cold and wound closure if eventually caused them. We begin pine branches pine green leaf pairs in clos

The pine needles are 4-16 cm long and stay many years.


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Austrian pine (Pinus nigra-Arnold)

3.2.3. Overview of Austrian Pine:The Austrian pine is able to withstand many of the conditions, like pollution and salinity in the air that may maklife for other urban trees harder.

Summary

These forests, often thick and dominated by various subspecies ofPinus nigra, are found at mountainous-

Mediterranean level on dolomitic substrate (EC 2007). This habitat type occurs at a few sites in the EU and has fragmented distribution area. MaturePinus nigra forests can develop a high and closed arboreal canopy, and hav

several age classes and trees well over 30 meters high, as well as a shaded understory.

These black pine forests both protect against erosion and torrential floods and act as a carbon sink practically all

year round.The main threats to Pinus nigra forests include unsustainable cutting for production purposes (particular

timber), the spread of exotic species, and defoliation by insect pests (especially Thaumetopo

pityocampa),overgrazing, fires and genetic pollution.

Management of pine forest containing endemic black pines should involve adequate representation of associatspecies and formation of irregular structures, containing trees of various ages, including very old specimens

order to secure genetic variability and an appropriate amount of dead wood. The importance of maintaining

certain volume of dead wood to assure biodiversity conservation and forest functionality has been acknowledgeat international level.

Control ofThaumetopoea pityocampa infestations can be dealt with directly by, for example, aerial and ground

spray treatments and by indirect measures such as thinning, cleaning, pruning and weeding, plus the use of pinetree species resistant to caterpillar attack.

Extensive and controlled grazing is advisable inside pine forest in an effort to balance the positive and negative

effects (fire prevention and disappearance of species associated with the habitat, respectively).

To reduce the risk of genetic pollution, it is important to avoid planting black pines of unknown origin in th

proximity of autochthonous pinewoods as intraspecific hybridization can easily occur among different subspeciof black pine.

The management of the black pine forests should also take into consideration the requirements of theassociatefauna of conservation value such as the biggest European raptor, the cinereous vulture(Aegypius monachus

which nests on flat-toppedPinus nigra trees in a large part of its distribution area, and a small passerine bird, t

Sitta whiteheadi (which feeds on insects and pine seeds, and nests in holes in old trees. In particular, old anmature trees should be favoured for their survival and the period of the year for carrying out the silvicultur

interventions should be accurately planned, as the human activity can compromise the success of their breedin

The abovedescribet rare species of birds are found in surroundings of Moronica nature Park and Bjeshket


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Namuna (accursed mountains/prokletije) ant they can populate Moronica park in the future once the foreecosystems and vegetation will be completely dense and environment silent.

3.2.4. Description of habitat and related speciesMain habitat featur es, ecology and vari abili ty

Pinus nigra forests, comprising a variety of subspecies, generally occupy medium and high mountain zones, oft

on substrates rich in magnesium (dolomites, in the case of the Western subspecies, and dolomites and serpentine

in the case of the Eastern subspecies) (Regato et al. 1991). Some sub-types are present on deep soils, but in moscases the soil is superficial and not matures (Sanchez 2005).

MaturePinus nigra forests can develop a high and closed arboreal canopy, with several classes of ages and

individuals far above 30 m high, and shady undergrowth.Pinus nigra can occur with other coniferous species,mainlyJuniperus species, in areas where pine forest is less thick and there is only a thin intermediate layer with

non-evergreen tree and shrub species.In the Moronica park there was grown the black juniper/Common juniper

(Juniperus communis, L.).

Pinus nigra is a long-lived frugal species able to adapt ecologically and physiologically to very differentenvironmental conditions; it colonizes various ecological niches and plays a leading role in different stages with

forest succession.

BirdsThe area is a refuge for many plant and animal species. Regarding birds, there are significant populations

woodpecker species such as the Black, Grey and White-backed Woodpecker, as well as Black Storks, GoldEagles and Woodlarks. The black pine forest are rich in birds. Within Mediterranean black pines forest a

grown:Aegypius monachus. Very rare in Europe, Aegypius monachus (cinereous vulture) is protected under t

79/409 (Birds) Directive. Breeding requires slopes covered with forest in open valleys and low sierras (Hered

et al. 1996), or in P. nigra with dense undergrowth of oak brushwood. The cinereous vulture breeds in loo

colonies or solitarily. It builds a large nest on top of a tree (Pinus, Quercus, Juniperus, etc.) where it lays one eg

The species invariably nests on flat-toppedPinus nigra trees with a height of about 10.7 and dbh of about 133 cm

These above described birds are not yet found in the Moronica Park but they can populate it in the near futuonce it will be created required silence and dense vegetation and nesting conditions of growing understory and

broadleaved and shrubs vegetation.Habitat loss (Birdlife International 2006) and the alteration of the breeding habitat are the main causes of th

decline of the cinereous vulture population (Heredia et al. 1996). According to the European action plan, t

alteration is usually related to forestry operations, including afforestation with exotic species, tree-felling durin

the breeding season, undergrowth clearing, opening up of fire breaks, etc. Apart from the direct effect on t

habitat, these activities cause disturbance to the breeding pairs and facilitate access to otherwise inaccessib

areas. Also forest fires play a role (Heredia et al. 1996); for instance, one fire in 1992 in Andaluca destroye

eight nests containing young, as well as 21 empty breeding platforms (Andalus 1993). (Source: Management

Natura 2000 habitats, Sub-Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pines)

Butteflies:

Target species:Pyrgus cinarae, Parnassius mnemosyne, P. apollo, Pieris ergane, Pseudophilotes

vicrama, Scolitantides orion,Glaucopsyche alexis, Maculinea alcon, M. arion, Agriades dardanus, Polyommatueroides, Polyommatus aroaniensis, Polyommatus nephohiptamenos, Coenonympha rhodopensis, Erebia

medusa, E. melas, Hipparchia senthes, Pseudochazara orestes, Melitaea trivia.

Bats
http://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=06_cinaraehttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=06_cinaraehttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=08_mnemosynehttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=09_apollohttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=11_erganehttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=15_vicramahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=15_vicramahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=16_orionhttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=17_alexishttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=18_alconhttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=19_arionhttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=22_dardanushttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=23_eroideshttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=23_eroideshttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=24_aroaniensishttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=25_nephohiptamenoshttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=28_rhodopensishttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=30_medusahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=30_medusahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=35_melashttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=37_sentheshttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=38_oresteshttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=49_triviahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=49_triviahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=49_triviahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=38_oresteshttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=37_sentheshttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=35_melashttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=30_medusahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=30_medusahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=28_rhodopensishttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=25_nephohiptamenoshttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=24_aroaniensishttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=23_eroideshttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=23_eroideshttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=22_dardanushttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=19_arionhttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=18_alconhttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=17_alexishttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=16_orionhttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=15_vicramahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=15_vicramahttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=11_erganehttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=09_apollohttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=08_mnemosynehttp://www.nmnhs.com/butterfly_areas_bg/species.php?q=06_cinarae


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Some woodland bats that prefer old-growth forest as they need hollow trees for roosting and/or hibernation, e.Barbatella barbastellus (barbastelle), Nyctalus lasiopterus (giant noctule) and N. leisleri (Lesser noctule), apresent in black pine forests. Threats to these species are poorly understood, but their low population density an

slow population growth make them vulnerable to the loss and fragmentation of ancient deciduous woodlan

habitat. The bats described may be present in the near future in the Moronica Park.

Invertebtrates

Graellsia isabellae has been frequently identified in black pine forests as a species that shows a high affinity

the (sub)-Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pines.

Other

Snail (Helix aspersa spp), lizard(Lacertilia spp), weasel(Mustel spp), owl(Strigiformes spp),

swallows(Hirundinidae spp), viper(Viperidae spp) , blackbirds (Turdus merula spp), turtles (Cryptodira spp).

3.3. Pests control

Harmful insects includeRhyacionia buoliana (European black pine shoot moth), Sphaeropsis sapinea (tip bligh

and Dothistroma septospora (a needle blight known as the red band disease). But the pine processionacaterpillars of the genus Thaumetopoea, is the most important insect pests of pine forest in the Europe

Mediterranean countries.Defoliation caused by these insects weakens and reduces the growth of pines, and the hairs of the larvae can causevere irritation to humans and animals. Outbreaks pose a considerable threat to young trees, which may be

completely defoliated. For trees weakened by defoliation, death may be direct or more often indirect, following

secondary infestation by bark beetles. The damage is extremely serious. As an example, Thaumetopea spp. hasaffected about 16% of the pine forest in Albania, and in 1994 this pest spread to about 70.000 ha, with intensitie

of attack ranging from 5 to 95%. (Source: MANAGEMENT of Nature 2000 habitats: (Sub-) Mediterranean pine

forests with endemic black pine (2008).

3.3.1. Ecological services and benefits of the habitat3.4. Protection against erosion

Black pine forests play a protective role against erosion and torrential. They reduce soil erosion due to rain flow

by a factor of up to 107 in comparison with bare terrain.

3.5.Threats

3.5.1. Forestry management incompatible with nature conservationPine forest structure was affected by timber exploitation in the 19th century in that either its structure w

simplified or regular and semi-regular structures dominated by one age class or irregular structures with no o

specimens were created. In some cases this type of forest management led to soil degradation and encouraged thappearance in the undergrowth of more heliophilous scrubs and grasses. In other cases, short turns of cuttings

taking into account species longevity resulted in forest fragmentation. Forest fragmentation and, in particula

isolation of the clusters prevents the necessary genetic interchange between different populations as the progules do not spread and the species colonization processes characteristic of these forests that might allow natur

recovery of the relict formations do not come into play. One example of this isolation is the reduced genet

diversity of the relict population in comparison with other populations of this species (Climent et al. 2006).

Unsuitable forestry management, including unsustainable cutting and total removal of dead trees, results in tdecrease of biodiversity, risking the rarefaction of fauna and flora that is important in conservation term


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(Bensettiti et al. 2001), while the abandonment of forestry practices can lead to an increase in biomass and tattendant increased risk of fire.Pinus nigraplays an important role in soil development on substrates that are difficult for plants to colonize, as

the case of dolomites. Under the environmental conditions in which these forests grow, soil processes are ve

slow. The presence of good soil conditions is crucial to ensuring sound forest regeneration and developmen

Some forestry treatments, such as clear cutting in steep slopes, can result in the loss or degradation of forest lanleading to regressive sequential stages and significantly reducing the pines potential` for growth and the

regeneration capacity.

2.5.2. Fire Protection

Program encompasses prevention measures, hazard identification and abatement: Fire prevention systems,

including fire sprinklers, when properly installed and maintained, save lives and conserve natural objects. The

nearby Erenik river and its water in the northern-eastern part of MP and existent access seems to be sufficient for

protection in case of a fire. The important se elements to be considered in fire protection are:

Prevention measures, hazard identification and abatementusually accomplished through building fire

inspections whereby a trained individual inspects buildings for fire hazards and recommends abatement strategie

Fixed fire protection systemsthat both alert occupants of a fire so they can quickly escape and can suppre

the fire, holding it in check, until competent firefighting forces arrive.

Fire suppression system is a major improvement to visitor safety and resource protection. It provides protectio

not only to visitors and employees, but also to the historic structure itself and the artifacts inside the park. The M

needs to establish the fire protection and suppression system throughout its area and with special equipmeninstalled within main active areas as: camping site, amphitheater, during promenade and other visitors sites usin

nearby Erenikus water supply.

Preventing genetic pollution. The prime principle in reducing the risk of genetic pollution is to avoid planting

black pines of unknown origin in the vicinity of native pinewoods, as intraspecific hybridisation is easy among

different subspecies of black pines. This is particularly true for localized and fragmented subspecies, such as P.

nigra laricio, and for subspecies that are particularly threatened, such asP. nigra salzmanii in France (Isajev et

al. 2004). Reduction of genetic pollution should be addressed as follows (Bensettiti et al. 2001): progressively

eliminate all introduced black pines - decide on native plants from which to obtain the propagation material - use

this material to reconstitute habitat.

The effects of creating gaps inside artificial stands of pine forest in order to encourage renaturalisation through

colonisation by native species have been studied by Gugliotta et al. (2006), in the Southern Apennines.Pinus

nigra seedling establishment was studied in small (380 m), medium (855 m) and large (1,520 m) gaps created in

artificial Calabrian pine (Pinus laricio) stands (mean height 22 m). After three growing seasons, the initial result

highlight that: a) Calabrian pine seedling density was higher in large gaps than in medium and small ones; silve

fir seedlings appear after the second growing season in small and medium gaps; and b) seedling mortality of

Calabrian pine was relevant in small and medium gaps. According to this study, it appears that the creation of

small and medium gaps can encourage renaturalisation of artificial pine stands.


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2.5.3. Invasive alien speciesPinewoods in Moronica Park are mixed by an exotic species: black locust(Robinia pseudoacacia) which shounot be promoted to spread out and avoid MPs invasion.

2.6. Climate change effectsClimate changes compounded with the exodus from the countryside are likely to diminish Mediterranean forecover, which would be replaced by fire-prone shrub communities. This could be aggravated by outbreaks pathogens, fires and other large-scale disturbances (Resco de Dios et al. 2007). For instance, rising temperatur

are encouraging the upward spread of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Hodar et al. 2003).Its distribution area

rapidly changing in accordance with climate change because caterpillars develop during the winter and a

sensitive to higher temperatures at that stage.In a recent study in Greece, experts from the Aegean University used a forest dynamics model, developed and

parameterised for the climatic conditions and forest species of the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin to

identify potential impacts of climate change on the structure of forest communities in the transition zone betwee

Mediterranean and temperate climate. The results indicate thatPinus nigra forests tend to colonise areas at highaltitudes, disappearing from the lower ones only when fire frequency increases. At 900 m altitude the normal

successional pathway is fromP. nigra to Italian oak(Quercus frainetto) vegetation, and no significant change inthe abundance and dynamics ofthese two species is forecast due to climate change without an increase in firefrequency, as both species are quite drought-tolerant. But when climatic change is followed by an increase in fir

frequency, Q. frainetto seems to perform better as a result of its resprouting ability and greater heat requirement

At 1,300 m altitude, the number ofP. nigra, normally replaced byAbies borisii-regis (Bulgarian fir) rises due toclimate changes, in particular when there is also an increase in fires .(Sources: MANAGEMENT of Natura 2000

habitats: (Sub-) Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pine (2008).

2.7. Austrian pine bio-ecology(Pinus nigra, Arnold)The dominant species of Mp is the Black pine or so called Austrian pine (Pinus nigra, Arnold). The black pine

has the following bio-ecology:

Overview of Austrian Pine: The Austrian pine is able to withstand many of the conditions, like pollution and

salinity in the air that may make life for other urban trees harder.

Latin Name: The species name for this pine tree isPinus nigra.

Common Names: Austrian pine, European black pine

Preferred zones: This pine tree grows best in zones above 600 m on sea level

Size & Shape of Austrian Pine: The tree will form in a pyramidal or oval shape while young and may become

irregular as the tree ages. It will grow to be 40-60' tall and 20-40' wide.

Exposure: Grow this tree in a location that receives full sun.

Foliage/Flowers/Fruit of Austrian Pine: There are two needles in each fascicle. They are 2-6 long and darkgreen in color.

. The tree is mo noecious and the male and female flowers are both yellow to yellow-green.

The female flowers may also come in a purple color.The brown cones are shaped like an egg and measure 2-3" long.
http://treesandshrubs.about.com/od/selection/tp/PineTrees.htmhttp://treesandshrubs.about.com/od/glossaryofcommonterms/g/Definition-Fascicle.htmhttp://treesandshrubs.about.com/od/glossaryofcommonterms/g/monoecious.htmhttp://treesandshrubs.about.com/od/glossaryofcommonterms/g/monoecious.htmhttp://treesandshrubs.about.com/od/glossaryofcommonterms/g/Definition-Fascicle.htmhttp://treesandshrubs.about.com/od/selection/tp/PineTrees.htm


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Design Tips For Austrian Pine: Water regularly for the first year. After that period, this pine will have someresistance to drought. If you live in an urban area, you may want to consider one of these trees. They are able tohandle salt in the air, as well as pollution and other problems found in the city atmosphere.

Growing Tips: The Austrian pine is able to grow in many different types of soil, especially ones that can be

considered difficult, like clay or sand.

Maintenance/Pruning: As always, you can remove any dead, diseased or damagedbranches on the tree.Otherwise, there should be little pruning involved in the upkeep of your tree unless you need to remove branche

over a street or walkway.

Austrian Pine formFeatures: Evergreen needles.

Culture: Full sun; moist, well drained soils; tolerates dry sites, alkaline soils, salt.

Cultivars: (P. nigra, var. austriaca)

Mature Height: 40-60 Feet

Size: Medium, Large

Mature Form: Open, broad- spreading, with a flat top.

Native To: Europe and Asia

Soil Conditions: Dry, Moist, Well-Drained

Bedrock: Limestone, Dolomitic-Limestone, Sedimentary,

Tolerance: Alkaline Soil, Dry Sites, Salt, Wind

Exposure/Light Requirements: Full SunUses: Screen, Specimen, Wind Break

Foliage Color: Green

Fall Foliage Color: Green

Pests and Problems

Environmental damage Drought Drowning and Edema

Fungal disease

Cankers on Pine (Botryosphaeria spp. and other canker fungi) Diplopia Tip Blight & Canker (Diplodia pinea (Sphaeropsis sapinea)) Dothistroma Needle Blight (Dothistroma septospora) Lophodermium Needle Cast (Lophodermium sp.) Sooty Mold (Numerous genus and species) Wood Rots and Decays (Many genus and species involved)

Insect damage Processionary moth (Thaumatopoea pityocampa-Schiff) Pine Needle Scale (Phenacaspis pinifoliae) Pine Root Collar Weevil (Hylobius radicis) Pine Sawfly (Neodiprion lecontei) Zimmerman Pine Moth (Dioryctria zimmermani)

2.8. Diagnostic introduction for Thaumetopoea pityocampaThaumetopoea pityocampa is a pest of Pinus, Cedrus and Larix.The caterpillars cause severe damage to pinplantations, especially in warm districts and low altitudes. Young pine plantations are the most susceptible, an

may be completely destroyed if the attack is severe enough. Less severe larval feeding damage can pave the w
http://treesandshrubs.about.com/od/glossaryofcommonterms/g/Definition-Fascicle.htmhttp://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=224http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=215http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=32http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=32http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=32http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=48http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=48http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=48http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=58http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=58http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=58http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=60http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=60http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=60http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=41http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=41http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=41http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=47http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=47http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=47http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=74http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=74http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=74http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=72http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=72http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=72http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=257http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=257http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=257http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=76http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=76http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=76http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=76http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=257http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=72http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=74http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=47http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=41http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=60http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=58http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=48http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=32http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=215http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=224http://treesandshrubs.about.com/od/glossaryofcommonterms/g/Definition-Fascicle.htm


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for harmful secondary pests and pathogens. Mature trees may suffer reductions in growth but are rarely killeoutright by the pest.The hosts vary in their susceptibility to attack. In order of pest preference, the hosts include the genus Pinus

(Pinus nigra var. austriaca, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra var. laricio, Pinus pinea, Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaste

Pinus canariensis), followed by Cedrus atlantica and finally Larix decidua .

(Source:http://www.phytosanitary.info/content/diagnostic-protocols-regulated-pests-thaumetopoea-pityocampa

Conservation management

The Worlds Union for Conservation of Nature is the international organization working on protected areas andlandscapes management and produces guidelines for their sustainable management being recognized from almos

all over World countries.

IUCN Categories of Protected Areas Management

I a. Str ict Nature ReserveI b Wil derness AreaI I National Park(ecosystem protection; protection of cultural values)I I I Natural MonumentI V H abitat/Species Management

V Pr otected Landscape/SeascapeVI Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources

1. Categories I: (Ia and Ib) Strict Nature Reserve and Wilderness Areas: Sacred/forbidden or otherwise no-us

groves, lakes, springs, mountains, islands and so on with prohibition on uses except in very particular occasion

such as a once-a-year ceremony, once-a-year collective hunting or fishing strictly regulated by the community.

2. Category II: National Park: Watershed forests above villages, community declared wildlife sanctuaries (

times also for ecotourism use).

3. Category III: Natural Monument: Natural monuments (caves, waterfalls, cliffs, rocks) that are protected by

communities for religious, cultural or other reasons.

4. Category IV: Habitat/Species Management Area: Heronries and other village tanks, turtle nesting site

community managed wildlife corridors and riparian vegetation areas.

5. Category V: Protected Landscape/Seascape: Traditional grounds of pastoral communities/ mobile people

including rangelands, water points and forest patches; sacred and cultural landscapes and seascapes, collective

managed river basins. Such natural & cultural ecosystems have multiple land/water uses integrated into ea

other, and given a context by the overall sacred/ cultural/ productive nature of the ecosystem; they include are

with high agricultural biodiversity.

6. Category VI: Managed Resource Protected Area: Resource reserves (forests, grasslands, waterways, coast

and marine stretches, including wildlife habitats) under restricted use and communal rules that assure sustainab

harvesting through time. Moronica Nature Park belongs to the V-th category (Protected Landscape).

3. Legal provisionsLAW NO. 03/L-233: "Nature Conservation", September, 30, 2010;

Article 19
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Protected areas

1. National Park with the law declared by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo.

2. Strict Reserve particular area - SPZ and ZVR, nature park and monument of nature with special significance

are declared by Government of the Republic of Kosovo.3. Nature Monument, protected landscape and architecture monument park, are declared bythe Municipal

Assembly whose territory is, with the prior consent of the Ministry.

4. Protected areas in paragraph 3. of this section which lie in two (2) or more Municipalities has to be declaredby

the proposal of the Ministry of Government.5. If protection from paragraph 3, proposed by the Ministry, and the Municipal Assembly within three months o

receipt of the proposal does not obtain protection act, it declared nature value of Government.

Additional Notes

A widely planted tree, but use is somewhat limited by its susceptibility to disease and insects.

4. Site protection and conservation measuresConservation Management.The parks development plan will strengthen the management of the terrestr

resources of MP by undertaking a capacity-building program for park staff, implementation of a zoning systeand implementing a series of regulations adapted for each zone (see zoning map). The project will alstrengthen the enforcement of these regulations by initiating a skills development program for enforceme

personnel, and investing in support equipment (e.g, radios, etc). The current priority is clearly to halt t

destructive activities, falling trees e