Complex approach to habitat conservation by demonstrating closer-to-nature forestry practices on Natura2000 areas

Introduction

The essence of the project is to improve the condition of forest and wetland habitats of European importance in an unfavourable state by applying complex measures of closer-to-nature forestry. The measures will be implemented both on the scale of individual habitats of European importance and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

Protected Areas

The project will include three protected areas:

1. Šimonys forest: 23,226 ha, 8 types of forest habitats, 3 types of wetlands
2. Bukta forest: 3,190 ha, 6 types of forest habitats
3. Praviršulio tyrelis: 3,215 ha, 5 types of wetland habitats, 5 types of forest

Additionally, there will be a non-protected area:

• Dabravole wetland

Planned Measures

Planned closer-to-nature forestry measures include:

• Reforestation
• Formation of multi-age and multi-species stands
• Increasing the complexity of their structure
• Prevention against ungulate mammals and pests
• Prescribed burning
• Ensuring enough dead wood
• Preservation of tree microhabitats and cavity nests
• Establishment of buffer zones
• Eradication of invasive species
• Improvement of the hydrological regime

The applied measures will be evaluated, and recommendations for the application of close-to-nature forestry will be prepared. These practices will be discussed with foresters, forest owners, scientists, and the public in the Living Labs created during the project.

New Method of Protection

During the project, a new method of protection of habitats of European importance will be applied: a dynamic habitat management model proposed in EU protected natural forest habitat management recommendations for Lithuanian SACs.

Expected Results

The results of the project will be applied in forestry for sustainable management of forest and wetland habitats of European importance and increasing their resilience to climate change. The project will contribute to the implementation of EU and national goals of biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, improvement of recommendations for the management of forest habitats of European importance, and enhancement of national legislation.