Historical dynamics and trends in formation of «Losiny ostrov» National Park forests

Abstract

In the district part of «Losynyi Ostrov» National Park the state of plantations bound for clear sanitary felling based on the results of an earlier forest pathological survey was studied. 58 plots with a total area of 98,8 hectares, located in the specially protected and recreational zones of the national park, were examined. «Losynyi Ostrov», which has a relatively small area, is located at the junction of the three forest-growing regions; on its territory there is a unique wetland complex of the Yauza river and its tributaries. This led to a wide variety of natural conditions. At the same time, the national park is surrounded by densely populated urbanized areas. Recommendations to create forest plantations in areas with decayed stands were made, being based on the analysis of the historical experience of creating artificial plantations in «Losynyi Ostrov», edaphic and hydrological conditions, as well as considering the designated purpose of forests within each functional zone. 8 variants of forest cultures are proposed for each functional zone. The main and alternative crop options at each site are considered. The substantiation of the species range and the stand composition of pure and mixed crops, which are determined taking into account the designated purpose of forests, the potential of the forest growing conditions of the site, the type of forest, the type of soils and their moisture content, are given. Taking into account the designated purpose of forests, perennial tree species that are resistant to adverse environmental factors and are capable of forming in the future highly productive, recreationally attractive and long-lived plantations, corresponding to the historically formed natural environment of the national park, are preferable. Pine, spruce, linden, oak and larch are suggested as the main species, accompanied with elm and ash. It is concluded that the density of planting crops of more than 2 thousand pieces/ha in the recreational zone is impractical, since such plantings will be more comfortable for recreation. In a specially protected area, the appropriate planting density is 3–4 thousand pieces/ha.