Rangers from protected areas in Croatia made a field visit to Krka National Park, to exchange experiences in the removal and control of the invasive species Tree of Heaven
The Public Institute of Krka National Park was the host of the 23rd Annual Ranger’s Seminar, held at the Krka Eco Campus in Puljane on 20–21 April 2023. As part of the seminar, a workshop was held on the control and removal of the invasive species Tree of Heaven, which the Public Institute of Krka National Park is actively involved in, so as to preserve the habitat of indigenous plant flora.
A total of 50 rangers from protected areas all across Croatia participated in a field tour of Krka National Park. They visited Roški slap and the experimental plot with Tree of Heaven set up as part of the project “LIFE CONTRA Ailanthus“, financed through the LIFE programme and led by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, and in which the Public Institute of Krka National Park is a partner. Project activities were presented, with a focus on the removal of Tree of Heaven and monitoring activities in the project area (HR2000918 Broader area of Krka National Park), with demonstrations of different methods for its removal. The rangers had the opportunity to exchange experiences in the removal of this invasive species, as Krka National Park is a pioneer in protecting travertine and in species control.
The main expected results of the project “LIFE CONTRA Ailanthus” are improved conservation status of the Natura 2000 habitat types, preservation of cultural heritage, preventing the further spread of invasive alien species, and the development of a national protocol. Additional aims are to improve capacities for the management of invasive species and to raise public awareness of the negative impacts of invasive species at the national level.
LIFE CONTRA Ailanthus
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