Cross valuation of juniper formation – recreational and ecological viewpoints

Abstract

Recreational and Ecological values of juniper formation in Kauno marios regional park (RP) were investigated. For recreational value evaluation we used method of questionnaires. More than 100 questionnaires were filled by visitors. The juniper formation was positively valued by visitors highlighting the quality of landscape, attractive walking conditions and convenient arrival. According to responses, more walking paths, better forest furnishing, waste management and management of the stand are needed in the site. For evaluation of ecological status, 20 sample areas, each of 400 m² were investigated. In each area all juniper (Juniperus communis L.) individuals as well as other arboreal species were characterized by their shape (a tree or shrub), diameter, height, age and health status. In 2008 the average parameters of junipers in formation were D =10.1 cm, H = 6.5 m, A = 55 years. The average density of juniper formation was 1232 individuals/ha and most of junipers constitute the indigenous bush form of juniper (68%), the remaining 32% were growing in a tree form. The juniper formation consists of healthy individuals (10.8%), various levels of damaged (68.7%) and dead (20.5%). The main causes of damaged junipers: too high density of individuals within the group and the interaction between individuals, various felling damage, various juniper diseases. 22 species of shrubs and trees were identified in juniper formation: 15 native and 7 alien species. The density of these shrubs and trees exeeded 33 thousand of individuals/ha. The largest prevalence was of introduced species (76.7%). The status of juniper formation got worse within 10 years, the status index changed from 2.9 to 3.2. Within 10 years, the number of healthy junipers decreased and the number of average damaged plants increased.