The project aims to restore the forests of the Jizera Mountains to a natural and healthy state while improving water retention in valuable peatland areas.
Implemented by Jizersko-ještědský horský spolek, the project contributes to the preservation of a unique waterlogged spruce forest in the heart of the Jizera Mountains. More than 14,000 genetically native tree seedlings will be planted, and 60 water-retention barriers will be constructed to help restore rare peatlands that are currently threatened by drying out.
The Jizera Spruce Forest is a valuable natural area located in the central plateau of the Jizera Mountains. It is home to several highly protected and endangered plant species and provides important habitat for the black grouse and other protected bird species.
The current unfavorable condition of the area is the result of long-term cultivation of predominantly monoculture spruce forsts, many of which have suffered severe damage in recent years. The disrupted ecological stability of the Jizera Mountains’ forests has been caused by unsuitable tree species compositions established in the past, inappropriate forestry practices, extreme air pollution, and other environmental pressures.
The project was implemented between 2019 and 2021 and aimed to increase both the species diversity and age diversity of forest stands in the heart of the Jizera Mountains while improving the water-retention capacity of local peatlands. Activities included the removal of non-native coniferous species and the planting of genetically native spruce, fir, and deciduous trees, together with protective measures against damage caused by forest animals.
Another key component of the project focused on restoring the natural water cycle. To reduce the negative impacts of rapid water runoff from the mountains, wooden barriers were installed in former reclamation zones. In 2019, 20 barriers were constructed and 4,350 spruce, rowan, and maple seedlings were planted. In 2020, an additional 40 barriers were built and 8,750 seedlings were planted. The project successfully continued into 2021, with further planting activities and ongoing protection of the young trees.
Photos © Jakub Trsek
