The Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate (DINPD) has started the transformation of artificial forest plantations by cutting down a hybrid poplar plantation of 2.6 ha on the Táti islands in March 2022.
The Táti islands are found on the right bank of the Danube at river km 1 725 and the the total project area (56 ha) is under the trusteeship rights of DINPD. The target invasive species are mainly Acer negundo, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Amorpha fruticosa and occasionally Vitis riparia and Acer saccharinum. Total average rate of coverage of these species is between 20-40%.
Within the LIFE WILDisland project, DINPD will transform this area into an alluvial forest (91E0*) during the following years. Next steps will be preparation of field for planting in early autumn 2022 and planting indigenous tree species (e.g. oak, ash, elm, poplar, etc.) during late autumn 2022 or early spring 2023.
The transformation of natural floodplain forests to intensive poplar plantations in the past has significantly impacted natural forests. Commercial forestry totally alters the species composition and structure of the affected forest communities. The technological activities and short lifespan of intensive poplar plantations not only disrupt characteristic and valuable micro-habitats such as small wetlands and migratory corridors along the Danube, but also reduce the genetic diversity of the populations of native tree species.
This is why converting existing poplar plantations into stable mixed forests of autochthonous species will increase the resilience of the forest ecosystem to biotic and abiotic factors, increase ecological value and general beneficial forest functions and increase biodiversity.
For more information, please contact:
Gyula Kiss, LIFE WILDisland DINPI, kissgy@dinpi.hu