Influence estimation of recreation pressure on the forest trail "Buchyna" NNP "Skolivski Beskydy"

Abstract

Complex studies of the impact of recreational pressure on the forest trail "Buchina" of NNP "Skolivski Beskydy" were carried out. It was found that the air microclimatic parameters across the all transects were shown to fluctuate. The air temperature was stable, as well as the humidity changed very slightly. The wind force gradually decreased from the middle of the forest trail to the margins. The difference in the illumination of the soil surface on the trail and adjacent areas is the most noticeable. The impact of recreational activities on the microclimatic parameters of soils is more significant than this in the air. The temperature and humidity of the soil was decreased and the density of the structure was increased towards the center of the trail. Changes in water-physical parameters of soils let us identify the initial stages of digression in the studied recreational-pressed forest ecosystems. Brioindication studies have shown that the forest area on both sides of the route, which does not experience recreational pressure, is characterized by extremely weak development of moss cover. It was represented by 5 species of mosses such as Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichum formosum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Eurhynchium angustirete and E. striatum. Those species were represented by toll turf, dendroides and rough carpet growth forms. Species diversity at the trail edges were doubled. There were founded 10 spesies of bryobionta: A. undulatum, P. formosum, Plagiomnium cuspidatum, P. ellipticum, P. undulatum, E. angustirete, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Thuidium delicatulum, T. tamariscinum, Calliergonella cuspidatа, were represented by toll turf, dendroides, rough mats and weft growth forms. In the zone of intensive trampling on the forest trail, the moss cover was completely absent. Bryophytes, which were recorded in trail margins, marked the initial stages of recreational digression (I-II) and were belonging to the group of sensitive forest species. The strongest pressure was recorded on the central part of the forest trail. However, the density of the soil structure, even in this area, didn't overtop the indicator rate for the category of "very loose soils". Our study suggests that the organization of recreational activities for the planning of permanent tourist routes (so-called "ecological trails'') in the areas of spruce-beech forests haven't cause extremely pressure on the park ecosystems (equally for soil and vegetation cover) in NNP "Skolivski Beskydy". As a preventive measure, we recommend regulating the number of visitors to reduce the mechanical trampling on the forest trails and the arrangement of different fences, decks, etc.