Transit versus Nature. Depreciation of Environmental Values of the Road Alleys. Case Study: Gamerki-Jonkowo, Poland

Marzena Suchocka,Adam Bohdan,Adam Juźwiak,Magdalena Błaszczyk,Jerzy Stolarczyk,Joanna Duriasz

doi:10.3390/su11061816

Marzena Suchocka, Adam Bohdan + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su11061816

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Abstract

Road alleys are multifunctional features in open landscapes that serve as ecological corridors connecting habitats, and play an important role in sustaining ecological stability. However, multiple road authorities claim that tree-lined routes pose a threat to traffic safety and should therefore be removed. This aspect of safety seems crucial to authorities, significantly overwhelming the benefits of road alleys. Problems with the vitality of the trees (which are mainly mature and aging) deliver arguments for cutting them down. The aim of this paper is to examine the environmental and natural value of road alleys based on a 14 km long section of the Gamerki—Jonkowo Road in the Province of Warmia (Northeast Poland). Further, we aim to verify the degree of hazard posed by trees to be felled for safety reasons. An examination framework with six components was developed for the research. This framework includes a tree risk assessment and vitality evaluation, pulling tests, an examination of the protected hermit beetle and lichen species, and an examination of bat fauna. The results revealed that no trees were in the resignation phase and confirmed that the alley is a unique natural habitat with protected species of lichen, a few bats, and valuable insect species, among others the hermit beetle (Osmoderma barnabita). Therefore, the alley cannot be perceived only as a component of the road infrastructure. The maintenance of the trees seems to be essential when taking into account the environmental stability of the region.

Highlights

An alley is defined as two rows of trees along both sides of a road, which provide benefits for both people and the environment [1,2]
This study presents a novel approach to assessing the environmental value of road alleys, connecting safety with ecological and environmental aspects in order to ensure the sustainability of the region
The six-component examination framework for the research—dendrological examination with tree risk assessment and vitality evaluation, loading tests, examination of protected beetle species—hermit beetle, the lichens species, and examination of bat fauna—guided an approach with complementary measures that shows the environmental value of the examined road alley

Summary

Introduction

An alley is defined as two rows of trees along both sides of a road, which provide benefits for both people and the environment [1,2]. Alleys are a type of buffer strip which contribute to the aesthetic of roads [9], as well as increase safety and natural values (biological diversity) [10,11,12]. They increase ecological capacity and stability too, and further alleviate the climate, in addition to serving as a symbol of cultural identity for the region [13,14]. Trees increase the capacity of the soil to store water, and contribute to carbon sequestration, enhanced local air quality, the removal of PM (particulate matter), local climate regulation, noise interception when planted in dense strips, as well as improve aesthetic quality [1,15,16]

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