C. Ecological reconstruction of highly eroded torrent and Reforestation of damaged areas of dwarf-pine habitats

Within the project perimeter, on Dragsanu meadow, there is an extremely eroded area covering about 1 ha, and more than 20 m deep.
In the last period it was noticed a certain acceleration of these erosional processes risking to become in very short time a real menace to the very fragile alpine habitats surrounding, able to modify adjacent territories.

Due to some doubts expressed by the members of the Scientific Council on the opportunity to make interventions in natural processes (meeting at the end of May 2006), these actions were delayed until new proves of the anthropic origin of those processes were found. At the meeting on 29th of November 2006, the Scientific Council took into consideration PMT additional explanations and finally agreed with the ecological reconstruction and reforestation actions.

During the summer season (when these areas are accessible), special reconstruction works are foreseen within this perimeter, such as torrents control, diminution of gravitational force of the water, installation of naturalized terraces enabling the colonization of local flora species.

Taking into consideration those above mentioned some changes have been made on these actions. Also was noticed that the original area where dwarf pine was damaged through burning is recovering naturally.  As result of those findings one highly eroded torrent was reconstructed ecologically by planting dwarf pine seedlings. The plants were delivered by ICAS only in the early summer 2008. Dragsanu torrent was reconstructed by planting 1600 pieces of dwarf pine seedlings. The 5 tones of dwarf pines were transported by helicopter from Gura Apei to Dragsanu. 12 volunteers and 10 RNP staff members made terraces and planted the dwarf pine on them during an one week field campaign. 

Works relying on physical efforts and limited mechanical proceedings in order to avoid damage of surrounding habitats will take place. Using mostly local materials, special structures integrated into the landscape, without disrupting habitats, were set into place.
Natural obstacles on rapid slopes were erected in order to re-create terrace-like formation, allowing re-colonization of natural vegetation.

Mostly physical effort and limited mechanical tools (rather hand tools) were used in order to limit the disturbance of neighbourhood habitats.

see these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GORqETWulRo 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN54SUiV9Gw