Organization
Company Forests of Krupina city (FKC) is limited liability company, which was founded in October 1994. The mission of this company is purposeful and efficient management of around 4400 hectares of forests, in ownership of Krupina city. Forests are composed of 94 % broadleaved species - oak (Quercus spp.) ca. 44 %, beech (Fagus sylvatica) ca. 33 %, hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) - ca. 9 %. The annual cutting rate amounts to approximately 12 000 m3. The overall management aim for our company is to optimise the total value of all ecosystem services available rather than maximising single service. The main silviculture aim is to preserve the oak-dominated character in our forests and at the same time to maintain climate resilience of the forest ecosystems.
Tasks in the project
Implementation of close-to-nature forest management in practice
The implementation of close-to-nature forest management measures across approximately 500 ha of forest stands managed by FKC. The management measures will be based on scientific evidence from experimental research conducted by partners and will focus on the gradual transformation of stands from traditional management practices towards close-to-nature forest management, based on single-tree selection, small-scale management operations, and natural regeneration in gaps of up to 0.2 ha. The applied forest management measures will contribute to improving the ecological stability of forest stands and to protecting soil and water conditions, including maintaining the quality of drinking water sources for the town of Krupina, under ongoing climate change.
Management of game impacts on forest ecosystems
The implementation of management measures aimed at protecting the self-regeneration of oak-dominated stands from game damage, in cooperation with the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic and local hunting organisations. These measures will be integrated into practical forest management and will contribute to the long-term stability of stand species composition.
Cooperation in the development of management programmes and guidelines
Cooperation with project partners in the preparation of management programs and guidelines for forests managed by FKC. These documents will provide a framework for future forest management, ensure the continuity of close-to-nature forestry after the project, and contribute to improving ecological stability and recreational value of forests. The transformation of forest stands is part of the official development strategy of FKC, approved by the City Council.
Partner level project details
Responsible person: Ing. Jozef Capuliak, PhD.
Partner budget: 399 000 EUR
EU contribution: 319 200 EUR