PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The project area encompasses two main Natura 2000 (N2000) network sites, the “Styrian Dachstein plateau" (7 455 ha) and "Totes Gebirge" (16 178 ha). Two smaller N2000 network sites and several habitat connectivity corridors are also included within the project area. The main habitat type targeted by the project is forest and its inhabitants. During recent centuries, monocultural spruce forests have been developed that are characterised by low diversity and structure and increasing sensitivity to pests and heavy wetter conditions.
The alluvial and riparian forests have become degraded through regulation of rivers and drainage of wetlands. Open areas, which formerly were used as alpine pastures, are often abandoned and the valuable grassland habitats are progressively overgrown by spruces.
OBJECTIVES
The focus of the project was to improve the structural diversity in the forests, as well as the function of ecological corridors between the mountainous areas.
The main objectives were:
- To develop forest areas characterised by an ecologic diversity and high share of dead wood within the “Dachstein plateau” and “Totes Gebirge” N2000 sites;
- To create a “grouse habitat network” for Tetraonidae (grouse/ capercaillie) through the development of “stepping stones” between the two Natura 2000 sites on some 300 ha;
- To create the “Mitterndorfer habitat network”, a system consisting of peatlands and wetlands. After the restoration of target habitats, some 150 ha will be nominated for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network;
- To integrate regional partners and non-governmental organisations into the project and carry out public relations activities fo
About 16 km of river were restored, providing a continuous habitat (that had been fragmented) for stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) and other species. Monitoring revealed that the improved river continuum was immediately used by the crayfish. The project team introduced some stone crayfish into rivers, concluding that the crayfish should not be stressed during transport and recommending long-term monitoring of water temperature. The project team also created ponds for amphibians, which were soon populated with yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) or alpine crested newt (Triturus carnifex). The project team demonstrated that escape hatches can be installed in cattle grids with minimal expense. They created a broad network of these hatches, with some also outside Natura 2000 sites, to assure the connectivity of amphibian habitats. The population of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) remained constant, but the sites prepared by the project team were used by the birds.
- cusing on LIFE and the N2000 network.
RESULTS
The LIFE Ausseerland project team developed structure-rich, diverse forests, with a high share of deadwood to create microhabitats, on about 3 000 ha in Austria. They also created the "Grouse habitat network" on 408 ha, as stepping stones between the Natura 2000 sites. The project team created a new Natura 2000 site "Mitterndorfer Biotopverbund" on 261.5 ha, which was designated and reported to the European Commission; and already existing Natura 2000 sites were extended by 600 ha. In total, the enlargement of Natura 2000 sites covers 861.6 ha.
Project actions succeeded in initiating the development of spruce-dominated mountain forests into protected forest habitats (namely, Medio-European subalpine beech woods with Acer and Rumex arifolius, Medio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-Fagion, Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests, Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests, Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines, and Acidophilous Picea forests of the montane to alpine levels).
About 16 km of river were restored, providing a continuous habitat (that had been fragmented) for stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) and other species. Monitoring revealed that the improved river continuum was immediately used by the crayfish. The project team introduced some stone crayfish into rivers, concluding that the crayfish should not be stressed during transport and recommending long-term monitoring of water temperature. The project team also created ponds for amphibians, which were soon populated with yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) or alpine crested newt (Triturus carnifex). The project team demonstrated that escape hatches can be installed in cattle grids with minimal expense. They created a broad network of these hatches, with some also outside Natura 2000 sites, to assure the connectivity of amphibian habitats. The population of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) remained constant, but the sites prepared by the project team were used by the birds.
Project actions succeeded in initiating the development of spruce-dominated mountain forests into protected forest habitats (namely, Medio-European subalpine beech woods with Acer and Rumex arifolius, Medio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-Fagion, Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests, Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests, Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines, and Acidophilous Picea forests of the montane to alpine levels).
The most important project outcome was the development of near-natural, structurally diverse forests. These are expected to be better adaptation to climate change, and will thus provide higher economic value in the long-term compared to monocultures of spruce plantations. Peatland exploitation was stopped on the "Rödschitzmoor" site, which will prevent the further deterioration of this valuable habitat, for example, preserving its role as a carbon sink to mitigate climate change. Creating stepping stones and corridors support protected species action plans and they contribute to achieving EU biodiversity targets. Project actions also contribute to EU Water Framework Directive objectives.
The project positively influenced tourism, because information spots are attractive, the juvenile fish habitat is inviting, and the wooden platform at the mire Ödensee is a popular excursion destination. The project’s brochures on stone crayfish and dead wood in forests were very successful; in particular, schools integrated them into their teaching.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
