On Nature in the Czech Republic

Nature Conservation 1/2010 — 16. 2. 2010 — On Nature in the Czech Republic — Print article in pdf

The Blanský les Protected Landscape Area

authors: Kateřina Burianová, Jan Flašar, Petr Lepší, Tereza Rejnková

The Blanský les Protected Landscape Area (PLA) was declared on the territory of 212 km²on December 8, 1989. Its main aim is to protect well-preserved mixed forests, to manage sites rich in flora and fauna and to maintain the typical landscape scenery/character.

The Blanský les PLA is situated in the South Bohemian Region and is located north of the town of Český Krumlov. From a point of view of natural history, the high value of the whole area is caused not only by its geological and mineralogical diversity, but also be its specific location – not far from the Alps and just in the Šumava/Bohemian Forest rain shadow. In the article, activities of the PLA Administration within the area during the last two decades are described, particularly fo­rest and management. The PLA zoning is insufficient and needs to be changed. The most valuable part of the PLA, the Vyšenské kopce National Nature Reserve was partially deforested in the past, while at present, vegetation is regularly grazed, meadows are mown and bush is cut there. Building activities in the PLA are also briefly mentioned. A new restoration project in the Kremžský potok Brook Basin is also presented. The authors summarize communication, education and public awareness. Main goals in the near future include: 1. management of other remarkable phenomena and maintaining and increasing their species and habitat diversity; 2. changing the PLAs unsatisfactory zoning; 3. perceiving the PLA by the general public as a friendly site for living and improving public attitudes towards the Blanský les PLA and its administration; 4. finishing the Kremžský potok Brook Basin restoration project and raising awareness for the project in the public; 5. raising more funds and increasing the efforts in forest management within the PLA.