University of Vermont scientists visit Carpathian Mountains (01/22/06)

University of Vermont scientists visit Carpathian Mountains

by Bill Keeton

The Carpathian Mountains in eastern Europe have some of the highest levels of species diversity and endemism in Europe. The range harbors a full complement of native predators, including brown bear, lynx, and gray wolf, as well as European bison and elk (or red deer). The mountains sport magnificent old-growth European beech forests, including a 10,000 hectare stand protected by a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The region is also experiencing forest health concerns, many of which stem from a history of intensive, plantation-style forest management and the effects of air pollution.

Conservation value, old-growth forests, a need for sustainable forestry, and forest health issues? Sounds like a job for a crack squad of University of Vermont [known as UVM for Universitas Viridis Montis, Latin for University of the Green Mountains] forest scientists.

In September, forest scientists Dr. Bill Keeton and Dr. Dale Bergdahl of The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) traveled to Ukraine with former Fulbright Scholar and UVM research associate Yurij Bihun. The trip was conducted as part of an international exchange between RSENR, The Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, and the Ukrainian National Forestry University. The ongoing exchange includes both forest scientists and ecological economists, and is funded by a grant from the Trust for International Understanding (Dr. Josh Farley, P.I.). Mr. Bihun acted as translator and facilitator throughout the trip.

The UVM delegation met with collaborating scientists and economists at both the Ukrainian National Forestry University (NFU) in Lviv and the National Agricultural University, Institute of Forestry in Kyiv. These meetings were fruitful in terms of exploring possible research collaborations and future exchanges of administrators, scientists and students.

While in Lviv, Dr. Keeton and Mr. Bihun gave presentations at the International Conference on Ecology, Economics and Sustainable Development. Drs. Keeton and Berdahl also guest lectured before an undergraduate forest management class

The highlight of the trip was a three-day tour of the Ukrainian Carpathians. Several NFU faculty members and a graduate student acted as guides through the often treacherous terrain. The UVM delegation visited areas intensively managed for timber using short rotation, even-aged methods. There the team identified a number of fungal pathogens impacting the primary commercial species, Norway spruce, and suggested alternative management approaches.

Next on the agenda were visits to several national parks and biological reserves. At each stop, the team was graciously hosted by officials and natural resource staff and treated to sumptuous traditional Ukrainian meals. While visiting the old-growth stands, the UVM delegation inspected permanent monitoring plots and shared ideas about research on forest dynamics and biodiversity.

The tour concluded with a spectacular daylong hike up to high elevations in a montane research preserve. The tour through the Carpathians was a fascinating introduction to a region rich in cultural and ecological significance.

The international exchange continues with visits to UVM by Ukrainian ecological economists (October 2005) and forest scientists (May 2006). UVM scientists plan to further its research collaboration with the Ukrainians, beginning with a return trip to the region in summer 2006.

Dr. William Keeton, assistant professor of forestry, University of Vermont School of Forestry, is a specialist in old growth forests and forest ecosystem dynamics. His article is reprinted, with permission, from the The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources Newsletter (December 2005 issue).

| Home Page |