Evaluation of the conditions
of the forest ecosystems in the Baikal Biospheric State Nature Preserve
General information on the project:
Location: Buryat republic, Tankhoy settlement, Baikal
Biospheric State Nature Preserve
Duration of the project:
August 4 – 17, 2003
Project leader: A. I. Shekhovtsov, Scientific Secretary of the Institute of Geography, Ph. D. in Geography
BNP specialists:
Vasily Ivanovich Sutula, Director of the BNP
Nikolai Nikolaevich Volodchenkov, Biologist
Elena Georgevna Martusova, Botanist
Alexandra Semyonovna Krasnopevtseva, Botanist
Sergey Leonidovich Tkatch, Forest Pathologist
Galina Vladimirovna Sedova, Chief Ranger
Olga Dmitrievna Ermakova, Soil Scientist
Project Participants:
Elena Sanets (Institute for Problems of Natural Resources Use and Ecology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus)
Rasa Sceponaviciute (Environmental Policy Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania)
Sam Skinner (University of British Columbia, Plant Ecology)
Will Bettmann (University of North Carolina, Russian Studies)
Anna Bourakovsky (University of Maine, Natural Resources)
Azam Murtazaev (Khujand State University, Language studies)
Clara Long (Brown University, Development Studies)
Lesley Dampier (University of British Columbia, Physical Geography)
Volunteers:
Sergey Shatunov (Deputy Director of the Educational Department of the Usolie-Sibirskoe Middle School)
Juliana Lysanova (Irkutsk State Medical University)
Dmitrij Budnikov (Usolie-Sibirskoe Middle School)
Andrey Samofalov (Construction Engineer)
Timur Dubrovsky (Baikal Biosphere State Nature Preserve)
Tatjana Trufanova (Institute of Geography, Irkutsk)
Abstract
The main aim of this project was the evaluation of the general health of the forest ecosystems of the Baikal Biosphere State Nature Preserve. Background information was provided by various park workers at the beginning of the project. The fieldwork of the project took place in the different locations of the BNP. Assessment of the forest health was carried out on the northern slope of the Khamar-Daban mountain range. Dendro-chronological analysis and physical stand descriptions of forest plots were carried near the settlement Tankhoy as well as at the southern slope of the mountain range. Various forest ecosystems were described and compared. During a visit to the Tayozhny settlement situated on the southern slope of the BNP, an evaluation of the socio-economic conditions prevailing in communities surrounding the BNP was carried out.
Project goal:
The goal of the project was to collect data for
evaluating the general health of the forest ecosystems in the Baikal Biosphere
State Nature Preserve.
Project
tasks:
The project tasks were:
-
annual monitoring of
sub-alpine Fir-Siberian Pine permanent sample plot;
-
re-establishment of sample plot, originally
established in 1986;
-
identification of possible effects of industrial air
pollution on overall forest health;
-
dendro-chronological analysis and physical stand
descriptions of forest plot in Tankhoy Settlement
-
geobotanical observations and descriptions in various
forest ecosystems;
-
soil type analysis;
-
evaluation of the socio-economic situation of the BNP;
-
interviews with Nature Preserve Rangers and
specialists on various ecological and social issues;
-
ecological education activities with children in the
Tayozhni settlement.
In total six test plots were assessed. Two plots were on the territory of the
Biospheric Nature Preserve, two were in the settlement of Tankhoy, one near the
settlement of Tayozhni, and one in the settlement of Rechka Vydrino.
The Tankhoy project has been ongoing in the area of the Baikal Biosphere State Nature Preserve with monitoring conducted by TBI participants each summer since 2000. The Nature Preserve was established in 1969, the total area of the preserve of BNP is 165 700 hectares. The Baikal Biosphere State Nature Preserve is composed of three different zones: a collaboration zone, a buffer zone and the preserve itself. The collaboration zone includes all villages and settlements around the preserve. The main conservation activity in this zone is environmental education, which aims to increase the environmental consciousness of local people. The buffer zone is situated between the zones of collaboration and the preserve itself. Limited activities like hunting, berry and mushrooms gathering are permitted in this zone. The shoreline of the lake Baikal is not included in the buffer zone of the nature preserve.
The biggest part of the BNP is situated in the Khamar-Daban mountain range and only a small part of the preserve in situated on the Lake Baikal terrace.
We used a number of different methods to evaluate the overall health of forests in the BNP. Firstly, we utilized dendrochronological and forest pathology methods to analyze three separate forest plots, each composed of at least 100 individuals of the dominant tree species (in this case, fir, Abies sibirica). Secondly, we did semi-quantitative and qualitative comparisons of plant communities and soil structures within the BNP. Finally, we explored and discussed the health of local communities surrounding the BNP.
I. Forest Plot Analysis
The first forest plot we analyzed was located slightly below the cabin at Science Point in the Khamar Doban Mountains. With the help of Galina Vladimirovna Sedova, Chief Ranger for Nature Protection in the BNP and Sergei Leonidovich Tkach, Chief Ranger for Operations, we conducted the annual re-measurement for this plot, a process that has been conducted for more than 20 years. We evaluated each numbered individual tree in the plot and assigned a numerical value on a scale of 1-8 indicating the overall health of each tree, and the relative presence or absence of diseases.
The second plot we analyzed was located just uphill and across the stream from Science Point. We re-established a permanent ploshad by renumbering trees that had been analyzed in the past, but whose numbers were no longer visible. In addition to using the overall health scale, we also measured each tree for diameter.
The third plot was located just off the banks of the Osinovka River around 3 km from BNP headquarters. With the help of Elena Fisher, a graduate student at the Irkutsk Geographical Institute, we analyzed a 20m x 20m forest plot. We noted a number of different site descriptors, including stand description, forest composition, potential use and value, hydrological assessment, stand age, and percent canopy cover. Additionally, we sampled two representative trees of each major species (fir and pine) by collecting information on each tree’s height, diameter, breast height, crown height and width, origin (i.e. from seed or vegetative reproduction), annual linear growth, and an estimation of age by one of two methods. The first of those methods was counting whorls on the tree. The second was by counting annual growth rings on an increment core sample. Finally, we counted the number of trees of each of 4 species (fir, pine, spruce and birch) located within the plot.
It is worth noting that the data we collected will be pooled with more than 30 years of data in tracking the overall health of the forests in the BNP. These plots were established in response to concerns about potential negative impacts of industrial air pollution brought in by prevailing winds from the Irkutsk region (Sheleshov, Angarsk, Baikalsk).
II. Plant Community and Soil Structure Comparison
We looked at two plots in our comparison of plant communities and soil structure – one on the rainy north (lake) side of the BNP, the other on the far drier south end of the BNP. More specifically, the first site was located adjacent to the second forest plot near the Osinovka River, while the second was about 5 kms from the village of Tayozhni, near the Temnik River. These plots described examples of the “Betula-Abies-Anemone baikalensis” and the savanna-like relict “Ooboory” plant communities respectively.
At each site, numerous plant community descriptors were noted using Moscow University standard forms. Noted were: indicator species, description of local topographic relief, general location, general site description (e.g. floodplain), general soil texture, moisture regime (including general precipitation patterns, surface and ground water influences), wildlife and human disturbances. More quantitative plant community descriptions were also noted, including the relative abundance of tree species, range of heights of canopy trees, crown height estimation, and average diameter at breast height. Height and relative abundance information was also collected for the sub-canopy tree-layer, shrub layer, dominant forb layer, and subdominant forb layer. Finally, percent cover of each identifiable species was estimated, along with the evaluation of the distribution pattern of each species using the scale developed by the botanist Oscar Drude in 1890.
Soil pits were dug at each plot and at the first plot an official soil description form was completed. A very rich brown soil with a small organic horizon was noted, an indication of very rich soil.
Finally, an informal plant community comparison was performed as part of a hike along the mountain ridges above the cabin at Science Point and also near the village of Rechka Vydrino. The hike transected through sub-alpine fir forests, pine krumholz, and alpine meadows/bogs. Interesting links and comparisons were made between these communities.
III. Health of Local Communities
Over the course of our project, we had the opportunity of visiting two communities (Babushkin and Tayozhni) and staying at another two (Tankoi and Rechka Vydrino). All four of these communities are situated near the BNP, and most receive some direct economic benefits from this proximity. One community, Tayozhni, was markedly different economically than the others. Being geographically distant from the generally economically beneficial Trans-Siberian Railway and Lake Baikal itself, Tayozhni has traditionally relied on timber production for its economic livelihood. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the timber industry in general has collapsed as well; Tayozhni has not been spared from this impact. From its heyday in the ‘80’s when Tayozhni reached a population of ~600 people, Tayozhni now maintains a population of 150 people who now subsist from a mixture of farming, limited timber production and BNP employment. Currently, the BNP provides six jobs to the community, as well as access to locally important subsistence berry-picking, hunting, and firewood collection. Perhaps in the future, the BNP could play a larger economic role in the economy of Tayozhni by the provision of direct jobs and by infrastructure associated with growing demand for eco- or science tourism.
Realizing the importance of the BNP to the people of Tayozhni, part of our project involved a day of interaction with the residents of Tayozhni, specifically the school-aged children. We were able to perform ecologically-oriented skits and songs for them. In return, the children treated us to songs and poetry of their own. Soccer and frisbee games helped strengthen our relationship even more.
This year’s project continued to maintain a good
working relationship with the Biospheric Nature Preserve (BNP) administration
and specialists. Through our field work, we learned multiple forest monitoring
methods used by the BNP specialists.
Throughout the duration of the project, we were able to visit multiple
location on the southeastern shore of Lake Baikal, and learn about each of the
unique landscapes and ecosystems. Our project’s results can serve as a
background for future TBI projects, and will be a valuable addition for the
data already present at the BNP. The meeting with the Tayozhni school children
was also highly successful and valuable.
Recommendations for future projects:
-
The introduction of the project participants and
volunteers should be done when new people join the group.
-
The project
will be more successful if a clear relationship between all its components
(geobotanical descriptions, socio-economic issues, forest ecosystem monitoring,
etc) is established;
-
The presence of a translator would improve the
communication between the participants and the specialists of BNP.
-
Project goals should be more based on the actual needs
of the nature preserve.
-
Better introduction of the project aims and tasks.
Discussion on the project aims in the beginning. A better communication of the daily schedule.