Velebit Nature Park

Transcription

Velebit Nature Park

N a t u r e
P a r k
Velebit
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Gospić, August 2007
V E L E B I T N AT UR E PAR K MANAG EMENT PL AN
2
Publisher:
Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia
For the publisher:
Božo Biškupić, M.A.
Editor:
Zoran Šikić
Technical editors:
Melani Marković, Ivan Tomljenović, Kornelija Pintarić,
Language supervision and proof-reading:
Apostrof d.o.o.
Photographs:
Archives of the Velebit Nature Park Public Institution
Graphic design and layout:
Ermego d.o.o.
Printer:
Arcode d.o.o.
Print run:
100 copies
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the National and University Library in Zagreb
under 653977
ISBN 978-953-6240-82-1
Development of the Management Plan has been financed under the
Karst Ecosystem Conservation (KEC) Project, with grant funds (IBRD
GEF TF 050539 HR) from the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) via the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and
funds from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia.
V E L E B I T N AT U R E PA R K M A N A G E M E N T P L A N P R E PA R AT I O N T E A M
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Velebit Nature Park Management Plan Preparation Team
Velebit Nature Park Public Institution
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Ivan Tomljenović, B.S. (forestry), Director
Ana Brkljačić, M.S., Senior Adviser for Biology
Kristijan Arbanas, B.A., Administrator
Ivana Svetić, B.A., Marketing Director
Neven Mileusnić, B.A., Assistant to the Marketing
Manager
Tomislav Rukavina, Chief Ranger
Josip Tomaić, Ranger Second Class
Mario Šaban, Ranger Second Class
Milan Vukelić, Ranger Third Class
Josip Frketić, Ranger Third Class
Goran Jurković, Ranger Third Class
Ivana Maras, Forestry Expert
Agriconsulting S.p.A., Italy
Hana Blašković, Project Director
Paolo Viskanić, Biology Study Team Leader
Sanja Tišma, Local Project Coordinator
Željko Kramarić, Management Planning Advisor
Silvija Kipson, Management Planning Associate
Andrea Ruk, Administrative Support and Translation
Luigi Boitani, International Management Planning
Expert
· John Grainger, International Management Planning
Expert
· Peter Howard, International Management Planning
Expert
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Field Research
Flora Team
· Toni Nikolić, Flora Team Coordinator (PMF)
· Milenko Milović
· Marija Pandža
· Nenad Jasprica
· Mirko Ruščić
· Sven Jelaska
· Nina Vuković, Data Entry
Fauna Team
· Nikola Tvrtković, Team Coordinator, Zoologist, Bat Expert
(HPM)
· Igor Pavlinić, Bat Expert
· Draško Holcer, Bat Expert
· Nenad Vajdić, Animal Field Work Assistant
· Marijana Vuković, Zoologist, Karst and Forest Animals,
Moth Inventory
· Martina Šašić, Entomologist
· Franjo Perović, Entomologist, Water Insect Inventory
· Iva Mihoci, Entomologist
· Mladen Vajdić, Senior Preserver, Moth Inventory
· Vesna Tutiš, Ornithology Team Coordinator,
Ornithologist, Ornithology Institute
· Jelena Kralj, Ornithologist, Ornithology Institute
· Davor Ćiković, Ornithologist, Ornithology Institute
· Dragan Radović, Ornithologist, Ornithology Institute
· Sanja Barišić, Ornithologist, Ornithology Institute
· Ivan Budinski, Contractor for Ornithology Institute,
Ornithologist/Bander
· Krešimir Mikulić, Contractor for Ornithology Institute,
Ornithologist/Bander
· Darko Ivan Grlica, Contractor for Ornithology Institute,
Field Assistant
· Đuro Huber, Large Carnivore Team Coordinator
· Josip Kusak, Large Carnivore Team
· Tomislav Gomerčić, Large Carnivore Team
· Goran Gužvica, Large Carnivore Team
Biospeleology Team
· Jana Bedek, Biospeleology Team Coordinator (HBSD)
· Roman Ozimec, Biospeleologist
· Branko Jalžić, Biospeleologist
· Martina Pavlek, Biospeleologist
· Helena Bilandžija, Biospeleologist
· Marko Lukić, Biology Student
· Predrag Rade, Speleologist
· Hrvoje Cvitanović, Speleologist
GIS/IT
· Marija Bajica, Team Coordinator (Oikon)
· Siniša Tkalčec
· Josip Križan
· Martina Jelinić
· Zoran Gregurić
Habitat Team
· Vladimir Kušan, Land Cover
· Zrinka Mesić
· Hrvoje Peternel
Karst Ecosystem Conservation (KEC) Implementation Unit
· Kornelija Pintarić, KEC Project Leader
· Dijana Juroš, Program Coordinator
· Stella Šatalić, Biological Diversity Chief (November 2002
– January 2007)
· Mirjana Stjepanović, Procurement and Finance Expert
(September 2002 – March 2007)
· Melani Marković, Expert Associate (March-December
2007)
· Ana-Antonija Barić, Expert Associate
· Marijana Uzelac, Procurement and Finance Expert
(March-December 2007)
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A Word from the Publisher
In the interest of improving conservation in protected areas, and particularly to preserve karst ecological
systems in Croatia, the Ministry of Culture and the World Bank implemented the Karst Ecosystem
Conservation (KEC) Project from 2003 to 2007, with financing from the Global Environmental Fund. Under
this Project, management plans were developed for Risnjak National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park,
Paklenica National Park, Northern Velebit National Park and Velebit Nature Park.
The development of management plans for national and nature parks is an obligation stipulated by the
Nature Protection Act (as published in Croatia’s official journal, Narodne novine, no. 70/05), which also
specifies the content of management plans and modes for their adoption. The park management plans
developed by KEC are in fact the first management plans for protected areas drafted in Croatia. The format
of this Management Plan and the methodology used to draft it were reached by agreement at KEC Project
workshops, at which all interested parties participated during the period from 2003 to 2007.
The Management Plan consists of a brief, summarized strategy document, which breaks down the
strategic objectives and guidelines for management, and the action plans. The actions plans further refine
the strategic management guidelines and provide a detailed specification of management “in the field”.
The action plans adhere to the vision, mission, policies and general management strategy specified by the
Management Plan.
The management plans are prepared on the basis of existing research studies and data on the status
of individual parks, and a great deal of supplementary research of plants and animals was conducted,
particularly in the karst subterranean zone. Useful documentation on physical planning and the state of
local economies (concerning tourism in particular) was also gathered, and local populations and interested
parties in and around the park were constantly consulted at all phases of plan development. The vision,
mission and objectives of the management plans are presented to the wider public every year at annual
KEC Project workshops organized by the Ministry of Culture and the public institutions which manage
these protected areas.
The management plans for Risnjak National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Paklenica National
Park, Northern Velebit National Park and Velebit Nature Park were developed by a team from the firm
Agriconsulting of Rome, working together with Croatian experts under the active leadership of the
management teams at each park. We believe that the KEC management plans will serve as a sound model
for the development of these strategic documents in other Croatian protected areas.
The Ministry of Culture would like to express particular gratitude to the World Bank team for its leadership
of the project and for conveying international experiences to the staff of the Ministry and the public
institutions, which greatly contributed to enhancement of capacity to implement international projects.
We would like to thank all participants in the plan development process for their contribution to this
document, for only the cooperation of all participants made it possible to deliberate on all vital aspects and
finally develop this Management Plan.
Božo Biškupić, M.A.
Minister of Culture
FOREWORD
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Foreword
The primary task of Velebit Nature Park is to conserve and improve unique karst biodiversity by enabling
unimpeded natural processes and ensuring protection of areas largely untouched by human activity, and
its fundamental purposes are scientific, cultural, educational and recreational. The best fulfillment of all of
these functions requires planning documents which outline the fundamental objectives and guidelines
for management of protected areas.
Previous management of Velebit Nature Park was dictated by the Nature Protection Act and the Public
Institution Annual Operating Plan.
The Nature Protection Act of 2005 introduced a new planning document, the Management Plan, which
forms the basis for long-term management of all nature parks.
Under the Karst Ecosystem Conservation (KEC) Project, Velebit Nature Park was selected for development
of a management plan.
The Governing Board, at its sixteenth session held on July 30, 2007, formally made the decision to adopt
the Management Plan. Velebit Nature Park was thus accorded the great honor of becoming among the
first protected areas in the Republic of Croatia to formally adopt its Management Plan.
Velebit Nature Park would like to thank the World Bank, the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) and the
Croatian Government for making implementation of the KEC Project possible. Thanks also go to the firm
Agriconsalting s.p.a of Rome and all of the experts involved in development of the Management Plan,
whose expertise helped in the formulation of the Velebit Nature Park Management Plan. Furthermore, we
owe a debt of gratitude to the local government and the local population, whose comments at critical
phases of development contributed to better links between the Management Plan’s basic postulates and
the needs of everyday life in the field. We would like to thank the Ministry of Culture/Nature Protection
Department and the State Institute for Nature Protection for their expert advice, which helped in the
ultimate definition of the Management Plan. In conclusion, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to
the KEC Project Implementation Unit, specifically its staff members, whose advice and technical support
greatly contributed to making the Velebit Nature Park Management Plan among the first management
documents of this type to be adopted in the Republic of Croatia.
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Velebit Nature Park
Basic information
Protected area:
Velebit
Conservation category:
Nature Park
Date established:
June 16, 1981
Legal founding instrument:
Act Proclaiming the Velebit Massif a Nature Park (Narodne
novine, no. 24/81)
Total surface area:
200,000 ha
Date of Management Plan’s adoption:
30 July 2007
Planning period/plan revision:
10 years/ revision after 5 years
Physical plan
-
Information on park management
Management:
Address:
Kaniža bb, 53 000 Gospić
Telephone:
+ 385 53 56 04 50; 56 01 60
Fax:
+ 385 53 56 04 51
E-mail:
[email protected]
Protected area management:
Directive on Establishment of Velebit Nature Park Public
Institution (Narodne novine, no. 44/98)
Public institution’s charter:
Charter of Velebit Nature Park Public Institution, October 16,
2006
Internal regulations:
Velebit Nature Park Internal Rules of Order (Narodne novine, no.
12/02)
CONTENTS
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Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.1. Velebit Nature Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.2. Velebit Nature Park in international context. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.3. Vision of Velebit Nature Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2. CURRENT SITUATION AND VALUE OF VELEBIT NATURE PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.1. Institutional and legislative framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.1.1. Legislative framework underlying the Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.1.2. Planning instruments in Croatia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.1.3. Responsible ministries and institutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.2. Velebit Nature Park Public Institution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.2.1. Organizational structure of Velebit Nature Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.2.2. Existing infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.2.3. Current financial status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.3. Natural values of protected area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.3.1. Geology, hydrology and soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.3.2. Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.3.3. Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.3.4. Land cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.3.5. Habitat types in Velebit Nature Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.3.5.1. Plant communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.3.5.1. Subterranean habitats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2.3.6. Flora
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2.3.7. Fauna
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
2.3.7.1. Cave fauna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
2.3.7.2. Small terrestrial animals and bats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
2.3.7.3. Butterflies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
2.3.7.4. Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
2.3.7.5. Large mammals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
2.3.8. Areas under special protection in Velebit Nature Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
2.3.9. Ecological Network in the territory of Velebit Nature Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
2.4. Sustainable Natural Resource Management
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
2.4.1. Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
2.4.2. Forestry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8
2.4.3. Recreational fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
2.4.4. Quarries and borrow pits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
2.5. Population and cultural heritage in Velebit Nature Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
2.5.1. Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
2.5.2. Cultural heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
2.6. Visitors and tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
3. FUNDAMENTAL PARK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
3.1. Objectives and measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
3.1.1. Biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
3.1.1.1. Forests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
3.1.1.2. Grasslands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
3.1.1.3. Water ecosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3.1.1.4. Subterranean habitats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3.1.1.5. Mountain barrens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3.1.2. Cultural heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3.1.3. Sustainable natural resource management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3.1.3.1. Forestry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3.1.3.2. Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3.1.3.3. Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3.1.3.4. Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3.1.4. Tourism and recreation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3.1.4.1. Visitor management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3.1.4.2. Education and interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3.1.4.3. Accommodation and services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
3.1.4.4. Marketing and publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
3.1.5. Local population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
3.1.6. Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
3.1.7. Research and monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
3.1.8. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
3.1.8.1. Title to land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
3.1.8.2. Park boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
3.1.8.3. Legal regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
3.1.8.4. International cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
3.2. Zoning concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
3.2.1. Zoning in Velebit Nature Park and management by zones . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
3.2.1.1. Strict conservation zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
CONTENTS
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3.2.1.2. Active conservation zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
3.2.1.3. Usage zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
4. IMPLEMENTATION OF MANAGEMENT PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
4.1. Links to other planning documents
4.2. Action plans
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
4.2.1. Overview of priority action plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
4.2.1.1. Biological and landscape diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
4.2.1.2. Visitor system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
4.2.1.3. Public participation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
4.2.1.4. Cultural heritage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
4.3. Financial aspects and cost estimate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
4.4. Monitoring
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
4.4.1. Monitoring Management Plan activity status
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
4.4.2. Monitoring visitor numbers and satisfaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
4.4.3. Monitoring landscape changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
4.4.4. Monitoring selected taxa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
4.5. Adaptive management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
4.6. Cooperation between the Nature Parks and other parks of Velebit . . . . . . . . . . . 81
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
6. APPENDICES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
6.1. Appendix 1: List of relevant regulations/documents effective during development of Velebit
Nature Park Management Plan: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
6.2. Appendix 2: Habitats in Velebit Nature Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
6.3. Appendix 3: Ecological Network for the territory of Velebit Nature Park . . . . . . . . . 92
6.4. Appendix 4: Summary of problems and stakeholder proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
ACTION PLANS
Premužić Trail
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
Capercaillie
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1
Baške Oštarije
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1
Cerovac Caves
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D1
Baške Oštarije.
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1. I N T R O D U C T I O N
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Velebit Nature Park
Velebit Nature Park is the largest and most complex protected area in Croatia. It
encompasses the most significant mountain in Croatia, and the Mediterranean
basin in general, in the terms of relief and vegetation. Due to its natural value and
importance to biodiversity conservation, Velebit was designated a biosphere
reserve under the UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program. Almost the entire
mountain, an area of 200,000 ha, was proclaimed a nature park in 1981.
The Park extends over three counties: Lika-Senj, Zadar and Šibenik-Knin.
Specifically, it lies between 44° 04’ 55” and 44° 59’ 17” north latitude and 14° 53
00” and 16° 05’ 32” east longitude. Velebit belongs to the Dinaric system that
extends from the eastern Alps to the Šar-Pindus mountains. The overall length of Velebit is 145 km, while
its width varies from 10 to 30 km. The highest peak is Vaganski vrh (1,757 m).
Velebit belongs to the one of the most striking karst complexes in the world, the Dinaric karst. The bulk of
the Park rests on limestone and dolomite and contains an immense wealth of karst relief forms: besides
scarps, sink-holes, grikes and jutting solitary rocks, there are numerous speleological features – caves and
pit-caves.
The position of Velebit and geological, geomorphological and hydrological conditions have contributed to
Fig. 1: Location of Velebit Nature Park
12
the development of exceptionally rich and diverse
plant and animal life. Lush forests alternate with
meadows and characteristic vegetation of rocky
barrens and scree, and the plant life abounds in a
diversity and multitude of plant species ranging
from sub-Mediterranean to alpine floral elements.
Also, there are many rare, protected and endemic
plant species in the Park. One of the most famous
endemic species is the Velebit degenia (Degenia
velebitica) and a tertiary relict, the Croatian sibirrhaea (Sibiraea altaiensis ssp. croatica).
The Park also hosts numerous animals, with many
rare and endangered species, such as the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and long fingered bat
(Myotis capaccinii). So far, six species of amphibian,
fifteen species of reptile, eighteen species of small
mammals, eleven bat species and roughly sixty
birds species have been recorded in the Park. Additionally, three species of large carnivores live in
the Park: the brown bear (Ursus arctos), lynx (Lynx
lynx) and wolf (Canis lupus), as well as the wild cat
(Felis sylvestris). One of the animal groups with the
highest number of species is butterflies, while the
troglobion group (cave fauna) is also significant
with numerous endemic species.
The great natural value is additionally confirmed
by the fact that there are two national parks (Paklenica and Northern Velebit) located within the
boundaries of Velebit Nature Park. The Park also
consists of other specially protected areas, such as
special forest reserves (Štirovača), geomorphological natural monuments (Cerovac Caves), protected landscapes (Zavratnica Cove), paleontological
natural monument (Velnačka glavica), and many
other important relief and landscape complexes.
Legend
Park boundary
Fig. 2. Velebit Nature Park boundary
The rich cultural heritage testifies to centuries
of settlement and active living on Velebit. It is
evident in the numerous ruins of old shepherds’
huts, stacked stone walls, historical roads (the Josephine, Theresian and Caroline Roads) and the
unique grave-markers called mirila, etc. This area
has always been attractive to hikers and it is crisscrossed with numerous trails, the best known being the Premužić Trail, a masterpiece of stackedstone construction.
13
1.2. Velebit Nature Park in international context
The karst tracts of the Croatian highlands are a natural resource of exceptional value for Europe and the
world. The area is rich in endemic species and habitats, the morphology of the terrain and its hydrology are
very specific. Although the karst regions of Croatia, especially in the highlands, is relatively well preserved,
their extreme vulnerability dictate special attention in terms of a strategic development planning and
incorporation of biological and landscape diversity measures into all human activities in this region.
It is precisely due to these reasons that Velebit Nature Park has become a beneficiary of funds under the
Karst Ecosystem Conservation (KEC) Project, financed through a grant (IBRD GEF TF 050539 HR) from the
Global Environmental Fund (GEF). The KEC Project’s basic objective is to conserve biodiversity and facilitate
sustainable development of the local community on the basis of available natural resources. This included
enhancement of institutional and professional capacity to preserve biodiversity, improvement of protected
area management and promotion of those business and tourism activities which uphold sustainable use
and conservation of natural resources.
Within the framework of the Ecological Network, Velebit Nature Park has been specified as a focal point
of international significance, and it is a potential area for inclusion in the Natura 2000 ecological network.
Furthermore, since 1978, Velebit has been encompassed in UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program,
while the World Wildlife Fund has included Velebit on its list of ten hot-spots under the Mediterranean
Forests Protection Program.
1.3. Vision of Velebit Nature Park
The vision of the Velebit Nature Park brings together all interest groups and stakeholders in insuring a
higher quality future for both the local community and all stakeholders. All management activities should
be consistent with this vision since it reflects the Park’s purpose and management objectives.
The Nature Park Public Institution, in cooperation with all interested stakeholders, has formulated the
following vision statement:
Velebit is a valuable natural reserve of worldwide importantace which
preserves and improves the natural and cultural heritage and directs the
management and use of natural resources according to the interests and
needs of the local population.
14
The Nature Park’s vision stresses the need and intention of the Public Institution to ensure longterm conservation of the region and its natural resources and cultural heritage by involving the local
community.
Every decision in the Nature Park is made on the basis of this vision statement, and all activities must lead
to achievement of the long-term vision. The following long-term objectives have been set with a view to
achieving the vision:
Preserve and improve the unique karst biological and landscape diversity by facilitating natural processes
and securing protection of the area with negligible human impact.
Cooperate with the local community in planning and implementing local development.
Ensure visitor access to the authentic experience of the Nature Park’s natural value.
The objectives formulated during development of the Management Plan are identical to the original
objectives underlying the Nature Park’s establishment. This pertains in particular to preservation and
protection of nature and the possibilities for visitor education and recreation.
A new aspect introduced by this Management Plan is wilderness conservation as a special feature of the
Nature Park and its potential role as a resource base for sustainable development of the local community
and the latter’s active involvement in conservation and management of the protected area.
Velebit Nature Park is notable for its highly-valuable and diverse landscape, with pristine and unaltered
karst features. Most of the Park has not been actively used over the past several decades, while other
parts were impacted by human activities (e.g. mountain meadows). The Nature Park’s territory will certainly
change with time, but all stakeholders involved in management must ensure that these changes proceed
such that the Park retains its importance, natural value and cultural heritage.
The three fundamental objectives foreseen for the long-term sustainable management of the Nature Park
are:
Conservation – to conserve and reinforce biological and landscape diversity and the cultural heritage
in perpetuity.
Education and recreation – to promote understanding of the importance of conservation and protection
of natural value and enjoyment of the pristine natural environment and other specific qualities of the
Nature Park.
Strengthening the local community – to reinforce cooperation initiated with the local community in
sustainable use of the Park’s natural resources with the objective of local and regional economic growth
and development, ensuring income for the local community and the creation of new jobs.
Village of Ledenik
15
Begovača
16
2. C U R R E N T S I T UAT I O N A N D VA LU E O F V E L E B I T N AT U R E PA R K
17
2. CURRENT SITUATION AND VALUE OF VELEBIT
NATURE PARK
2.1. Institutional and legislative framework
2.1.1. Legislative framework underlying the Management Plan
Nature conservation in Croatia is regulated by a large number of legal instruments. The fundamental
legislation governing the conservation of biological and landscape diversity is the Nature Protection Act
(as published in Croatia’s official journal, Narodne novine, no. 70/05). This law defines the categories of
protected areas, the methods for management thereof, in this regard, and the basic relevant documents.
National parks and nature parks are managed by public institutions established by the Croatian Government. The obligation to draft management plans is stipulated by Article 80 of the aforementioned law. The
management plan is adopted by the public institution’s Governing Board after securing consent from the
Ministry of Culture and technical approval by the State Institute for Nature Protection, for a period of 10
years. Public hearings must be held during development of such plans. The management plan is implemented in practice through annual programs of conservation, use and promotion of the protected area.
Nature Protection Act – Narodne novine, no. 70/05
Article 80
1) Management of strict reserves, national parks, nature parks, regional
parks, special reserves and protected landscapes shall be based on
management plans.
2) The management plan shall be adopted for a period of ten years.
3) The management plan shall specify developmental guidelines, protection
methods, use and management of the protected area, including detailed
guidelines for protection and conservation of its natural values,
respecting the needs of the local population.
4) The management plan shall be binding for all natural and legal persons
engaged in activities within the protected area.
5) 5) Upon the close of a five-year period, implementation of the management
plan and the results achieved shall be analysed and, if necessary, the
management plan shall be revised in the manner and under procedures as
determined for the adoption thereof.
In addition to the management plan and the annual operating programs, the management of a protected
area is regulated by internal regulations which define measures for protection, conservation, improvement
and use pertaining to the protected area.
Besides the Nature Protection Act, during development of this Plan, all effective laws and subordinate regulations and documents governing management of protected areas were taken into account (Appendix 1).
18
2.1.2. Planning instruments in Croatia
The Croatian Parliament proclaims national parks and nature parks and enacts physical pans for special
areas, national parks and nature parks. Physical plans have been mandatory since the 1970s as the core
planning and conservation instrument for protected areas in Croatia. They are developed by the county
physical planning departments which are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environmental Protection,
Physical Planning and Construction. Physical plans encompass the organization, use and purpose of a given
area, as well as the conservation policies for specific areas of parks as well as zoning according to various
types of usages. Since physical plans for protected areas are approved by the Croatian Parliament, they
constitute fundamental legal documents for the management of national and nature parks in Croatia.
Velebit Nature Park does not have a formal Physical Plan. The preparation of sector studies have been
under way over the past three years, and these are a component of the groundwork to development the
Physical Plan. The agency in charge of this groundwork is the Physical Planning Department of the Ministry
of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction, while the coordinating agency for
preparation of the sector studies is Lika-Senj County’s Physical Planning, Development and Environmental
Protection Office. Cooperation between the relevant institutions was set up during development of this
Management Plan to ensure alignment of all conservation-related legal aspects and policies already in the
initial phases.
The expert nature conservation basis for the Physical Plan, which by law is drafted by the State Institute
for Nature Protection in cooperation with the Public Institution and the Ministry of Culture, will ensure
alignment of donations between the Physical and Management Plans.
The information at the Institution’s disposal indicates that preparations will not be resumed in the near
future, nor work on Velebit Nature Park’s Physical Plan, due to the volume of work demanded by such a
project. The development of a physical plan for such an immense protected area must be accorded the
status of a project of national interest.
2.1.3. Responsible ministries and institutions
Nature protection and all activities related to management of the protected areas were under the authority
of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Physical Planning until the beginning of 2004. After public
administration reform in January 2004, all activities related to nature protection were transferred to the
jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture.
The Ministry of Culture, through its Nature Protection Department, is responsible for implementation of
the Nature Protection Act and international conventions governing nature protection, and it coordinates
the protection of species, habitats and landscape diversity, and is responsible for planning sustainable use
of the natural heritage for the future.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction, although not directly involved in the management planning process for protected areas, has great responsibility for the development of protected areas through coordination of preparation of physical plans in close cooperation with
the county physical planning departments and through inspections thereof.
The State Institute for Nature Protection performs expertise-based tasks pertaining to nature protection in
the Republic of Croatia.
Throughout the preparation of the management plan, vital inputs from other ministries and regional and
local governments were taken into account and addressed.
19
2.2. Velebit Nature Park Public Institution
2.2.1. Organizational structure of Velebit Nature Park
The Nature Park is administered by the Public Institution, which performs its operations in three offices in
Gospić (the Institution’s headquarters), Krasno and Obrovac. The Public Institution’s tasks are conservation,
maintenance and promotion of the Nature Park with the goal of protecting and preserving the natural
environment in its original form, ensuring continuation of unimpeded natural processes and sustainable
use of natural resources, and supervision of conservation conditions and measures in the Nature Park’s
territory. According to the Charter of the Velebit Nature Park Public Institution, the bodies of the Public
Institution are: Governing Board, Director and Conservation Manager.
The Public Institution is managed by the Governing Board, in which representatives of local governments
and interested stakeholders sit. The Director organizes and administers the Public Institution’s operations,
and is appointed by the minister in charge of nature protection. The expertise-based tasks pertaining
to management of the protected area are handled by the Conservation Manager. The internal structure,
jurisdiction and operating methods of the Public Institution are governed by the Charter and Internal
Structure and Operating Rules.
In the interest of the Public Institution’s coordinated, professional and systematic performance of activities
in administration of the Nature Park, it is currently divided into five organizational units headed by managers
who are accountable for the operations of each unit within their individual jurisdiction.
The internal organizational units are:
Office of the Director,
Protection, Conservation and Promotion Department,
Marketing Department,
Ranger Service
Technical and Maintenance Department
General and Joint Services Department.
Ravni Dabar
20
The Velebit Nature Park Public Institution’s Internal Structure and Operating Rules also call for the Technical
Service and Maintenance Service with a fire protection unit, but these have not yet been formed.
Office of the
Director
1
Ranger Service
4
Obrovac Office
2
Marketing Department
9
(3-permanent
employees
6-seasonal guides )
Protection,
Conservation
and Promotion
Department
2
Krasno Office
1
General and
Joint Services
Department
1
Accounting
(performed by
Institution’s
secretary general
Fig. 3: Current organizational structure of Velebit Nature Park (September 2007)
Velebit Nature Park Public Institution employs 20 persons (September 2007). Twelve posts are financed via
the Central State Budget, while two (2) employees are financed by the Park’s own revenues. The optimum
situation would be the filling of all posts as systematized in the Internal Structure and Operating Rules.
According to the Rules, the optimum number of employees is 71. The current number of employees is
insufficient given the size of the territory, so that quality management is rendered difficult. The Institution
is in grave need of additional hiring, particularly expert staff (biologists, geologists, foresters, computer
technicians).
2.2.2. Existing infrastructure
Velebit Nature Park Public Institution owns a building and other facilities used for administrative, tourism,
educational or firefighting purposes.
Table 1: Overview of infrastructure owned by the Public Institution
Designation
Description
Headquarters
Construction of new headquarters was, financed under the KEC Project.
Obrovac Office
Offices leased in the Obrovac Community Health Center.
Krasno Office
Offices in the Northern Velebit National Park headquarters (no lease paid).
2 admissions booths
Typical kiosks at entrance to Cerovac Caves
21
2.2.3. Current financial status
To provide a better picture of Velebit Nature Park Public Institution’s finances, Table 2 shows total revenues
and expenditures for the period from 2002 to 2006. The principal sections of the 2006 budget are shown
in Table 3.
Table 2: Annual budgets of Velebit Nature Park over the past five years
Proračun Parka prirode Velebit (HRK)
Year
Own revenues
Central Budget
Other revenues
Total
2002.
47.930
1.371.191
-
1.419.121
2003.
199.797
1.329.290
-
1.529.087
2004.
249.675
1.441.120
-
1.690.795
2005.
324.024
1.582.050
30.655
1.936.729
2006.
396.227
1.843.764
151.521
2.391.562
Table 3: Overview of Public Institution’s revenues and expenses in 2006
Description
Amount (in HRK)
Percentage (%)
2.391.562
100
1.843.764
77,09
396.277
16,57
Concession revenues
57.377
2,40
Revenues from assets
14.369
0,60
Donations
15.000
0,63
Others revenues
64.775
2,71
2.199.968
100
1.281.928
58,27
821.118
37,32
Other operating costs
-
-
Financial expenditures
5.079
0,23
-
-
91.843
4,17
191.593
-
Revenues
Revenues from Central Budget
Revenues generated by own activities
Expenditures
Employees
Supplies, energy and services
Compensation of damages to legal and natural persons
Procurement of non-financial assets
Outlays for financial assets and debt servicing
Revenue surplus
22
2.3. Natural values of protected area
2.3.1. Geology, hydrology and soils
The Velebit area is a typical karst zone characterised by very specific geological, geomorphological and
hydrological features. The bulk of the Park is covered by Jurassic limestone, while smaller or larger surfaces
are partially covered by Pleistocene or Paleogene and, to a lesser extent, Holocene layers. The oldest rock,
from the middle and upper Carboniferous, are found in the vicinity of Brušani, Divoselo and Počitelj, on the
northeast slope.
Besides the structure of its base, over the course of its geological history Velebit’s relief was also influenced
by tectonic movement with the ensuing fault lines effecting the entire relief. In later geological periods,
other natural factors contributed, causing an abundance of karst forms such as scarps, sink-holes, basins,
crests and jutting rocks, as well as caves, caverns and pit-caves. The diversity of the relief is also enriched by
karst depressions, known locally as dulibe or padeži.
Due to their remarkably unique geomorphological features, sections of the Park are specially protected
areas – the Zavratnica significant landscape, the Cerovac Caves geomorphological natural monument and
the Velnačka Glavica paleontological natural monument.
The Public Institution intends to propose areas such as Veliki Kozjak, Mali Kozjak, Begovački kuk, Mlinište,
Dabri, Brušanska dolina, Stapina-Stap, Rujnička kosa, Tulove grede-Prosenjak, Crnopac, the pit-caves
Golubinka, Vrtlina, Mamet, Puhaljka, Bunovac and Munižaba and Šuplja greda for protection in the coming
period.
Dabarski Crests
23
Ogarov Falls on the Zrmanja River
Velebit Nature Park lies entirely within the Adriatic watershed. Significant rivers in the Park are the Lika,
Gacka and Zrmanja. Their watersheds are located in the northeast part of the mountain while their drainage
zones are situated on the coast, from Novljanska Žrnovica in the north to the mouth of the Zrmanja in the
south. The hydrogeological features of the Lika River differ significantly from the features of the Gacka
River. While the Gacka watershed showcases typical karst features with large karst springs, most of the Lika
watershed is characterized by surface or shallow underground flows. The source zone of the Lika River is
in the area of Medak and Mogorić, while in Lipovo polje it disappears underground. Due to its geological
structure, Velebit functions as a barrier so almost half of the massif is drained towards the Lika watershed.
Along the northeastern side of Velebit, numerous karst springs are present such as those in Počitelj,
Divoselo, Brušani and Pazarište, where the left-bank tributaries of the Lika River are formed (Počiteljica,
Novčica, Otešica). As a consequence of less permeable local layers, water springs are present at other parts
of the mountain. The largest of these is in Štirovača. The Park’s territory is home to a considerable aquifer,
and interest in exploiting it is growing.
The Zrmanja River and the springs in Muškovci are used to supply the city of Zadar with water. The natural conditions of the high portion of the Zrmanja’s watershed has been altered, since a barrier was built on the Ričica
River and a retention system prior to the submersion of both rivers in the karst underground. The water is used
for the Obrovac hydroelectric plant, and at tunnel is used to convey it to the level of the Zrmanja River.
Two hydroelectric plants, Senj and Obrovac, were constructed in the Park’s territory. In the case of the Senj
plant, its accumulation system and retention, with the exception of the supply tunnel and actual engine
room in Jurjevo, are located outside of the Park.
The main soil types include: black soil on limestone, rendzina on dolomite, calcocambisol, luvisol and
brunipodsol. Velebit is situated in an area where the process of soil erosion occurs at the among the highest
24
rates in Europe. The top soil is shallow on the limestone and dolomite base, therefore when vegetation is
lost or removed, mountain torrents quickly wash away the soil. Soil erosion is a particular problem in the
Park’s coastal belt.
2.3.2. Climate
The climate on Velebit is influenced by two climatic regions: the Central European and Mediterranean.
Velebit is a barrier between them, separating them vertically and laterally.
The majority of the Park, at altitudes ranging from 400 to 1,200 m, has a continental/alpine climate
characterized by cold and long winters with abundant snow and frost, and cool summers with the average
temperatures in the warmest month below 22° C.
In the montane zone, above 1,200 m, the cold climate dominates with abundant, long-lasting snow.
Precipitation is abundant throughout the year and the driest is the summer season.
The coastal slopes of Velebit are influenced by the Mediterranean climate. Greater distances from the coast
result in a decreasing temperatures, so the average monthly temperature in the peak zone of Velebit can
be 15° C lower compared to seaside temperatures. The temperature difference between the Lika side
and the peak zone of Velebit does not exceed 8° C. The average annual temperature measured at the
meteorology station in Gospić is 8.4° C, and in Zavižan it is 3.5 °C.
The most abundant precipitation in the Velebit Nature Park is recorded in the spring and autumn.
Precipitation is lowest on the coast (around 1,200 mm/year). Its amount increases with altitude – at 900 m
it is above 2,000 mm, while in the peak zone (e.g. Vaganski Vrh) it is to 3,500 mm.
One of the most prominent climatic features of the Velebit area is the astoundingly powerful northern
wind known as the bora or bura, which blows from the continent to the sea. The southern, sirocco wind,
known locally as the jugo, blows most frequently in the summer and autumn. The force of winds generally
increases with the altitude.
Zavratnica Cove
25
2.3.3. Landscape
On Velebit the landscape differences are noticeable in both directions: the northern part is wider,
characterized by more jagged peaks and ridges while the southern part is more narrow and homogenous.
Also, due to extremely strong bora winds, salty sea moisture and human activity (cattle grazing), the
coastal slope of the Velebit is rocky and barren, while the continental slope (Lika side) is forested. Taking
into consideration the size of this mountain, another landscape unit can be distinguished in northern
and middle sections of Velebit: the peak belt which contains an immense wealth of karst relief forms.
from crests, “pillars” and various solitary high jutting rocks to deep karst valleys, pit-caves and other karst
depressions, known locally as dulibe or padeži (of which the best known are Mirovo, Bilenski padež,
Dundovića padež and Lomska duliba) and open mountain grasslands, which create very picturesque
panoramas.
Within the Park, a landscape of exceptional value is certainly Zavratnica Cove, which resembles a miniature
Scandinavian fjord. The cove is 900 m long and between 50 and 150 m wide, with a 100 meter-high canyon.
Because of its beauty Zavratnica has been designated a significant landscape.
2.3.4. Land cover
In the framework of KEC Project activities, a land cover map has been developed at the scale of 1:25,000.
This map shows distribution of each land cover type based on Corine land cover classification. Two sets of
Landsat TM satellite images (spring and autumn 2000) were used to develop this map. This map constitutes
a tool for monitoring of the Park’s development in the forthcoming years.
2.3.5. Habitat types in Velebit Nature Park
As a part of preparations for development of the Management Plan, the Velebit Nature Park habitat map
was made at a scale of 1:25 000. In compliance with the National Habitat Classification, 46 habitat types
were ascertained at classification level III, of which 19 are threatened or rare habitats. Among the threatened
and rare habitat types in the Nature Park, the most common are Dinaric beech/fir forests, subalpine beech
and sycamore maple forests and Dinaric fir forests on limestone blocks. For the purpose of maintaining
favorable conditions for threatened and rare habitat types, all activities under the Management Plan will
be concluded in compliance with the Nature Protection Act (Narodne novine, no. 70/05).
Table 4: Habitat types in the territory of Velebit Nature Park
NHC-code
NHC description
A.1.1.
Permanent ponds
A.1.2.
Seasonal ponds
A.1.3.
Pond banks with no or slight vegetation growth
A.2.3.
Constant waterways
A.2.7.
Waterway banks with no or slight vegetation growth
A.4.1.
Reed beds, bulrushes, high sedge
B.1.
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation growth
B.2.
Gullies
C.2.2.
Central European wetland meadows
26
NHC-code
NHC description
C.2.3.
Central European mesophilous meadows
C.2.5.*
Wetland meadows in sub-Mediterranean vegetation zone
C.3.3.*
Sub-Atlantic mesophilous grasslands and mountain meadows on carbonate soils
C.3.4.
European dry heaths and hard mat-grass fields
C.3.5.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands
C.4.1.*
Mountain turfs
C.5.2.
Forest clearings
C.5.3*
Subalpine and alpine high green vegetation
D.1.2.
Mesophilous greenery and underbrush of continental and only exceptionally coastal zones
D.2.1.
Subalpine juniper stands
D.3.1.
Jerusalem thorn groves
E.2.1.*
Black alder and field ash flood forests
E.3*
Littoral, thermophilous forests
E.3.1.*
Mixed oak/hornbeam and pure hornbeam forests
E.3.2.*
Central European acidophilous durmast oak and common birch forests
E.3.4.*
Central European thermophilous oak forests
E.3.5.*
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush
E.4.2.*
Central European acidophilous beech forests
E.4.5.*
Subalpine mesophilous beech forests
E.4.6.*
Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous beech forests
E.5.2.*
Dinaric beech/fir forests
E.6.1.*
Subalpine beech forests
E.7.1.*
Calciphilous fir forests
E.7.3.*
Spruce forests
E.7.4.*
Scots and black pine forests on dolomites
E.9.2.
Conifer nurseries
F.4.
Rocky seashores
I.2.1.
Mosaics of cultivated fields
J.1.
Villages
J.1.1.
Active rural regions
J.2.
Cities
J.2.2.
Urban residential zones
J.2.3.
Other urban zones
J.3.1.
Areas developed for sports, recreation and leisure
J.4.1.
Industrial and artisan zones
J.4.3.
Surface excavations
J.4.4.
Infrastructure surfaces
*threatened and rare habitats pursuant to the Rules governing Habitat Types, Habitat Maps, Threatened
and Rare Habitat Types and Measures to Maintain Habitat Types (Narodne novine, no. 07/06)
27
The distribution and surface are of individual habitat types in the territory of the Nature Park are
shown on the habitat map at a scale of 1:25,000. For the development of this map, two sets of Landsat
TM satellite images were used (spring and autumn 2000). The map does not present dotted sites. The
minimum mapping surface is 2.5 ha (surface of habitat types – appendix 2).
Legend
<all other values>
Fig. 4: Map of habitats in Velebit Nature Park
28
2.3.5.1. Plant communities
The Park’s territory is characterized by a large number of plant communities and diverse elevation zones.
The vegetation in this area can generally be divided into forest, meadow and rocky terrain communities.
The exceptional and unique quality of Velebit’s plant life is, perhaps more than anything else, characterized
by rock and scree plant communities that grow under extreme conditions. Some representatives of the
Park’s rocky terrain plant life are: roseroot (Rhodiola rosea), Croatian barberry (Berberis croatica), twoflower
violet (Viola biflora), round-leave saxifrage (Saxifraga rotundifolia), mountain avens (Dryas octopetala),
edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) and others.
The Park’s territory is home to numerous protected and endemic plant taxa. 92 taxa specifically endemic
to the Park have been recorded. Among the endemic species, the most notable are the Velebit degenia
(Degenia velebitica), the Croatian rock-cress (Cardaminopsis croatica), the window bellflower (Campanula
fenestrellata), and the Croatian grassy bell (Edraianthus graminofolius var. croaticus), while particular value
has been accorded to tertiary hold-overs such as the Croatian sibiraea (Sibiraea altaiensis ssp. croatica).
The most significant negative trend is associated with the encroaching succession of vegetation in the
areas featuring these types of grassy surfaces due to the absence of human activity. Additionally, the illegal
collection of plants by both amateurs and professionals has been observed. The most endangered taxon
due to illegal gathering is Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra, which requires special measures to ensure
protection and management.
Forest communities
An area under special protection as a forest reserve in the Park is Štirovača. The Public Institution intends to
propose the following areas for special protection: Crni padež, Sunđer and Sunđerac, Veliki Kozjak and Mali
Kozjak, Šatorina, Ljubica, Sadikovac, Budakovo brdo – Velinac – Brizovac – Seline – Bačić kuk, Šugarski kraj,
Visočica, Višerujno – Badanj – Sveto Brdo, Duboke Jasle, Rončević dolac, Borov vrh, Devčić tavani, Ljuljev
dolac, Nadžak bilo and Ramino korito.
The following forest communities are present in the Park:
Downy oak and hornbeam forest and underbrush (Querco-Carpinetum orientalis), E.3.5.1. – the most
important climazonal forest community of the coastal belt.
Hop hornbeam forest and underbrush with autumn moor grass (Seslerio autumnalis – Ostryetum), E.3.5.6.
– grows in cooler climates and is the last vegetation community prior to continental vegetation. These
surfaces are growing at a daily rate due to abandoned pastures and extensive use over the past forty
years.
Black pine and cotoneaster forest (Cotoneastro-Pinetum nigrae), E.7.4.4.
Hop hornbeam forest with heather (Erico herbaceae-Ostryetum), E.7.4.2. – most frequently developed as
a low forest and underbrush. This plant community has great scientific and conservation significance,
developing as a permanent cover on steep slopes.
Jerusalem thorn and buckthorn patches (Rhamno-Paliuretum), D.3.1.1.1. – widespread on the coastal
slops and Dalmatian portion of Velebit; constitutes a degradation stage of downy oak and hornbeam
forests and hop hornbeam and moor grass forests.
Durmast oak and hornbeam forest (Epimedio-Carpinetum betuli), E.3.1.5. – suited to humid climates, at
elevations of 450-800 m/a.s.l.
Black alder forest with white-yellow sedge (Carici brizoidis-Alnetum glutinosae), E.2.1.3. – covers very
small surface (about 10 ha) and subject to flooding (small plateaus, habitats on which water from higher
elevations drains, and areas adjacent to streams).
Beech forest with white viburnum shrubs (Luzulo-Fagetum), E.4.2.1. – primary covers steep, most often
northern slopes at altitudes up to 800 meters.
Maritime beech forest with autumnal moor grass (Seslerio autumnalis-Fagetum), E.4.6.3. – this is a beech
community of high karst, covering rocky plateaus of northern and central Velebit at altitudes above
1,000 m.
Beech forest with giant deadnettle (Lamio orvalae-Fagetum), E.4.5.1. – this is the most important
climazonal community of the montane belt, growing on the northern and central parts of Velebit in the
Nature Park at altitudes above 900 m.
Durmast oak forest with viburnum shrubs (Luzulo luzuloidi-Quercetum), E.3.2.2. – grows in somewhat
warmer climes.
Dinaric beech/fir forest (Omphalodo-Fagetum), E.5.2.1. – extend at altitudes above 800 m.
Sycamore maple forest with perennial honesty (Lunario redivivae-Aceretum pseudoplatani), A.4.4.2.–
occupies small surfaces sporadically (about 10 ha) in secluded depressions in which large quantities of
snow accumulate, abundantly soaking the soil.
Mountain spruce forests with forest agrimony (Aremonio-Piceetum), E.7.3.1. – widespread in broad
depressions with high concentrations of cold air. The assemblages at Štirovača stand out in particular.
Subalpine beech and sycamore maple forest (Polysticho lonchitis-Fagetum), E.6.1.2. – grows at elevations
of 1,100 to 1,650 meters under specific living conditions with abundance of snow, low temperatures,
short vegetation periods and strong winds. Generally encompasses all peaks of northern and central
Velebit.
29
30
Dinaric fir forests on limestone blocks (Calamagrosti-Abietetum), E.7.1.1. – vital to prevention of soil
erosion. Grows on open sunny slopes at altitudes of 1,300 meters, with a protective character.
Subalpine spruce forest with Alpine clematis (Clematido alpinae-Piceetum), E.7.3.4. – grows on steep
stone blocks above altitudes of 1,400 m with large protective significance.
Subalpine spruce forest with Adenostyles (Adenostylo alliariae-Piceetum), E.7.3.3. – protective character,
particularly near peaks, develops on steep, northern, cold and closed sink-holes and dolines under
conditions of high and long-lasting snow.
Dwarf pine and honeysuckle forest (Lonicero borbasianae-Pinetum mugi), D.2.1.1.1. – forms the upper limit
of forest vegetation on Dinaric mountains above altitudes of 1,650 m. It has great significance as it grows
over many steep and rocky terrains containing numerous endemic and rare Croatian plant species.
Forest edges and cut zones
Viper’s grass-alpine clover community (as. Scorzonero villosae-Trifolietum alpestris), C.5.1.2.5. – rare, on the
southern slopes, next to sub-Mediterranean hop hornbeam forests.
Zigzag clover-common agrimony community (as. Trifolio medii-Agrimonietum), C.5.1.3.1. – rare, at the
edges of beech forests
Large Telekietum speciosae community, C.5.2.1.1. – in the beech forest zone along forest roads or cut zones.
Wood-like vegetation in forest clearings (Sambuco-Salicion association), C.5.2.1.3. – bushes of Rubus
idaeus, Sambucus racemosa and Salix caprea growing along forest roads.
Grasslands
Besides forests, also present in the Nature Park are numerous grasslands, which are a seriously threatened
anthropogenic phase of vegetation. The absence or scarce use of grasslands due to a lack of grazing and
mowing is leading to their succession toward the relevant forms of underbrush and forest and the loss of
biological and landscape diversity in the Nature Park.
Moderately moist to wet grasslands
Early meadow oat-grass (as. Arrhenatheretum elatioris), C.2.3.2.1. – generally persists near human
settlements, regularly cut and sometimes fertilized with barn manure; constitutes the highest quality
meadow hay.
Dry grasslands and heath
Narrow-leaf blue grass and carnation grass turf (as. Seslerio tenuifoliae-Caricetum firmae) C.4.1.1.1. –
grows on the exposed and coldest ridges of Velebit’s peaks: Carex firma, Edraianthus graminifolius, Arabis
scopoliana, Androsace villosa, Oxytropis dinarica.
Mountain turf consisting of evergreen sedge and narrow-leaf blue grass (as. Carici sempervirentiSeslerietum tenuifoliae) C.4.1.1.2. – at places less exposed to the wind, on slightly deeper soil.
Mountain turf consisting of Kitaibel’s sedge and alpine rockrose (as. Carici kitaibelianae-Helianthemetum
alpestris) C.4.1.1.3. – the most picturesque of the turfs of the Seslerion tenuifoliae association due to the
abundance of alpine rockrose (Helianthemum alpestre), grows on the skeletal soils of exposed peaks.
31
Mountain turf consisting of Kitaibel’s sedge and Balkan rockrose (as. Carici kitaibelianae-Helianthemetum
alpestris) C.4.1.1.4. – grows on similar habitats as the previous association but at somewhat lower, warmer
positions.
Sharp fescue turf (as. Festucetum bosniacae) C.4.1.2.1. – found within the belt of pre-alpine beech
forests and mountain juniper stands, constituting the most widespread turf on Velebit. Grows in more
sheltered positions than the previous communities and in the summertime it is notable for the variety
of species: Senecio doronicum, Dianthus velebiticus, D. integer, Scorzonera rosea, etc. These surfaces most
often emerged due to human activity, i.e. grazing and mowing, when livestock husbandry was a major
activity on the slopes of Velebit. Depopulation has resulted in the disappearance of traditional animal
husbandry, and these communities are now being overgrown with wood-like shrubs, transforming
them into mountain heaths dominated by Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Juniperus nana or Genista radiata.
Meadows of bromegrass and hoary plantain (as. Bromo-Plantaginetum mediae) C.3.3.1.1. – occupy lower
hilly positions on the continental face of the Park. Even though mowing was gradually halted over
the past twenty years, today this activity is being renewed at some locales, particularly in near human
settlements.
Hard mat-grass fields (as. Nardetum strictae) C.3.4.2. – growing on acidy, deep soil, most often at the
bottom of depressions; dominated by mat-grass itself (Nardus stricta). Other acidophilic species grow
with it: Potentilla erecta, Antennaria dioica etc., although many species of similar grasses from lower
elevations are absent. A considerable expanse can be found at Jezera in Northern Velebit.
Rocky tract pastures of red sedge and yellow knapweed (as. Carici-Centaureetum rupestris) C.3.5.2.1. –
this rich, colorful grass grows in hop hornbeam zones, and reaches the coastal periphery in the Park. It
is characterized by a variety of colors of Centaurea rupestris, Inula hirta, Inula ensifolia, Satureia subspicata
and others. Since they are no longer used as pastures, they are becoming overgrown with shrubbery
and small groves of hop hornbeam.
Heather and grassy bell community (as. Saturejo-Edraianthetum) C.3.5.2.11. – only rare assemblages
in the sub-Mediterranean zone on exceptionally skeletal soils. Recognizable by the species Satureia
montana, Edraianthus tenuifolius, Crepis chondrilloides.
32
Narrow-leaf blue grass and red sedge fields (Seslerio-Caricetum humilis) C.3.5.2.2. – on the boundary
between sub-Mediterranean grassy fields and mountain turf.
Rocky terrain pasture consisting of junegrass and fescue (as. Festuco-Koelerietum) C.3.5.1.1. – a rocky
pasture community of the sub-Mediterranean belt, particularly the seaside slopes of Southern Velebit.
A very rich plant association consisting of approximately 180 species. Since grazing has ceased, it is
being overgrown with bramble bushes in Juniperus oxycedrus assemblages, or also oriental hornbeam
underbrush.
Sub-Mediterranean viper’s grass fields consisting of Scorzonerion villosae associations C.3.5.3. – sometimes
in small basins on the coastal slopes, where deeper layers of tiny soils have gathered.
Genista radiata heaths – appear in the natural vegetation succession when grassy fields become
overgrown.
Juniperus nana and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi heaths – appear in the natural vegetation succession when
grassy fields become overgrown.
Heather heaths (as. Genisto-Callunetum) C.3.4.1.1. – at places on the Lika face.
Brackens – assemblage with Pteridium aquilinum, in Lika.
Water and wetland habitats
Charales (Characeae) communities, A.3.1. – at places in creeks on the edge of Velebit’s Lika face.
Enrooted submerged waterway communities (Ranunculion fluitantis associations) A.3.3.2. – in Ričica and
streams on the Lika edge of the Nature Park.
Large pondweeds (Magnopotamion) community – appear in Štikada Lake and on Babina Lake.
Swamp horsetail and common reed community (As. Equiseto-Scirpetum sylvatici) C.2.2.3.1. – small
surfaces in Baške Oštarije and around Brušani.
Tufted and fox sedge community (as. Caricetum gracilis-vulpinae) C.2.2.4.2. – wet habitats near Brušani
and Trnovac.
Peatlands
The Dinaric basophilic peat cotton-grass (as. Eriophoro-Caricetum paniceae) C.1.1.1.2. – small assemblage
along Ljubica Creek at Oštarije; the white tufts of the cotton-grass are notable in the summer.
Unfortunately, the former peat habitat in Sunđer and Sunđerac disappeared in a natural succession of
vegetation.
Communities of high greenery
Dinaric community of Adenostyles and Austrian viper’s grass (as. Adenostylo-Doronicetum austriacae)
C.5.3.1.1. – found in most caverns between cliffs and also in forests, on moist humus soils, on which snow
remains on the ground. It is characterized by a variety of flowers such as Adenostyles alliariae, Doronicum
austriacum, Cicerbita alpina, Aconitum vulparia, so it is often referred to as the “mountain garden”.
Thistle and wolfsbane community (as. Carduo-Aconitetum) C.5.3.1.2. – rarely present.
Mountain knapweed and victory onion community (as. Centaureo-Allietum victorialis) C.5.3.1.4. – present
in rare cases at the bottom of depressions and pits, dominated by Allium victorialis.
Screes and gullies
Mossy sandwort and white fumewort community (as. Moehringio-Corydaletum ochroleucae) B.1.3.2.2.
– grows on shaded scree and in beech forests, recognized by the species Moehringia muscosa and
Corydalis ochroleuca.
Kitaibel’s primrose and cinquefoil community (as. Primulo kitaibelianae-Potentilletum clusianae) B.1.3.3.1.
– rare on Velebit.
Spleenwort community (as. Asplenietum fissi) – most often the community is found in fissures in solid
rock, consisting of Asplenium fissum, Aquilegia kitaibeli, Cardaminopsis croatica and others.
Meadow-rue and bellflower community (as. Thalictro-Campanuletum fenestrellatae) B.1.4.1.3. –
characteristic of the steep slopes of Velika and Mala Paklenica.
Aromatic fern assemblage (as. Dryopteridetum villarii) B.2.1.1.1. – small associations of aromatic ferns in
gullies.
Mountain Drypis spinosa community (as. Drypetum spinosae) B.2.1.1.2. – more often a gully community
than in Northern Velebit National Park.
Gully with sweet coltsfoot (Petasites paradoxus) B.2.1.1.5.– small assemblages.
Gully with earth chestnut and rocket (Bunio-Iberetum pruitii) B.2.1.1.3. – does not occupy a large surface,
but significant because the endemic species Degenia velebitica grows in it.
Coastal gully with Drypis jacquinia (as. Drypetum jacquinianae) B.2.2.1.1. – sometimes in gullies around
Velika Paklenica.
Ruderal and weed habitats
Ryegrass and broad-leaf plantain turf (as. Lolio-Plantaginetum) I.1.3.1.1. – on well-trod surfaces, on trails,
in yards.
Buckwheat and beggar-tick community (as. Polygono-Bidentetum) I.1.7.1.1. – near settlements.
Tansy and wormwood community (as. Tanaceto-Artemisietum) I.1.4.2.2. – near settlements.
Elderberry community (as. Sambucetum ebuli) I.1.5.1.2. – near settlements.
Cicely and nettle community (Myrrhidi-Urticetum) – rare, along edges of beech forests.
Weed communities of class Stellarietea mediae I.1.6. – in gardens and cultivated fields.
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34
2.3.5.1. Subterranean habitats
Biospeleological research in Velebit Nature
Park began at the end of the nineteenth
century. This overview of caves and pitcaves in Velebit Nature Park includes data
from the relevant scholarly literature and
data from our own research of 58 caves and
similar phenomena, but this certainly does
not reflect the actual and final status – not
until data from all research is obtained. The
most important cave phenomena in Velebit
Nature Park are certainly the Cerovac
Caves at southern Velebit. Other major
cave structures are the pit-caves Vrtlina,
Mamet, Puhaljka, Bunovac and Munižaba.
The map clearly shows that pit-caves are
only located in the national parks, which
certainly does not mean that there are none
in the Nature Park, rather they simply have
not been recorded and mapped. In the
coming period the Public Institution plans
to draft a comprehensive cadastre of cave
phenomena.
2.3.6. Flora
Legend
Park border
Distribution of cave phenomena
caves
pit-caves
Fig. 5: Distribution of cave phenomena in the Park’s territory
Velebit Nature Park doubtlessly encompasses the most important vegetation zone in
Croatia, and it is one of the most significant
centers of plant diversity in Europe. Complex
abiotic and biotic factors in synergy with
events from the more distant and recent
geological past - as well as the more recent
human presence - have led to exceptional,
and internationally recognized, biological
wealth. Numerous citations in the relevant
literature and the voluminous herbaria collected on Velebit have still not been evaluated in their entirety, so that the exact level
of knowledge on this plant wealth cannot
be precisely numerically quantified. Digitization and geo-coding of data from the literature and two principal Croatian herbaria
(known as the ZA and ZAHO) are still under
way, and changes arise every day.
35
Table 5. Concise overview of plant diversity in Velebit Nature Park based on: (1) field research in 2004-2006 under the KEC
Project, (2) data from literature and associated data on the number of endemic and endangered species (Nikolić and Topić
2005), and the number of species covered by the Bern Convention (1979 Annex I and Recommendation 46 of 1996) and the
Habitats Directive (Annexes II, IV and V of 2004) (according Flora Croatica database status in February 2007).
Velebit Nature Park
Species
Species and sub-species
Plants
no.
Total
1,677
Field observations
1,210
Literature consulted
1,021
Total
1,854
Field observations
1,307
Literature consulted
1,103
Endemic species and sub-species (s.l.)
Conventions
Red List status
79
Bern
97
Habitats Directive
15
Total
112
CR
3
EN
13
VU
16
NT
28
DD
28
LC
14
Total (EN+CR+VU)
32
The results of field research conducted from 2004 to 2006 confirmed numerous citations, but the share
of taxa recorded in the field is greater than the number of taxa recorded in the literature consulted. This is
due not only to new finds, but also to the already-stated need for additional analysis of existing sources.
Systematic research so far conducted, however, only covers less than 15% of the Park’s surface, and the
plant life is far from being thoroughly researched and catalogued. In other words, the numbers provided
are only general indicators of the definitive, but as yet unknown wealth. The sub-regions that serve as the
basis for compiling a list of the Park’s plants consist of (1) the plants of Northern Velebit National Park, (2)
the plants of Paklenica National Park, (3) the transect from 16 MTB 1/64 of the field vertically along the
coastline in the Karlobag area, (4) samples from the Štirovača area, (5) the western bank of the Zrmanja
River, and (6) plants at sites at which the status of degenia populations was assessed.
The plant life so far confirmed to exist in the Park consists of 1,854 species and sub-species (from all sources
of data). Given the characteristics and size of the territory, the number of endemic taxa is understandably
high, and accounts for 4.3% of the taxa in the total number of recorded taxa. An exceptional high share of
taxa are protected under international conventions (6%).
The plant life in Velebit Nature Park, like the plant life in the national parks (Northern Velebit and Paklenica)
are classified as top-ranking national resources, and merit treatment as such.
36
2.3.7. Fauna
2.3.7.1. Cave fauna
Biospeleological data exist for 58 caves and similar phenomena have so far been processed, and currently
there are 36 species of cave animals are registered, although further discoveries are expected. Endemic
species from two the national parks in the Velebit region (Northern Velebit and Paklenica) are excluded
from this list, although their occurrence can be expected in the Nature Park Velebit as well.
There is great difference in fauna structures in different parts of Velebit. In northern, central and southern
Velebit different cave fauna can be found and the same applies to Lika, the higher elevations and the coastal
belt. All of these should be treated differently, as separate biogeographic regions. The most explored part is
the highest part of the Park, in contrast to the coastal belt which is almost completely unexplored.
In Velebit Nature Park, 24 taxa have been described at 14 type localities (locus typicus), and 23 are endemic
to Croatia. Among them some are stenoendemic, such as the snail Zospeum pretneri, and species endemic
to Velebit, such as the spider Stalita pretneri in southern Velebit, which is on the Red List of the Republic of
Croatia in Near Threatened IUCN category, and Troglohyphantes roberti roberti, endemic to southwestern
Velebit. In the Park, pseudoscorpions are exceptionally rich in species. Neobisium elegans, Neobisium
velebiticum and Neobisium svetovidi are species endemic to Lika and Velebit. Neobisium stribogi is endemic
to southern and southeastern Velebit, and Neobisium simargli on the southern slopes of Northern Velebit.
The beetles Neotrechus ganglbaueri ganglbaueri, Typhlotrechus bilimeki likanensis, Typhlotrechus velebiticus
velebiticus and Typhlotrechus velebiticus parcestriatus, Redensekia likana likana and Spelaeodromus pluto are
endemic to Lika and Velebit, Leptodirus hochenwarti velebiticus to Velebit, Astagobius hadzii and Astagobius
angustatus vukusici to southern Velebit, the amphipods Niphargus pretneri to southern Velebit, Niphargus
numerus to the Zrmanja Valley, the isopod Monolistra hercegovinensis brevipes to southern Velebit and
northern Dalmatia. The Dalmatian giant pill-bug (Sphaeromides virei mediodalmatina) is found in the
Zrmanja Valley and it is included in the Red List of the Republic of Croatia in the Vulnerable IUCN category.
The decapod shrimp Troglocaris sp. has been found in a cave in Seline that is most probably anhyaline.
Troglocaris agg. anophthalmus is registered on the Red List of the Republic of Croatia as Vulnerable. Outside
the Park boundaries, the following species have been found: new snail from the Acroloxus family in the
area of Jurjevo and stygobiont bivalve (Congeria kuscer) in Markov ponor in the Donji Kosinj in Lika, which
is included on the Red List of the Republic of Croatia in Endangered IUCN category and in Annex II to the
EU Habitats Directive.
Numerous problems have been observed in the territory of Velebit Nature Park. All typical find sites must
be precisely located and placed under immediate protection. Some of them are probably not threatened,
but they are nonetheless in poor condition. They must be revitalized and safeguarded from potentially
devastating influences in the future.
The coastal face of Velebit is the least studied, even though its wildlife is different from that of the
remainder of the Park. This is why the priority should be on research of this territory, especially non-hyaline
sites. Such sites must be placed under special protection. In the future, when tourism and construction
of accommodation facilities are in full swing, sites along the coast are in particular danger of entirely
disappearing due to their use as disposal sites for waste and garbage.
Particular attention must be accorded to all sites near trails and roads.
The Cerovac Caves (Upper and Lower) are standard sites for eight taxa, which indicates high biodiversity
of subterranean habitats in the southern region of Velebit. These caverns are among the most important
cave habitats in the territory of Velebit Nature Park and it will be essential to ascertain their current base
37
condition, i.e. the condition of the cavern eco-system, and then conduct monitoring not less than twice
annually. By the same token, micro-climate measurement posts should be installed in them, to check the
temperature and humidity at the very least. Each year these data should be analyzed and then the cavern
management plan should be adjusted accordingly.
Hydrogeological changes in the Lika region have been vast and they exert a great impact on the devastation
of caverns and caves, particularly for waterborne animal species. It will be vital to ascertain the biological
minimum for water flow in, for example, the Markov ponor swallow-hole, and for other sites.
2.3.7.2. Small terrestrial animals and bats
The boundaries of the Nature Park encompass all of Velebit’s animal species. Out of the total number of 79
registered small terrestrial animals and bats in the Park, 10 species are amphibians, 26 species are reptiles,
23 species are small mammals (insectivores and rodents) and 23 species are bats. Forest species (50%) are
dominant, followed by petrophiles (30%), while typical meadow species account for the smallest share
(20%). In the entire beech and mixed beech/fir forest zones, forest animals are the same small vertebrates,
and the situation is similar in highland meadows.
In zoogeographic terms, there is a significant share of species typical to the eastern Alps and western
Dinaric mountains (Triturus alpestris, Iberolacerta horvathi, Coluber viridiflavus, Sorex alpinus, Chionomys
nivalis, Microtus liechtensteini, Dryomys nitedula, Hypsugo savii, Plecotus macrobullaris), as well as species
specific to the Dinarides, such as Dinaromys bogdanovi and Vipera ursinii macrops. The Park encompasses
all Mediterranean animals found on the coastal slopes up to altitudes of 900 m (Algyroides nigropunctatus,
Podarcis melisellensis, Lacerta trilineata, Pseudopus apus, Testudo hermani, Coluber gemonensis, Coluber
najadum, Elaphe situla, Suncus etruscus, Eliomys quercinus, Apodemus mystacinus epimelas). Along the Park’s
boundaries, from Vratnik to Kuterevo, and along the continental boundary toward thee great karst fields of
Gacka and Lika, some not so typical species for Velebit are found, such as the amphibians Triturus vulgaris, T.
carnifex and Bombina variegata. A potential oasis for these species could formerly be found in the Štirovača
depression, but they have not recently been found. Wetlands hosting the amphibians Rana dalmatina and
Hyla arborea are found in Sunđerac, Baške Oštarije (Ljubica and Crni potoci) and along the Zrmanja River.
Among the typical small terrestrial vertebrates of Velebit, the amphibians Bufo bufo and Triturus alpestris
are common, while Bufo viridis and Salamandra salamandra are much more rare. Among the reptiles in
the central mountain chain (above 1,000 m) only five species occur more frequently: the lizards Anguis
fragilis, Iberolacerta horvathi and Lacerta agilis, as well as the snakes Coronella austriaca, Elaphe longissima,
Natrix natrix and Vipera ammodytes, while the Coluber viridiflavus is found south of Šatorine. Sightings of the
viviparous lizard Lacerta vivipara (a taxon that lays eggs!) are rare. The small lizard Podarcis muralis is present
on the coastal slope, at elevations ranging from 700 up to 1220 m, and on the entire continental slope. As
38
for small mammals, the insectivores Sorex alpinus, S. araneus, S. minutus, Crocidura leucodon, C. suaveolens
and Talpa europea are frequent, as are the rodents Apodemus flavicollis and A. sylvaticus, Chionomys nivalis,
Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus liechtensteini, Glis glis, Dryomys nitedula and Muscardinus avellanarius.
Sightings of the hedgehog Erinaceus concolor are quite rare. A relict population of the Dinaric vole, Dinaromys
bogdanovi, inhabits two mutually isolated sections, southwest of Gornja Klada to Dabarski kukovi and in
the southern and southeastern section of the Park, from the Paklenica National Park to Crnopac.
Among the bats recorded in the central mountain chain, pregnant females were found only for four species
(Plecotus auritus, Myotis brandtii, Rhinolophus hipposideros and Hypsugo savii), otherwise the most common
Velebit species. Only males of the species Barbastella barbastellus and Myotis bechsteinii were found among
the endangered forest species, which indicates that these are their wintering grounds. A nursery colony of
the species R. hipposideros was registered in the attic of the house in Baške Oštarije and in the church tower
in Krasno. As to other species, only males were caught during the summer, most of them in July, when
bats seasonally use alpine and subalpine habitats to hunting arthropods. Among the registered species,
four are typically migratory: Nyctalus leisleri, Pipistrellus nathusii, Eptesicus nilssonii and Vespertilio murinus,
also deemed to use Velebit for wintering. Along the coastal slope, where caves and pit-caves have scarcely
been investigated, there are records of nursery colonies in the caves next to the seashore (Senj, Sveti Juraj,
Jablanac) and along the Zrmanja River (Kudin most, Golubić) for the species Miniopterus schreibersi, Myotis
blythii oxygnathus and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. In the northern part, up to Jablanac, Plecotus austriacus
nursery colonies were recorded in the past in church towers and attics. On the continental face, nursery
colonies of the species Plecotus macrobullaris were recorded in the church tower in Smiljan (outside the
Park’s boundaries) while the species Myotis capaccinii was recorded in the Pećina cave near the source of
the Gacka River (also outside the Park’s boundaries).
Among the recorded species, Annex II of the Habitats Directive lists these bat species: Barbastella
barbastellus, Rhinolophus hipposideros, Rh. euryale, Rh. ferrumequinum, Myotis blythii oxygnathus, M. myotis,
M. capaccinii, Miniopterus schreibersi; the reptiles Elaphe situla and Testudo hermani; and the amphibians
Triturus cristatus and Bombina variegata. In Annex IV, all bats, Muscardinus avellanarius, Dryomys nitedula, the
lizards Algyroides nigropunctatus, Lacerta agilis, L. trilineata, Iberolacerta horvathi, Podarcis melisellensis and P.
muralis, the snakes Coluber gemonensis, C. najadum, Coronella austriaca, Elaphe situla, Vipera ammodytes and
the amphibians Bombina variegata, Bufo viridis, Hyla arborea and Rana dalmatina are listed. Additionally, as
insufficiently known but probably endangered (Data Deficient), the Red List of Croatia includes: Dinaromys
bogdanovi and Plecotus macrobullaris as well Plecotus austriacus as Endangered (EN). The Zrmanja River is
home to the crustacean Austropotamobius pallipes and the bivalve Unio crassus, as well as the following
fish species listed in the Habitats Directive: Alburnus albidus, Aulopyge huegeli, Barbus plebejus, Cottus
gobio and Pomatoschistus canestrini, and the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) also enters the river. It
may still be possible to find what are probably the last indigenous populations of the Croatian ray-finned
fish (Phoxinellus croaticus) at the sources of the Gacka and Lika River tributaries, which use underground
springs as a refuge. The entire Phoxinellus genus is listed in Annex II to the Habitats Directive.
In addition to overall biodiversity conservation in the Park, for all species listed in Annex II of the Habitats
Directive and for all threatened and data deficient species, potential special protected sites must be
foreseen by the Management Plan, while species listed in Annex IV have to be strictly protected.
2.3.7.3. Butterflies
Many butterfly species inhabit the Park, most belonging to the Nymphalidae family. Among them several
are very rare and threatened in Croatia, therefore listed on the Red List of Threatened Plants and Animals of
Croatia as well as the Red Data Book of European Butterflies, such as:
Apollo (Parnassius apollo) – vulnerable (VU);
Large blue (Maculinea arion) – data deficient (DD), found at Jadovno and Bakovac
Mountain blue (Maculinea rebelli) – data deficient (DD), found at Jadovno
Alpine ringlet (Erebia styrius) – only one specimen recorded, other populations in Croatia are critically
endangered (CR)
Marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) – data deficient (DD); recorded in the area of Trnovac and Baške
Oštarije,
Nickerl’s fritillary (Mellicta Aurelia) and M. britomatris – data deficient (DD); recorded in meadows on the
Park’s continental zone
Clouded Apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne) – not threatened but likely to become threatened within a
short time (NT), found at Štirovača area
Silky ringlet (Erebia gorge vagana) – data deficient (DD). This is a Croatian endemic subspecies described
on the basis of a specimen found in the area of Vaganski and Babini vrh
Woodland ringlet (Erebia medusa) – data deficient (DD)
The main threat to butterflies in the Park is loss of their meadow habitats and illegal collection. The latter
threat pertains particularly to attractive species like the Apollo.
2.3.7.4. Birds
So far 257 bird species have been recorded in Velebit Nature Park, out of which 139 species regularly or
temporarily nest in the Park.
Of the nesting birds, 56 are registered on the Croatian Red Lists of threatened Birds (Radović et al. 2004):
3 species are endangered – EN (golden eagle – Aquila chrysaetos, capercaillie – Tetrao urogallus, Bonelli’s
warbler – Phylloscopus bonelli), 6 species are vulnerable – VU (honey buzzard – Pernis apivorus, short-toed
eagle – Circaetus gallicus, peregrine falcon – Falco peregrinus, corn crake – Crex crex, common sandpiper
– Actitis hypoleucos, Eurasian pigmy owl – Glaucidium passerinum), 21 species are near-threatened – NT,
while 26 species are in the ‘least concern’ category – LC.
At the European level, 12 nesting species are vulnerable, 3 species are classified as rare, and 11 species
have declining European populations. Among the nesting birds, 108 are listed in Annex II of the Bern
Convention.
In the Park, 20 species are listed in Annex I of the Directive on Birds nest, and 9 of them (golden eagle –
Aquilla chrysaetos, capercaillie – Tetrao urogallus, Eurasian pygmy owl – Galucidium passerinum, Tengmalm’s
owl – Aegolius funereus, Ural owl – Strix uralensis, corn crake – Crex crex, white-backed woodpecker Picoides
leucotos and three-toed woodpecker – Picoides trydactilus, ortolan bunting – Emberiza hortulana and
Bonelli’s warbler – Phylloscopus bonelli) nest in numbers that have led to Velebit earning the status of vital
39
40
region in the Ecological Network, and its recognition as a potential SPA (Special Protected Area) which
constitutes a component of the EU NATURA 2000 ecological network.
Communities of woodpeckers (Picinae), Ural owls (Strix uralensis), Tengmalm’s owl (Aegolius funereus),
pygmy owls (Glaucidium passerinum) and ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana) have been selected for
monitoring.
2.3.7.5. Large mammals
Three species of large carnivores inhabit the Park, the brown bear (Ursus arctos), lynx (Lynx lynx), wolf (Canis
lupus), as well as the wild cat (Felis sylvestris), badger (Meles meles), jackal (Canis aureus) and fox (Vulpes
vulpes). The presence of otters (Lutra lutra) has also been noted in the In Zrmanja and Lika Rivers. The
number of brown bears in the Park is considerable. Movement of populations and restoration of vegetation
have had a positive impact on its survival, especially on the coastal slopes of Velebit. Wolves, bears and
lynxes use the entire territory of Velebit Nature Park and beyond. Thirty years ago, Velebit was stocked
with chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). The most common of the other herbivores are the roe deer (Capreolus
capreolus), the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), red deer (Cervus elaphus),
mouflon (Ovis Aries musimon) and fallow deer (Dama dama).
2.3.8. Areas under special protection in Velebit Nature Park
Due to particular relief, vegetation and landscape value, individual narrower sections of Velebit have
been set aside and classified according to the relevant protection categories. In 1949, Paklenica National
Park (102 km2) was proclaimed in the southern section of the mountain. After being included in the
international network of biosphere reserves (under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program) in 1978, the
Croatian Parliament proclaimed all of Velebit a nature park in 1981. In 1999, the northern section of the
mountain chain was proclaimed Northern Velebit Nature Park (109 km2), which includes the Hajdučki and
41
Rožanski crests strict reserves, the special Zavižan-Balinovac-Zavižanska (Velika) Kosa botanical reserve
and the Velebit Botanical Gardens on northern Velebit. Besides two national parks within Velebit Nature
Park’s boundaries, other protected sites include the Cerovac Caves geomorphological monument, the
Zavratnica Cove significant landscape, the Velnačka glavica paleontological monuments and the Štirovača
special forest vegetation reserve.
PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK
The territory covering a surface of 96 km2, stretching along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea and up
to the highest peaks of Velebit, Vaganskog vrh (1,757 m) and Sveto brdo (1,753 m), abounds in numerous
natural features and phenomena, which is why it was proclaimed a national park in 1949. This decision is
certainly justified, for this is an area of unique contact between the sea and mountains, rich in beech and
black pine forests, with deep canyons vertically incised into Velebit’s main trunk, karst formations, and a
unique karst relief with numerous caves and pit-caves.
NORTHERN VELEBIT NATIONAL PARK
Northern Velebit National Park was proclaimed in 1999, and the Public Institution commenced operations
pursuant to a directive issued by the Croatian Parliament on September 16 of that year. The territory was
proclaimed a national park due to its remarkable karst phenomena, wealth of life forms and exceptional
natural beauty in such a relatively small area.
The Park’s territory covers 109 km2, and it encompasses the Hajdučki and Rožanski crests strict reserve,
which is a specific geomorphological phenomenon where over 150 pit-caves have been discovered so
far. The best known among them is Lukina jama, one of the deepest in the world, which was discovered
in 1999.
CEROVAC CAVES GEOMORPHOLOGICAL NATURAL MONUMENT
The Cerovac Caves are a major speleological site in Croatia. The Upper Cave is roughly 1,200 m long, while
the Lower Cave is over 2,000 m long. Both caves contain a large number of the most diverse stalactites
and stalagmites, some of which are morphologically unique throughout the Dinaric underground, and
are counted among the loveliest caves in Croatia. Besides the tourist attraction of these caves, they have
provided a wealth of interesting paleontological materials, as well as materials useful to the study of
geology, hydrology and meteorology. The Cerovac Caves are known as one of the largest cave bear sites.
Due to their unique natural beauty and numerous finds and artifacts from the distance past, the Cerovac
Caves were placed under legal protection in 1961 as a geological natural monument, and in 1981 they
became a component of Velebit Nature Park.
ZAVRATNICA SIGNIFICANT LANDSCAPE
Zavratnica Cove was placed under protection in 1964 as a significant landscape. Zavratnica Cove was
formed when a ravine with 100 m high canyon walls was flooded. The cove is about 900 m long, and its
width varies from 50 to 150 m. Its surface area is 459.42 ha. It emerged on Cretaceous layers, which easily
break apart to form numerous screes stopped by escarpments, and the cultivation of trees and shrubs.
Zavratnica is home to 129 plant species, of which 100 autochthonous and 29 are allochthonous.
42
VELNAČKA GLAVICA PALEONTOLOGICAL NATURAL MONUMENT
Velnačka glavica was placed under protection in 1970 as a paleontological natural monument. It covers
an area of 6.7 ha and is located near the village of Brušani on central Velebit, within the Nature Park’s
boundaries. The site features examples of thin Permian limestone layers containing preserved plant and
animal microfossils (a total of 32 species).
ŠTIROVAČA SPECIAL FOREST VEGETATION RESERVE / FOREST ZONE ON CENTRAL VELEBIT
A wealth of diverse inversion vegetation extend in the karst depressions, or dulibe, of Velebit’s peak zone.
Their bottoms are covered in alpine spruce forests, turning into mixed spruce, silver fir and beech forests,
and then subalpine beech forests. An outstanding example of such vegetations is a part of Štirovača,
Klepina duliba, on central Velebit, an old-growth forest of beech and silver fir in the lower part of the
reserve, and the subalpine beech forest in the upper section of the reserve. The reserve’s surface covers
118.5 ha, and it is a remainder of the former old-growth forests in Štirovača. It was placed under protection
in 1965 as a special forest vegetation reserve.
2.3.9. Ecological Network in the territory of Velebit Nature Park
In Croatia, the Ecological Network is stipulated by the Nature Protection Act. This is actually a system of
mutually linked or spatially proximate areas of ecological significance that are vital to threatened species
and habitats. Their biogeographic balance considerably contributes to the conservation of the natural
equilibrium and biological diversity. In compliance with the EU’s NATURA 2000 ecological network, ecological
network areas are classified as areas important to wild tax and habitat types (potential SACs – Special Areas
of Conservation) and internationally important bird areas (potential SPAs– Special Protection Areas). Within
the ecological network, its components are linked by natural or artificial corridors. An ecological corridor
is an ecological component or series thereof which enables movement of live organism populations from
one site to another.
In compliance with the mechanisms specified in the EU Habitats Directive, the Nature Protection Act
stipulates that parts of the ecological network can be protected as specially protected areas or by means
of management plans, and also by means of procedures to evaluate the acceptability of any undertaking
that may be harmful to nature.
The territory of Velebit Nature Park is entirely encompassed in the Ecological Network, and it includes the
following areas:
1. Important areas for wild taxa and habitat types
The entire territory of Velebit Nature Park has been designated as an important zone for wild taxa and
habitat types. Within this zone 54 areas have been ascertained, of which 25 are dotted sites.
Table 6: Areas important to wild taxa and habitat types in the Ecological Network within the boundaries of Velebit Nature
Park. (*-priority habitat; #-internationally significant area =potential Natura 2000 area).
Area code
Area designation
HR2000013 #
Lower Cerovac Cave
HR2000014 #
Upper Cerovac Cave
HR2000017 #
Čavle Cave
43
Area code
Area designation
HR2000041 #
Ivina Pit-cave
HR2000044 #
Pit-cave above Kugina kuća
HR2000064 #
Source of the Krupa River
HR2000143 #
Cave at Mrkvište
HR2000150 #
Cave at Starigrad Paklenice
HR2000192 #
Vranovinski Sink-hole
HR5000197 #
Vrtlina Pit-Cave
HR2000302
Ledenica
HR2000307
Modrič Cave
HR2000334
Štirovača 1 sink-hole
HR2000362
Štirovača 2 sink-hole
HR2000550 #
Krug
HR2000641 #
Zrmanja River
HR2000857 #
Nadžak bilo
HR2000858 #
Štiorvača
HR2000859 #
Klepina duliba
HR2000860 #
Ramino korito
HR2000861
Sadikovac
HR2000862
Visočica
HR2000863 #
Large and small Kozjak
HR2000865 #
Rončević dolac
HR2000866 #
Šatorina
HR2000867
Wetland meadows adjacent to Ljubica Stream
HR2000868 #
Velinac – Bačić kuk – Brizovac – Soline – Budakovo brdo
HR2000869
Tulove grede
HR2000870
Duboke jasle
HR2000874 #
Krupa
HR2000877
Tisovac
HR2000960
Peat bog adjacent to Ljubica Stream
HR2000975
Wetland meadows at Štirovača
HR2000976
Sunđerac
HR2000977 #
Sunđer
HR2001003 #
Prikinuto brdo – Velebit degenia habitat site
HR2001013 #
Gračac Field
HR2001101 #
Devčića tavani
HR3000032 #
Ivanča Cove
HR3000031
Sveti Juraj –Lisac Islet
HR3000033 #
Malin Cove; Duboka Cove
HR3000034 #
Zavratnica Cove
HR3000035 #
Krivača Cove
HR3000036 #
Vrulja Cove
HR3000037 #
Jurišnica Cove
HR3000048
Modrič Cove to Cape Tanki
HR3000049
Plantaža Spring
HR3000047 #
Novigrad and Karin Sea
HR3000266 #
Cave at Pećine Cove
HR3000276 #
Sea cave in Velika draga
HR3000283 #
Šibuljina 1
HR3000284 #
Šibuljina2
HR5000022#
Velebit
44
2. Important international bird areas
Based on an assessment made by the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts Ornithology Department, this
area has been evaluated as an area of broader international importance for the birds of Velebit (Table 7).
Table 7. Important areas for birds in the Ecological Network within the boundaries of Velebit Nature Park. (*-priority habitat;
#-internationally significant area =potential Natura 2000 area)
Area code
HR1000019 #
HR1000021 #
HR1000022 #
Area designation
Gorski Kotar, Primorje and Northern Lika
Lika karst polje
Velebit
Velebit Nature Park
Ecological Network Map
Boundaries of Velebit Nature Park
Important areas for wild taxa and habitat types
- dotted sites
Important areas for wild taxa
and habitat types
Fig 6. Ecological Network within the boundaries of Velebit Nature Park
45
2.4. Sustainable Natural Resource Management
2.4.1. Hunting
Out of 34 state-owned hunting grounds, ten
are completely within the boundaries of the
Park and six partially. In addition, there are
four common hunting grounds that are under the jurisdiction of the relevant Counties.
One of them (Baške Oštarije hunting ground)
is completely situated in the Park, while the
other five have only a small portion of their
territory within the Park. Hunting grounds
within the Park are shown in Fig. 7.
Hunting grounds are managed in accordance
with the existing guidelines for game management. Hunting and attracting animals
with food, water and other means is forbidden in the zone of 300 m from the boundaries of the national parks within the Velebit
Nature Park (Northern Velebit and Paklenica).
Legend
Park boundaries
Hunting grounds
Poaching has been observed in the Nature
Park on the “green bridges” of the ZagrebSplit high-speed motorway that serves as
an animal crossing. Another problem that
has been noted is the inappropriate installation of feeding sites (on live trees, as well
as unregulated baiting sites), as well as the
construction of hunting observation posts
on live trees.
2.4.2. Forestry
Fig. 7: Hunting grounds in Velebit Nature Park
The forests cover 110,494 ha of the Park’s
surface. They are mostly publicly-owned
and managed by Croatia’s national forest
management company, Hrvatske šume,
within which local forest authorities operate
(Forest Authority – Gospić Chapter, 75,542
ha, Forest Authority – Senj Chapter, 28,103
ha, and Forest Authority – Split Chapter,
6,849 ha). Forest Authorities are divided into
forestry offices, and these are further divided into management units, which in turn
consist of sectors and sections. There are 11
forestry offices with 65 management units
operating within the Park.
46
Managed forests cover 81,017 ha and constitute one of the most important commercial branches in the
wider Park area. Beech, fir and spruce are the common species.
Protective forests are excluded from the commercial activities and no operations whatsoever are conducted
in them. Mostly these are forests growing on very steep terrain, on rocky ground and coastal slopes. Their
basic function is soil protection as well as protection of unaltered ecosystems, so they are vital from a
conservation standpoint. These forests cover 29,133 ha of Velebit National Park.
Special-purpose forests cover 344 ha, and these consist of seedling stands and special forest vegetation
reserves. Private forests cover 4,192 ha of the Park. These are mostly enclaves and semi-enclaves within
public forests, found at the periphery of settlements. Some of this area encompasses abandoned fields
which are slowly succumbing to natural forest succession.
The total lumber inventory is 16,018,463 m3, while the annual total available for the cut is 231,040 m3.
2.4.3. Recreational fishing
The Public Institution organizes recreational fishing on the waters within the boundaries of Velebit Nature
Park (Zrmanja, Ričica and Opsenica Rivers, Štikada, Sveti Rok and Muškovci Lakes). Fishing has been
permanently banned for a distance of 1 km downstream from the source of the Zrmanja River. The Faculty
of Natural Science and Mathematics in Zagreb is conducting ichthyological research of the water systems
in Velebit Nature Park. The results of this research will contain data and scientific knowledge that will form
the basis for the formulation of protection measures and criteria, maintenance, conservation and use of
recreational fishing zones within Velebit Nature Park.
2.4.4. Quarries and borrow pits
According to a control inspection conducted by the Inspections Department of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Physical Planning and Velebit Nature Park’s Ranger Service in 2002, the quarries and
borrow pits in the Park’s territory used until then by the firm Hrvatske šume to construct and maintain their
old logging roads are no longer in use.
According to the Lika-Senj County Physical Plan, two industrial stone extraction sites are foreseen in the
Park’s territory: Mišev panj and Popovača 42, which would be used to extract industrial stone to meet the
needs of the Park and Hrvatske šume. Besides these extraction sites, the firm Hrvatske šume intends to use
materials obtained during construction works for the bypass and transit loop to cover and maintain roads
for forestry trucks.
The rehabilitation of quarries and borrow pits in the Park’s territory no longer in use must be done for both
safety and aesthetic reasons. The quarry and borrow pit rehabilitation project must also entail biological
rehabilitation and cultivation of autochthonous vegetation at each specific location.
The expansion that will occur during rehabilitation must be stabilized and set aside as extensions for
parking and passing lanes, although the areas undergoing biological rehabilitation must be designated
and physically separated.
Time limits must be set on rehabilitation to acceptable deadlines necessary to rehabilitate quarries and
borrow pits at various locations within the Nature Park.
Any possible surplus material that emerges during rehabilitation must disposed of at permissible locations,
and used exclusively to repair forest roads.
Until the completion of quarries and borrow pits, they must be physically separated from the road in the
interest of safety.
47
2.5. Population and cultural heritage
in Velebit Nature Park
2.5.1. Population
According to the 2001 census, the human
population living in the 61 settlements in the
Park’s territory is 9,775. The most populated are
coastal settlements (3,987 or 40.8%), followed
by the peripheral Lika settlements (2,956 or
30.2%) and the peripheral settlements near
the Zrmanja River (1,819 or 18.6%), while the
least populated are in the Park’s peak zone,
the so-called Velebit settlements (1.013 or
10.4%). In the 1991-2001 period, the number
of Park inhabitants decreased 42%. Most
of the settlements faced depopulation but
the greatest loss of inhabitants occurred in
peripheral settlements near the Zrmanja River
and in Lika. These areas were most exposed to
the adverse impact of the recent war.
The age structure in the Park, in its four major
settlement belts and 93% of settlements,
indicates the features of deep aging. Currently,
there is a sufficient number of active residents
(4,867 people were registered in 2001, mostly in
the coastal and peripheral Lika settlements), but
with rather unfavorable structural characteristics
to satisfy the needs of future development.
The Park’s habitation structure is dominated
by small (160 inhabitants on average) and
scattered settlements (with an average of
nine sections). Approximately 60% of the
settlements has less than 100 inhabitants and
almost 25% have less than 15. If coastal and
peripheral settlements near the Zrmanja River
are excluded, Kuterevo (634 inhabitants) and
Krasno Polje (535 inhabitants) are the largest
“genuine” Velebit settlements.
Legenda
Park boundaries
County boundaries
Municipal boundaries
Boundaries of cadastral
municipalities
Fig. 8. Administrative boundaries of settlements in Velebit
Nature Park
Traditionally, forestry and hunting, as well as
gathering of medicinal herbs, mushrooms,
forest products, etc. were the main activities
of the local population. In the Park forestry is
still one of the principal activities, along with
agriculture (livestock husbandry and farming)
and tourism. Horse breeding is also present
sporadically on the coastal slopes.
48
The Park acknowledges the active involvement of the local population in the Park’s management as one of
its priorities. Currently, local people benefit from the Park mostly in terms of employment. Also, the number
of visitors has increased and tourism has been enhanced, partially due to the Park’s presence. Thus, local
establishments offering accommodations and hospitality benefit as well. Additional opportunities for local
involvement are seen in the development of sustainable tourism (traditional accommodations, traditional
cuisine, traditional souvenirs, production of local food and other products, recreation, e.g. bicycle rentals)
and additional full-time or part-time employment (for example as guides, assistant workers).
2.5.2. Cultural heritage
The centuries of settlement and active life on Velebit have left the traces in architecture, road construction,
sacral buildings and cultural monuments.
The most significant, already historical, roads of Velebit are: the Karlovac-Senj road, known as the Josephine,
the Gospić-Karlobag road with two sections known as the Theresian Road and the Caroline Road, as well
as Sveti Rok-Obrovac road, known as the Master’s Road (open in 1832), which is the first modern road link
between Dalmatia and continental Croatia.
The peak areas of the northern and central parts of Velebit, from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije, are connected
with by the famed 57 km long Premužić trail, built in the period from 1930 to 1933. This trail is deemed a
masterpiece of stacked stone construction due to the quality of craftsmanship and the fact that it fits into
the environment so well.
The traditional architecture of Velebit is reflected in the construction of the summer lodges, residential
structures that satisfied the needs of seasonal migration of shepherds and their livestock between the
coast and the mountain, and in the construction of sacral buildings that mostly follow the fashion of a
summer lodge and have only one room. Some of the most interesting sacral buildings on Velebit are the
Church of St. Rocco in Radlovac, the Church of St. Helen in Mlinište, the Church of St. Francis in Potprag in
the foothills of Tulove grede (southern Velebit, by the Obrovac-Sveti Rok road), the Church of the Visitation
of St. Elizabeth in Baške Oštarije, the Church of St. Peter, Starigrad-Paklenica, the Church of St. Mark below
Crnopac, the chapel in Jadovno and the chapel above Stremenik. The unbreakable ties between the
people and Velebit are also kept alive through the traditional visits to the votive churches of the Shrine of
the Madonna of Krasno and the Church of the Madonna at Veliko Rujno.
49
Among other cultural sites and monuments, the mirila should be pointed out - these specific grave stones
placed near Velebit’s paths that represent unique and permanent traces of Velebit’s culture, and the socalled ‘Written Stone,’ an epigraph monument dating back to the fourth century, the “Emperor’s Spring”
fountain and numerous prehistoric sites, underwater archeological sites, necropolises, old burgs and
fortresses, mills and watermills, stone wells and drinking troughs.
Many of these features of the cultural heritage are no longer used, abandoned and inevitably falling into
ruin.
2.6. Visitors and tourism
Primarily due to its size, the Velebit Nature Park does not have defined entrances and exits. At several locations admission passes are sold, since there are specific tourist attractions there (e.g. rafting on the Zrmanja
River, visits to Zavratnica Cove with a partly built interpretative trail, expert guidance on the Theresian
Learning Trail and the geology educational trail that stretches from the village Brušani to Baške Oštarije, the
Cerovac Caves, bicycling trails and several other interesting and accessible sites). The registered number of
visitors is therefore based on the number of admission passes sold. The actual number of visitors is much
higher than this, but the Public Institution has no accurate data on visitor numbers or it has no data at all.
In the summer of 2004, a survey of visitor needs, expectations and satisfaction was conducted. A total
of 65 visitors were interviewed. The results indicated that most visitors were exceptionally satisfied
with the pristine landscapes (77%), the protection status of the Park (60%) and the cuisine (60%). The
lowest satisfaction was expressed regarding accommodations, presentation of the cultural heritage and
accessibility (see Fig. 9).
High
Medium
Percentage
Low
Intact landscape
Flora and fauna
richness
Cultural values
Gastronomy
Accomodation
Fig. 9: Visitor satisfaction on different aspects of the Velebit Nature Park
Variety
of activities
Protected areas
Accessibility
50
During 2004, the Nature Park was visited by approximately 12,000 visitors, of whom most come in organized
groups under the supervision of a guide and Park staff. Generally only hikers and mountain-climbers, who
come in smaller groups of 3 to 10 persons, visit the Park unsupervised.
A comparison of the years in which the number of visitors was recorded by means of admissions passes
sold (2002-2006), the largest total number of visitors was registered in 2006.
In comparison to 2005, the increase in the total number of visitors is 53.2%, and this is tied to the opening
of the new visitor reception building in the Park at the Lower Cave of the Cerovac Caves.
In terms of individual activities, nature schools have recorded the highest growth, 28.3%, which indicates
that guided education in combination of nature schools are becoming a recognizable component of visits
to the Nature Park.
Organized visits also account for a considerable increase in the number of visitors (55.6 %). Guided tours
are an additional category to monitor the number of visitors, which the Institution entered into its for the
first time in 2005, wherein the number of visitors is recorded by means of bookings through travel agencies
operating in the Park. These agencies, besides reporting the number of visitors, are also obliged to send
their guides to one-day training courses on Velebit Nature Park’s natural and cultural attractions so that
they can properly present it to their clients.
Table 8. Number of admission passes sold in Velebit Nature Park, 2002–2006
Year
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Total
493
14,084
12,497
14,355
21,994
The presentation hall in the Headquarters Building in Gospić is equipped to provide information to visitors
on the entire Park through a series of information displays.
There is a small souvenir shop near the presentation hall, where visitors and hall users can view or purchase
Park souvenirs.
There is an official information counter at the Hotel Velebno in Baške Oštarije, which is regularly supplied
with promotional and educational materials.
To make the Lower Cerovac Cave suitable for visits, a guide service in Gračac has been organized and
an information counter opened at the cave’s entrance, which is also supplied with promotional and
educational materials, and Park souvenirs. There are two portable toilets near the information counter.
The new Headquarters Building in Gospić includes a visitors’ center and a presentation hall.
The most frequently visited sites in the Park are Zavratnica Cove, the Cerovac Caves and possible activities
in the Park, including hiking, photo-safaris, filming, bicycling, touring caves (e.g. the Cerovac Caves),
recreational fishing, rock climbing and mountain-climbing, rafting, canoeing and skiing (Baške Oštarije,
Krasno).
There is a difference between coastal and continental tourism in the Park. Due to the steeper shores,
sharper climate and meager vegetation, the Velebit coastal belt is less developed for tourism than the
neighboring Kvarner and Northern Dalmatia, while in the continental section, the best developed tourism
area is that surrounding the Gacka River.
In Velebit’s peak zone, the only accommodations can be found in mountaineering buildings (mountain
lodges, cottages and refuges). Most hotels and motels are located in the coastal section, as well as camps,
51
even though currently there are two camps in Ljubotić and in Baške Oštarije. Private accommodations are
also available in the Park.
Legend
Cycle trail
Ski
Cave
Sport fishing
Climbing
Bicycle trail
Premuzic Trail
Info Point
Rafting
Premuzic Trail
Nature park border
Rafting
National Park
Fig. 10: The Park’s tourism infrastructure
Southern Velebit
52
3. F U N D A M E N TA L PA R K M A N A G E M E N T O B J E C T I V E S
53
3. FUNDAMENTAL PARK MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
Based on the Park’s vision and an assessment of the Park’s biological, geomorphological, socio-economic
and tourism resources, the objectives and measures for conservation natural resources and the cultural
heritage have been elaborated and these form the core of the Management Plan.
This Plan is valid for ten years, and is subject to revision after five years. The details of planned activities
in different zones will be covered by specific action plans, which are separate documents, with different
timetables, which will be revised and updated during their implementation. Implementation of these
management policies will reflect transparency and openness, public participation, education and
interpretation, partnerships, international cooperation, action plans, monitoring, and research.
During development of the Plan, an entire series of stakeholders were involved by means of individual
meetings, consultations, workshops and panel discussions, tourism studies and surveys were conducted,
biological inventories were taken and deliberations were held within the Nature Park. All issues identified
as relevant were taken into account during formulation of objectives and measures.
3.1. Objectives and measures
3.1.1. Biodiversity
Objective:
Maintain the existing high level of biodiversity
3.1.1.1. Forests
Objective:
Maintain the natural conditions of forest communities and secure protection of valuable
communities
Measures:
• Conduct protection and registration of valuable and type localities of forests into noncommercial zones, but with strict monitoring in compliance with biosphere reserve guidelines.
• Make management contingent upon conservation of endangered species and their habitats.
Indicators:
Increased extent of surfaces of natural and non-managed forests.
3.1.1.2. Grasslands
Objective:
Conserve Velebit’s grasslands
Measures:
• Establish intense cooperation with owners of grasslands and secure incentives for mowing and
grazing.
• Specify the most valuable grasslands and draft conservation action plans.
Indicators:
Regularly managed and maintained grasslands of special importance in satisfactory condition.
54
3.1.1.3. Water ecosystems
Objective:
Preserve water ecosystems
Measures:
• Maintain the high quality of all waterways and prevent all pollution.
• Establish cooperation with national water management company during all activities on or
near waterways.
• Regulate and limit recreational activities on waters (including fishing).
• Conduct active protection measures for indigenous brook trout and crayfish.
Indicators:
Unchanged physical and biochemical parameters of water.
3.1.1.4. Subterranean habitats
Objective:
Preserve the subterranean natural value of Velebit
Measures:
• Develop Management Plan for Cerovac Caves.
• Strictly supervise access to pit-caves and caves and register all speleological activities.
Indicators:
Velebit’s subterranean habitats protected in compliance with regulations.
3.1.1.5. Mountain barrens
Objective:
Preservation of mountain barrens and their biodiversity
Measures:
• Secure ongoing and systematic monitoring chasmophytic vegetation.
• Plan implementation of fire protection measures.
• Designate new climbing routes exclusively in cooperation with the Public Institution, with
adherence to strict criteria.
Indicators:
Vegetation of mountain barrens remains in existing condition.
3.1.2. Cultural heritage
Objective:
Maintain and protect all aspects of the cultural heritage and its suitable presentation
Measures:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Indicators:
Traditionally valuable buildings/facilities are preserved or renovated.
Encourage use of traditional materials and construction methods.
Specify priority buildings and implement the appropriate formal protection.
Renovate select buildings based on established priorities.
Systematically designate all valuable buildings and place them on display.
Actively participate in various events (“Autumn in Lika,” etc.).
Encourage development of registered brands for local artisan products and secure assistance in
marketing.
• Conduct educational programs for visitors and schools.
• Encourage traditional carpentry.
55
3.1.3. Sustainable natural resource management
3.1.3.1. Forestry
Objective:
Consistently monitor all forestry activities with particular emphasis on implementation
of forest rules of order throughout Velebit Nature Park.
Measures:
• In compliance with law, implement systematic cooperation with the relevant ministries, forest
management bureaus and forestry offices in developing forest management baselines and
implementation of all management plans.
• Conduct regular supervision of forestry activities by examining conservation conditions,
securing continuous and unimpeded access to the entire Park by the Park Management (keys
to access road gates, etc.).
• Secure delivery of one copy of all forest management baselines to the Public Institution
immediately after their adoption.
• Secure delivery of annual management plans to Public Institution immediately after their
adoption.
• Endorse traditional forest use methods, particularly at high-elevation zones.
• Renovate existing unused forestry buildings for the purpose of Park visits.
Indicators:
All forest activities arranged with the Public Institution in compliance with the Management Plan’s
objectives and measures.
3.1.3.2. Agriculture
Objective:
Maintain existing agriculture and encourage its revitalization, particularly with
reference to traditional techniques.
Measures:
•
•
•
•
Indicators:
Increased use of Velebit’s territory for agriculture.
Encourage cultivation of old crops and breeds.
Develop commercial brand for indigenous, local Velebit products.
Uphold direct marketing of local products.
Conduct promotional campaigns for agriculture and educational work (e.g. in schools, at
“Autumn in Lika”, etc.).
3.1.3.3. Hunting
Objective:
Systematically monitor all hunting management activities, and set guidelines for
management of wild game.
Measures:
• Create the legal foundations for partnerships with hunting zones to develop a hunting
management baseline and develop joint projects (e.g. chamois, capercaillie, golden eagle,
grouse, etc.).
• Secure systematic protection of nesting areas and habitats of rare and endangered birds of prey
(establish crests area as protected zone).
• Establish coordinated joint supervision of hunting.
• Secure through the Ministry of Culture/Nature Protection Department the delivery of all
hunting management baselines immediately after their adoption and hunting quotas
and annual plans to the Public Institution (delivery of annual hunting management forms
immediately after the end of the hunting year).
Indicators:
Management of wild game through the territory of Velebit Nature Park based on uniform criteria
in compliance with conservation measures.
56
3.1.3.4. Fishing
Objective:
Consistently monitor all fishing with particular emphasis on protection of endemic fish
species
Measures:
• Create legal foundations for cooperation with the relevant ministries and recreational fishing
associations.
• Secure development of ichthyological research to serve as the basis for conservation measures
and criteria, maintenance, preservation and use of recreational fishing waters in the Park.
• Conduct regular supervision of fishing waters in the Nature Park.
• Secure systematic protection of endemic, rare and endangered fish species.
Indicators:
Preserved and restored fish stocks in Velebit Nature Park.
3.1.4. Tourism and recreation
Objective:
Facilitate quality visits, experiences and interpretations of Velebit to all visitors within
the limits of carrying capacity
3.1.4.1. Visitor management
Objective:
Facilitate visits to the Park with quality reception, information and supervision.
Measures:
• Specify carrying capacity for individual sites (Cerovac Caves, Zavratnica Cove, Theresian
Learning Trail, Dabarski crests mountain-climbing zone, Štikada, Ričica and Zrmanja recreational
fishing zones, rafting/canoeing zones on the Zrmanja, Krupa and Krnjeza Rivers, Premužič Trail,
Velebit Hiking Trail, bicycling trails, etc.).
• Continually and systematically monitor visitor numbers and trends.
• Set up information points at individual sites in the Nature Park, info-panels in hotels, etc.
• Develop a system to mark all trails.
• Restore Premužić Trail and place it under protection (as protected development or something
else).
Indicators:
Functioning visitor system in Velebit Nature Park.
3.1.4.2. Education and interpretation
Objective:
Quality visitor education on the value of Velebit by means of modern methods of
experiencing and interpretation.
Measures:
•
•
•
•
•
Indicators:
All visitors to Velebit Nature Park able to enjoy quality education and interpretation.
Introduce quality education through a minimum of two visitor presentation centers.
Set up and mark thematic learning trails.
Conduct nature schools.
Offer guided interpretation tours.
Organize educational lectures in regional schools, observation of important dates tied to
conservation (Park Day, Water Day, Nature Protection Day, etc.).
57
3.1.4.3. Accommodation and services
Objective:
Improve the quality of hospitality and accommodation services with particular reference
to nurturing traditional values (local cuisine, traditional buildings, traditional activities,
etc.).
Measures:
• Inform and educate stakeholders in the Nature Park’s territory.
• Educate stakeholders on the possibility of making their products eco-friendly.
• Establish close cooperation with the tourism sector, agencies and tourism boards and vendors.
Indicators:
Quality services in compliance with European and environmental standards.
3.1.4.4. Marketing and publicity
Objective:
Promote all of Velebit on the wider tourist-generating markets (particularly at the
international level).
Measures:
•
•
•
•
•
Indicators:
Velebit is a recognizable and properly valued tourist destination.
Participate in international and domestic tourism fairs.
Develop various information materials.
Improve cooperation with local and regional tourism boards.
Improve cooperation with travel agencies and tour operators.
Provide information via the media (informative programs, shooting of popular films, publication
of scholarly and popular articles, etc.).
• Devise typical Velebit souvenirs.
• Hold presentations for agencies and potential service users.
3.1.5. Local population
Objective:
Maintain the local population where it still exists and improve living conditions in
compliance with the area.
Measures:
• Enhance cooperation with the local population and include the population in various activities
in the Nature Park (e.g. as game wardens, guides, etc.).
• Hold regular meetings with the local population and stakeholders.
• Launch an info-bulletin on the Nature Park for the local population.
• Offer assistance to the population during project development.
Indicators:
Existing local population actively cooperating with the Public Institution.
3.1.6. Infrastructure
Objective:
Strict implementation and monitoring of nature conservation conditions in all
investment and enabling activities.
Measures:
•
•
•
•
Indicators:
All investments in the Park’s territory implemented in compliance with effective legislation and
Velebit Nature Park’s objectives.
Establish close cooperation with investors in infrastructure planning and development.
Close and rehabilitate existing illegal dump sites (e.g. Senj, Karlobag, Starigrad, etc.).
Introduce waste collection system in all Park locales.
Implement educational work with population and local schools pertaining to waste.
58
3.1.7. Research and monitoring
Objective:
Systematic and continuous research with the objective of better management and
conservation of the natural and cultural heritage.
Measures:
•
•
•
•
Indicators:
Systematic increase in knowledge of natural and cultural values.
Establish ongoing cooperation and logistical support to research institutions.
Establish a monitoring system and continually monitor conditions in the field.
Periodically publish scholarly works in cooperation with the Nature Park.
Develop action plans for individual types or sites.
3.1.8. General
3.1.8.1. Title to land
Objective:
Regulate property rights in the territory of Velebit Nature Park.
Measures:
• Ascertain actual title in the field and organize land registers.
• Identify essential tracts and sites and purchase them.
Indicators:
Property rights are clear and settled.
3.1.8.2. Park boundaries
Objective:
Ascertain and designate clear boundaries for Velebit Nature Park.
Measures:
• Measure Park boundaries by means of land surveys.
• Develop a model to mark the boundaries and conduct marking.
Indicators:
Clearly defined boundaries for Velebit Nature Park linked to cadastral lots.
3.1.8.3. Legal regulations
Objective:
Establish legal regulations tied to the Park and consistently observe laws.
Measures:
• Employ a lawyer in the Public Institution.
• Establish cooperation with the relevant ministries during alignment of laws and subordinate
legislations.
• Clarify the use of waters from the Nature Park.
Indicators:
Clear legal regulations and procedures tied to Velebit Nature Park and a functioning Public
Institution.
3.1.8.4. International cooperation
Objective:
Enhance the international importance of Velebit as a region of global significance
Measures:
· Establish cooperation with similar parks in neighboring countries and implement joint projects.
Indicators:
Established permanent cooperation with a minimum of three protected areas and cooperation in
international gatherings.
59
3.2. Zoning concept
Velebit Nature Park is divided into several different zones based on natural value, distribution and needs of
the local population and management needs. The types of zones and their characteristics were defined in
a workshop in which staff from different Croatian parks participated. The classification is based on the IUCN
classification of protected areas. Areas of high natural value with little need for management have been
proclaimed strict conservation zones. Active conservation zones are those demanding special management
techniques to preserve their value. Areas of lower natural value with a great need for management are
deemed usage zones.
3.2.1. Zoning in Velebit Nature Park and management by zones
Zoning in Velebit Nature Park is based on the values described in the second chapter, on appreciation of the
problems and proposals ascertained during public hearings and on plans for local tourism development.
Under Velebit Nature Park’s zoning, existing special forest vegetation reserves (e.g. around Štirovača), areas
that the Institution plans to propose for conservation in the coming period, and some uncut forest tracts,
have been set aside as very strict conservation zones with minimum human intervention (1b),1 where
research and visits may be conducted under Park supervision.
Most of the Nature Park’s territory consisting of various semi-natural or anthropogenic grassland, various
managed forest ecosystems and plantations requiring active management for improvement or revitalization as well as relict forest communities, have been designated active conservation zones (2a), where visits
and development of tourism infrastructure are regulated. Maintenance of meadows is envisaged through
mowing or grazing incentives and will be defined through an action plan. An action plan will be also developed in order to define the active management of rare or specific forest communities.
Capercaillie mating grounds and a 200 m radius around them have also been designated active
conservation zones (2b), where active management is envisaged (when necessary) in order to conserve
viable capercaillie populations.
Zone around settlements, buildings, agricultural land, orchards and degraded private forests used for fuel
wood have been designated usage zones (3a). In such zones, organic and traditional farming based on
specified capacity for local needs is allowed without use of artificial fertilizers or chemicals.
Areas used intensively for recreation and tourism, such as the recreational fishing zones around Lake
Štikada and the Zrmanja River, the Cerovac Caves, the Dabarski crests climbing area or the ski slopes at
Baške Oštarije and in Krasno, as well as Zavratnica Cove have been declared tourism and recreation zones
(3b), where visits must be regulated by specific action plans according to the ascertained carrying capacity
for various locations in the area. In addition, strict control and monitoring of visitor flows will be enforced.
The surface area of individual zones is shown in Table 9 and Fig. 11-12.
1
Under the KEC Project, besides the core zones, the accompanying sub-zones have also been defined. Strict conservation zones (1)
encompass these associated sub-zones: (1a) strictest conservation zones, and (2b) very strict conservation zones. With due consideration
for natural value and management needs, there are no strictest conservation zones (1a) in Velebit Nature Park.
60
Table 9. Areas of various management zones in Velebit Nature Park.
Zone
Total (ha)
Percentage
9,221
5.0
172,149
92.4
170
0.1
3,109
1.7
1,437
0.8
186,084
100
Zone 1 – Strict conservation zone
1b) Very strict
conservation zones
· Special forest reserves (e.g. Štirovača), areas the Institution
intends to propose for conservation, and forests without roads
or trails
Zone 2 – Active conservation zones
2a) Active habitat
conservation zone
2b) Active species
conservation zone
· Various grassland;
· Managed forest ecosystems and plantations, relict forest
communities
· Capercaillie mating grounds and 200 m radius around them
Zone 3 – Usage zone
3a) Settlement zone
· local settlements with nearby farmland and forests
3b) Recreation and
tourism infrastructure
zones
· Štikada Lake, Zrmanja River, Cerovac Caves, Theresian Learning
Trail, climbing-sites, ski slopes at Baške Oštarije and Krasno and
Zavratnica Cove
TOTAL
1.b – Very strict conservation zone
2.a – Active habitat conservation zone
2.b – Active species conservation zone
3.a – Settlement zone
3.b – Recreation and tourism infrastructure zones
Fig. 11: Graph indicating the percentage of the total Park area covered
by each management zone
61
Fig. 12: Zoning in Velebit
Nature Park
Legend
Park border
62
3.2.1.1. Zone 1 – strict conservation zone
Zone 1b – Very strict conservation zone
Legend
Park border
Slika 13. Zone 1b - very strict conservation zone
63
Type: Zone 1b-very strict protection zone
Description: This zone encompasses a special forest reserves (e.g. Štirovača), areas the Institution intends
to propose for conservation, and forests without roads or trails which are not actively managed.
Criteria: Valuable and preserved ecosystems that emerge by means of natural processes and centuries of
human activity under natural succession.
Objective: Conservation of natural value and monitoring of natural processes.
Permitted activities: Surveillance, monitoring, research, limited visits. Minimum intervention to improve
the visitor system (installation of benches and arrangement of viewpoints, installation of educational and
interpretative facilities).
Visitor access: Individual visits possible, although visitors must remain on trails/in areas clearly marked
and intended for touring and visits with Park supervision. Minimum visitor infrastructure for education and
interpretation.
Klepina duliba
64
3.2.1.2. Zone 2 –active conservation zone
Zone 2a/2b – Active habitat/species conservation zone
Legend
Park border
Slika 14. Zone 2a/2b - Active habitat/species conservation zone
65
Type: Zone 2a – active habitat conservation zone and zone 2b – active species conservation zone
Description: This zone encompasses grasslands, managed forest ecosystems and plantations, relict forest
communities and capercaillie mating grounds on north and central Velebit.
Criteria: Areas requiring intervention for the purpose of ecosystem conservation and/or restoration.
Objective: Conservation and biological and landscape diversity and monitoring of natural processes.
Permitted activities: Surveillance, monitoring and/or research, forestry, hunting, cultivation, grassland
maintenance (mowing and grazing), intervention to improve the visitor system (installation of benches
and arrangement of viewpoints, installation of educational and interpretative facilities).
Visitor access: Visits possible, although visitors must remain on trails/in areas clearly marked and
intended for touring and visits with Park supervision. Minimum visitor infrastructure for education and
interpretation.
Dulibica, Central Velebit
66
3.2.1.3. Zone 3 – usage zone
Zone 3a – Settlement zone
Legend
Park border
Slika 15. Zone 3a - Settlement zone
67
Type: Zone 3a – settlement zone
Description: This zone encompasses settlements and their environs, narrower areas around buildings,
transportation infrastructure, farmland, orchards and degraded private forests. This is also the zone in
which economic activities are conducted.
Criteria: Areas of permanent settlements and frequent visiting.
Objective: Conservation of diversity of habitats created by centuries of human activity, and monitoring
of natural processes.
Permitted activities: Surveillance, monitoring and/or research, forestry, hunting, cultivation, meadow
maintenance (mowing and grazing) and other economic activity. Activities (consultation, financing
programs, education, programs to revitalize traditional activities) aimed at development of sustainable
tourism through cooperation with local communities. Intervention to improve the visitor system (installation
of benches and arrangement of viewpoints, installation of educational and interpretative facilities).
Visitor access and tourism: Possibility of individual and organized visits, although visitors must remain
on trails/in areas clearly marked and intended for touring and visits. Tourism product aligned with
sustainable tourism and environmental standards (eco-tourism, rural and agrarian tourism). Visitor and
tourism infrastructure for the purpose of education and interpretation.
Krasno
68
Zone 3b – Recreation and tourism infrastructure zone
Legend
Park border
Slika 16. Zone 3b - Recreation and tourism infrastructure zone
69
Type: Zone 3b – recreation and tourism infrastructure zone
Description: This zone encompasses areas intensively used for tourism and recreation, such as the
recreational fishing zones at Štikada Lake and the Zrmanja River, Zavratnica Cove, Cerovac Caves, the
climbing site at Dabarski crests or the ski slopes at Baške Oštarije and Krasno.
Criteria: These are areas frequently visited, characterized by longer visitor stays.
Objective: Secure quality amenities for Park visitors with maximum conservation measures and compliance with environmental standards.
Permitted activities: Surveillance, monitoring and/or research, forestry, hunting, cultivation, meadow
maintenance (mowing and grazing) and other economic activity. Development infrastructure and
sustainable tourism services and facilities (learning trails, visitor center, picnic areas, recreational zones,
camps and accommodation with eco-friendly organization) in compliance with environmental standards
and receiving capacity for individual locations.
Visitor access and tourism: Individual and organized visits and recreation in compliance with carrying
capacity for individual locations.
Ascent to Debelo Brdo (Baške Oštarije)
Cerovac Caves
70
4. I M P L E M E N TAT I O N O F M A N A G E M E N T P L A N
71
4. IMPLEMENTATION OF MANAGEMENT PLAN
4.1. Links to other planning documents
The physical plan is the fundamental legal document for management of protected areas in Croatia. Over
and above protected areas, plans are also continually prepared at the county and national levels, and
after the standpoints adopted at public hearings are aligned, they are enacted by the Croatian Parliament.
Physical plans are generally adopted to cover ten year periods. Until the enactment of the Nature Protection
Act in 1994, physical plans were the only legal documents that governed land use in protected areas. Today
at the park level they specify the fundamental conditions for land use, define the conditions for activity in
both developed areas and the natural environment - concentrating primarily on recreation, tourism and
housing and transport matters - and provide a platform for activities to be defined by the Management
Plan.
The basic management activities for protected areas foreseen by the Physical Plan are:
Interpretation and breakdown of the county plan at the local level,
Specification of oversight of development and planning activity application, and
Prevention of unrestrained developmental activities within the Park.
Alignment between the Physical Plan as the fundamental legal document and the Management Plan as
a strategic document and basis for management and conservation activities is crucial to zoning in the
Park. In the Physical Plan, zoning is set forth according to the principal objectives of preservation and use
purposes, while in the Management Plan it is defined in greater detail due to conservation management
moves and measures in each zone.
The Physical Plan thus indicates “where and what,” while the Management Plan additionally specifies
the operative aspects of protected area management, particularly those pertaining to conservation and
protection of biodiversity. Consultations with the relevant physical planning departments at the national
and county levels tied to the Management Plan for Velebit Nature Park were conducted at the very first
planning stages, to prevent any potential conflicts.
Besides physical plans, there is a series of other documents (strategies, plans and programs) covering
the fields of tourism, agriculture, water, forest, etc. at the national and/or county level, which influence
the subsequent implementation of the Management Plan. All existing documents were taken into
consideration during development of the Management Plan.
4.2. Action plans
The Nature Protection Act stipulates that the Management Plan is valid for ten years, and that it is reviewed
after five years. However, to ensure feasibility, short-term (one year) or medium-term action plans must be
developed to deal with specific priorities in management of the Nature Park. Action plans are an integral
component of management plans, and these constitute very concrete management documents, which
ensue from the defined strategic management objectives and measures for the Nature Park. Acton plans
thoroughly define the activities, timetables, and human and financial resources needed to implement
them.
72
During formulation of the fundamental management objectives of the Velebit Nature Park, thirteen priority
action plans were identified which the Velebit Nature Park Public Institution will carry out in the 2008-2017
period. This list of action plans does not cover all problem areas that will emerge in the Park over the
coming years, but it will, as needed, be expanded. Action plans will be implemented through the regular
annual Velebit Nature Park Protection, Conservation, Maintenance, Promotion and Use Program. Besides
the four completed Actions Plans, the Public Institution will elaborate the nine remaining action plans in
detail over the next two years.
Table 10. List of Action Plans
Action plans
Objective: Conservation of biological and landscape diversity
1. Capercaillie (Tetrao urgallus L.)
2. Development of plan to preserve chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) on Velebit
3. Monitoring forest ecosystems and development of Forest Ecosystem Conservation Program
4. Grasslands – protection, conservation and management
5. Plan to supervise access to and use of caves and biospeleological phenomena with specified priorities
Objective: Visitor system development
6. Comprehensive regulation of the Cerovac Caves complex
7. Reconstruction of the Premužić Trail and adaptation to visitor needs of Velebit Nature Park
8. Organization of Velebit Nature Park visitor and information center in Baške Oštarije
9. Plan for systematic information and interpretation
10. Development of mountain lodge network all along Velebit
11. Recreational tourism development plan (mountain climbing, rafting, extreme sports, hang-gliding, etc.)
Objective: Active public participation in the Public Institution’s activities
12. Development of strategy for public participation in the Public Institution’s activities
Objective: Protection and preservation of the cultural heritage
13. Cultural heritage inventory
4.2.1. Overview of priority action plans
During preparation of the Management Plan, the following priority action plans with specified objectives,
principal activities, timetables and cost estimates were identified:
4.2.1.1. Biological and landscape diversity
Action plan: Capercaillie (Tetrao urgallus L.)
Objective
Ensure long-term survival of this largest forest grouse in Croatia, which is capable of
survival in terms of quantity and quality, for the most harmonious possible coexistence
with humans.
Principal activities
Research and monitoring, habitat conservation, hunting, forestry, cooperation,
education, tourism, tracking results, revision.
Budget
HRK 330,750
Timetable
5 years
73
Action plan: Development of plan to preserve chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) on Velebit
Objective
Development of plan to preserve chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) on Velebit in
cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.
Monitor situation, preserve habitats, conservation, cooperation, education.
Budget
HRK 220,500
Timetable
10 years
Action plan: Monitoring forest ecosystems and development of Forest Ecosystem Conservation Program
Objective
Preparation of activity tables to monitor and conserve forest ecosystems.
Development of Forest Ecosystem Conservation Program, protection, monitoring,
control of succession, habitat preservation.
Budget
HRK 183,750
Timetable
10 years
Action plan: Grasslands – protection, conservation and management
Objective
Protection, conservation and management of grasslands on Velebit.
Encourage regular mowing, grazing, procurement of funds (securing donations,
written projects) to maintain grass-covered surfaces, cooperate and conclude
agreements with landowners through continuous work by the Public Institution.
Budget
HRK 73,500
Timetable
10 years
Action plan: Plan to supervise access to and use of caves and biospeleological phenomena with specified
priorities
Objective
Draft plan to supervise access to and use of caves and biospeleological phenomena
with specified priorities.
Research, data analysis, development of cave register.
Budget
HRK 367,500
Timetable
5 years
4.2.1.2. Visitor system
Action plan: Comprehensive regulation of the Cerovac Caves complex
Objective
Comprehensive regulation of the Cerovac Caves complex.
Development of project documentation; settlement of title issues; reconstruction;
organization of entrance; installation of moisture and temperature measurement
points; design and produce markers; removal of graffiti; display cases; preparation of
monograph; preparation of promotional materials; development of typical souvenir;
scientific research.
Budget
HRK 4,270,350
Timetable
6 years
74
Action plan: Reconstruction of the Premužić Trail and adaptation to visitor needs of Velebit Nature Park
Objective
Reconstruction of the Premužić Trail and adaptation to visitor needs of Velebit Nature
Park
Execution of all groundwork for reconstruction of Premužić Trail; maintenance of Trail;
legal protection of Premužić Trail; supervision of commercial activities near the Trail;
construction of a shelter at the midway point of the Trail in the Nature Park; creation
of unique markers on the Trail; renovation of existing water basins; arrangement of
viewpoints and rest-stops; education of visitors on Velebit’s natural and cultural value;
publicity and information.
Budget
HRK 1,896,000
Timetable
6 years
Action plan: Organization of Velebit Nature Park visitor and information center in Baške Oštarije
Objective
Organization of Velebit Nature Park visitor and information center in Baške Oštarije
Settlement of property rights pertaining to old school in Baške Oštarije; draft project
documentation; reconstruction of visitor center; landscaping around visitor center;
equip interior; link center to Theresian Learning Trail; organize accommodations for
volunteers, rangers and assistants.
Budget
HRK 3,454,500
Timetable
3 years
Action plan: Plan for systematic information and interpretation
Objective
Establishment of a system of activities, determination of priorities and constant
obligation of comprehensive (research, tourism) educational informing of the public
on the value of Velebit Nature Park.
Regularly update educational/interpretive facilities at the most frequented locales in
the Park; ascertain and designate new locales; organize presentation centers (Cerovac
Caves, Baške Oštarije); form and maintain info-points in hotels, agencies, etc.; draft
promotional and educational materials (fliers, brochures, guides, almanacs, etc.).
Budget
HRK 220,500
Timetable
10 years
Action plan: Development of mountain lodge network all along Velebit
Objective
Establishment of criteria for regulation of mountain accommodation facilities (shelters,
cottages, lodges) on Velebit.
Launch initiative vis-à-vis relevant ministries to set criteria for regulation of
accommodations in Croatia’s mountain zones (shelters, cottages, lodges); establish
oversight system for set criteria; ascertain financing sources for works and actual
method to install plumbing in buildings that are the focus of this action plan; ascertain
methods to secure commitments from each building’s caretaker to maintain plumbing
installations.
Budget
HRK 36,750
Timetable
5 years
75
Action plan: Recreational tourism development plan (mountain climbing, rafting, extreme sports, hanggliding, etc.)
Objective
Establishment of types of recreational tourism that can develop on Velebit, zones and
locations of this type of tourism and criteria for organization.
Define activity sites and zones; conduct research (nesting zones, habitats of endemic,
rare and endangered plant and animal species, etc.); install basic equipment at sites;
designate sites and zones (educational/informative panels, guide-posts); create
accompanying promotional materials, estimate capacity for defined zones/sites to
develop recreational tourism.
Budget
HRK 73,500
Timetable
3 years
4.2.1.3. Public participation
Action plan: Development of strategy for public participation in the Public Institution’s activities
Objective
Develop concept for active public participation in Public Institution’s activities
Cooperate with all stakeholders (population, various associations, institutions, etc.)
through joint projects; launch bulletin to inform public of the Public Institution’s
activities; organize meetings with stakeholders; create informative fliers on specific
topics tied to the problems of living in the Park.
Budget
HRK 36,750
Timetable
10 years
4.2.1.4. Cultural heritage
Action plan: Cultural heritage inventory
Objective
Preservation and nurturing of the Park’s cultural heritage.
Identify the most important cultural monuments; in cooperation with the relevant
institutions (conservation department), determine activities in the sense of preserving
cultural monuments; designation of sites with educational panels; establish sites as
tourist attractions (through learning trails, guided tours, etc.); draft appropriate, unique,
typical souvenirs (e.g. “Written Stone”, cube, mirila).
Budget
HRK 110,250
Timetable
5 years
76
4.3. Financial aspects and cost estimate
According to the Nature Protection Act, financing conservation and preservation of natural values of
international and national significance is secured through the central state budget. The same applies to
financing of Velebit Nature Park, in compliance with the needs specified in the annual operating plan,
albeit within the scope of budgetary constraints.
Additional funding to finance conservation may be generated by the Park itself, by collecting charges for
the use of natural resources and protected areas through the sale of admission passes and/or by means of
a concessions system.
Over the past several years, Velebit Nature Park has been incorporated in projects and programs financed
by national and international institutions (e.g. World Bank/GEF in the case of the KEC Project). Since action
plans are separate projects in and of themselves, the Nature Park will use them to secure additional funding
from international and national endowments and donations.
An estimate of the total funds needed to implement the Management Plan for the 2008-2017 period is
shown in the table 11.
77
Table 11: Tentative budgetary requirements for Velebit Nature Park for the 2008-2017 period.
2008.
2009.
CURRENT OPERATING COSTS (HRK)
1,000,000 1,050,000
Staff costs
2010.
2011.
Year
2012.
2013.
2014.
2015.
2016.
2017.
1,102,500
1,157,625
1,215,506
1,276,282
1,340,096
1,407,100
1,477,455
1,551,328
Supplies and services
Description
Procurement of nonfinancial assets
Other costs
Total
ACTION PLANS (HRK)
Comprehensive
regulation of the
Cerovac Caves complete
750,000
787,500
826,875
868,219
911,630
957,211
1,005,072
1,055,325
1,108,092
1,163,496
200,000
210,000
220,500
231,525
243,101
255,256
268,019
281,420
295,491
310,266
50,000
2,000,000
52,500
2,100,000
55,125
2,205,000
57,881
2,315,250
60,775
2,431,013
63,814
2,552,563
67,005
2,680,192
70,355
2,814,200
73,873
2,954,911
77,566
3,102,656
2008.
2009.
2010.
2011.
2012.
2013.
2014.
2015.
2016.
2017.
735,000
735,000
735,000
735,000
735,000
595,350
1,249,500
1,470,000
735,000
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
36,750
573,300
441,000
294,000
294,000
147,000
147,000
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
220,500
18,375
18,375
18,375
18,375
18,375
18,375
18,375
18,375
18,375
18,375
183,750
Organization of Velebit
Nature Park visitor and
information center in
Baške Oštarije
Capercaillie (Tetrao
urgallus L,)
Reconstruction of
Premužić Trail
Preservation of chamois
(Rupicapra rupicapra) on
Velebit
Monitoring forest
ecosystems and
development of Forest
Ecosystem Conservation
Program
Total
4,270,350
3,454,500
330,750
1,896,300
Grasslands – protection,
conservation and
14,700
14,700
14,700
14,700
14,700
73,500
management
Plan to supervise access
to and use of caves
and biospeleological
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
367,500
phenomena with
specified priorities
Cultural heritage
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
110,250
inventory
Development of strategy
for public participation
22,050
7,350
7,350
in the Public Institution’s
36,750
activities
Plan for systematic
information and
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
22,050
220,500
interpretation
Development of
mountain lodge
7,350
7,350
7,350
7,350
7,350
36,750
network all along Velebit
Recreational tourism
development plan
29,400
22,050
22,050
73,500
(mountain climbing,
rafting, extreme sports,
hang-gliding, etc,)
Total
1,583,925 2,679,075 2,759,925 2,017,575 1,098,825 834,225
91,875
84,525
62,475
62,475 11,274,900
CURRENT OPERATING COSTS + ACTION PLANS (HRK)
2008.
2009.
2010.
2011.
2012.
2013.
2014.
2015.
2016.
2017.
Overall total
3,583,925 4,779,075 4,964,925 4,332,825 3,529,838 3,386,788 2,772,067 2,898,725 3,017,386 3,165,131
78
4.4. Monitoring
The Management Plan will be implemented over a period of 10 years, during which an entire series of
monitoring activities will be carried out to ensure that the objectives of the Plan are met. Monitoring entails
the ongoing observation of changes in the environment (habitats, populations, species indicators) and
assessment of management activities within the Plan. Based on the data recorded through monitoring,
the achievements of the Plan can be assessed and specific corrective actions be taken. Adaptive
management loops must be created between field actions, monitoring measurements, checking against
expectations and adjusting future actions, with each reiteration of activity based on past experience and
new information.
Monitoring activities can be classified into different types, according to the level of monitoring:
Monitoring Management Plan activities.
Monitoring visitor numbers and satisfaction.
Monitoring landscape changes.
Monitoring selected taxa.
In addition, specific monitoring activities are incorporated into the action plans to ensure that the objectives
of the action plans are met and to allow for adjustments if necessary.
Visočica
79
4.4.1. Monitoring Management Plan activity status
The best instrument to monitor performance is the annual operating plan and the annual report, since they
contain all Public Institution activities. Once the Management Plan is approved, the annual operating plan
should be structured to comply with it and contain a list of activities tied to objectives, measures and action
plans as specified in the Management Plan, with an indication of the estimated resources to accomplish
these activities (staff and finances). At the end of the year, when the annual report is produced, the same
structure is applied, with indication of the activities actually carried out and the resources expended.
Over the course of a few years, these reports will constitute an ideal instrument to assess the degree
to which the Management Plan’s objectives and measures are achieved and the funds expended for
implementation thereof.
4.4.2. Monitoring visitor numbers and satisfaction
In 2004, a study was conducted under the KEC Project to assess the visitor perceptions of the Park.
Questionnaires were developed for the study, and the results were tabulated into a database. The
information provided through this first survey was used in the preparation of this Management Plan.
The study will be repeated in five years in order to assess the changes in visitor perceptions as a measure
of visitor satisfaction. Additional comments provided by Park visitors proved very useful in identifying
possible issues which should be addressed by the Park’s management in the future.
4.4.3. Monitoring landscape changes
The conservation objectives and measures set forth in this Management Plan have an impact on the
landscape. A measure of its effectiveness can be achieved by comparing land cover areas in and around
the Park over time.
As a part of Management Plan preparations, a land cover map at a scale of 1:25.000 has been produced
according to the first level of Corine land cover classification and based on two sets of Landsat TM satellite
images in 2000 (spring and autumn). The results of satellite image analysis were then converted into
GIS polygon themes. The repetition of land cover mapping over five and ten year lapses using the same
methodology will facilitate observation of changes in the medium and long terms. Combined with more
detailed field research, it will improve the understanding on how the Park’s habitats are developing.
4.4.4. Monitoring selected taxa
In addition to the two “office” monitoring methodologies specified above, the Park will conduct field
monitoring that can be easily implemented on a regular basis by the current staff, following a coordinated
methodology. These activities are:
Counting traces of large mammals along the transect. A transect crossing the Park should be
defined and followed periodically, recording the position, type and number of large mammals traces
found. The transect should be monitored once or twice annually under identical conditions and,
preferably, the same staff.
Bird monitoring along the transect. In the implementation of the KEC Project, an inventory of
birds was conducted throughout the Park, and a monitoring methodology was defined for corncrake,
woodpeckers and owls. This monitoring activity should be implemented on a regular basis with strict
adherence to the proposed methodology.
80
Cave and pit monitoring. One of the current problems in the karst area is waste dumping in caves
and pit-caves. In order to assess the impact of environmental education on the local population in
and around the Park, a selected number of caves and pit-caves near settlements should be monitored
regularly and the amounts of waste found should be recorded and disposed.
In order to facilitate monitoring activities, the KEC GIS system will provide the necessary data to record and
analyze the different parameters recorded in monitoring activities. The KEC Information System has been
set up for parks participating in the KEC Project to store and analyze all biological, environmental, social
and economic data on the Nature Park. This system will be the main tool to compare indicator data over
space and time, and evaluate the results against the objectives and strategies set forth in this Management
Plan and in the action plans.
Through user-friendly data entry forms, all information will be entered by the Park staff or by the scientists
engaged in monitoring of plants and animals as authorized by the Public Institution. All entered data will
be geo-referenced through GPS readings, allowing for spatial analysis and representation of the results on
maps. The same data can be used for general monitoring purposes on the national or regional level.
4.5. Adaptive management
Management planning is an ongoing process. As situations change over time and new information
becomes available, it is essential that the Management Plan be reviewed to ensure that it is addressing
current needs and to ensure that it remains relevant and applicable to evolving situations.
The review process is periodic (one to five years) and is used to determine the extent to which overall
objectives and results have been achieved. It should also identify the reasons for success or failure and
areas for improving the plan, including redefining goals and objectives, reviewing policy alternatives and
management practices.
The Nature Protection Act requires a formal review of the Plan every five years to assess whether the
objectives have been achieved and to revise management policies where appropriate. The five-year review
should ensure that the strategic direction is still relevant to the current conditions, e.g. available resources,
potential threats, land use trends and prevailing social and economic circumstances. The review may result
in the continuation of the Plan, amendments to sections or a complete overhaul.
Normally the Plan will be reviewed on annually, when the operating plan and annual report are being
developed, when achievements are set against the targets of the previous annual plan. Most of the
objectives are long-term and cannot be achieved in a single year.
81
4.6. Cooperation between the Nature Parks and other parks
of Velebit
Velebit Nature Park encompasses Northern Velebit National Park and, in the south, Paklenica National Park.
This is a unique instance among Croatian parks. All three parks are under the authority of the Ministry of
Culture. Each park is simultaneously managed by a separate public institution.
Cooperation between the parks has been exemplary so far, although it has been observed that cooperation
can nonetheless be improved, particularly in the following areas:
The Velebit mountain as a UNESCO biosphere reserve (Man and Biosphere Program);
Joint marketing efforts to promote Velebit to the domestic and worldwide public;
Supervision of the entire region (poaching, visitors, etc.);
Joint monitoring programs;
Creation of joint tourism products (mountain trails, bicycling trails, etc.);
Coordination of scientific research programs;
Protection of large mammals and other species (e.g. capercaillie, griffon vulture, etc.).
In the interest of improving cooperation and coordination between Velebit’s parks, meetings of directors,
conservation managers, chief rangers and heads of publicity departments will be organized every three
months. Organization of these meetings will be mandatory components of annual park operating plans.
Dražice, Krasno
82
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Agriconsulting: Smjernice za izradu Plana upravljanja. Projekt očuvanja krških ekoloških sustava (IBRD/GEF TF N 050539 HR).
Republic of Croatia, Ministry of Culture, 2005.
Bočić Neven, Speleološka istraživanja srednjeg Velebita, Park prirode Velebit i Speleološko društvo „Karlovac“; 2004.
Bognar Andrija, Prelogović Eduard et al., Geomorfologija-geomorfološke-speleološke značajke Parka prirode Velebit.
State Institute for Nature Protection, Crveni popis ugroženih biljaka i životinja Hrvatske, 2004.
State Institute for Nature Protection, Crvena knjiga sisavaca Hrvatske, 2006.
State Institute for Nature Protection, Crvena knjiga ptica Hrvatske, 2003.
State Institute for Nature Protection, Crvena knjiga vaskularne flore Hrvatske, 2005.
Faber Aleksandra, M.S., Nada Dujić-Kowalsky, Preliminarna studija zaštite kulturno-povijesnih vrijednosti prostora Parka prirode
Velebit.
Grubešić Marijan, Krapinec Krešimir, Divljač i lovno gospodarenje na području Parka prirode Velebit.
Jalžić Branko, Bedek Jana, Roman Ozimec, Živi svijet Cerovačkih špilja, 2006.
Kolak Tatjana, Pregled stanja arheološke istraženosti Cerovačkih špilja i preporuke, 2006.
Lay Vladimir, Sociološka studija o pojavi divljih kamenoloma, njihovoj sanaciji i procesu sprečavanja nastajanja novih.
Lay Vladimir, Sociološka studija o zbrinjavanju otpada i procesu izgradnje konsenzusa stanovništva glede odabira lokacije
sanitarnih deponija.
Lukač Gordan, Ptice gnjezdarice i endemične biljne vrste stijena i litica srednjeg Velebita, Park prirode Velebit, 2003.
Mayer Darko, Bilanca voda za prostor Parka prirode Velebit, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petrology;
2003.
Pejnović Dane, Demografska obilježja i naselja Parka prirode Velebit.
Sremac Jasenka, Inventarizacija geoloških osobitosti Parka prirode Velebit, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Natural Science and
Mathematics; 2003.
Vukelić Joso, Oršanić Milan, Rukavina Miroslav, Tomljanović Dalibor, Matasin Ivan, Šume i šumarstvo u Parku prirode Velebit. 11.
Climbing zone at Dabarski Crests
83
84
6. APPENDICES
6.1. Appendix 1: List of relevant regulations/documents
effective during development of Velebit
Nature Park Management Plan:
Physical Planning Act (Narodne novine, no. 30/94, 68/98, 35/99, 61/00, 32/02 and 100/04)
Forests Act (Narodne novine, no. 140/05)
Agriculture Act (Narodne novine, no. 66/01)
Organic Farming and Foods Act (Narodne novine, no. 12/01)
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry State Subsidies Act (Narodne novine, no. 87/02)
Waters Act (Narodne novine, no. 107/95, 150/05)
Environmental Protection Act (Narodne novine, no. 82/94, 128/99)
Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (Narodne novine, no. 34/97)
Mining Act (Narodne novine, no. 190/03)
Regions of Special State Care Act (Narodne novine, no. 26/03, 42/05)
Fire Protection Act (Narodne novine, no. 58/93)
Mountain and Highland Regions Act (Narodne novine, no. 12/02, 32/02, 117/03, 42/05, 90/05)
Hunting Act (Narodne novine, no. 140/05)
Freshwater Fishing Act (Narodne novine, no. 49/05)
Air Protection Act (Narodne novine, no. 78/04)
Forest Seedlings and Saplings Act (Narodne novine, no. 68/98)
Organic Farming and Foods Act (Narodne novine, no. 12/01)
Crop Protection Act (Narodne novine, no. 131/97)
Plant Protection Act (Narodne novine, no. 10/94)
Livestock Act (Narodne novine, no. 70/97)
Agricultural Lands Act (Narodne novine, no. 66/01)
Republic of Croatia Biological and Landscape Diversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (Narodne
novine, no. 81/99)
Republic of Croatia Physical Planning Strategy
Croatian Tourism Developmental Strategy (Narodne novine, no. 113/93)
6. A P P E N D I C E S
85
The conservation, improvement and use of Velebit Nature Park are defined in the following laws
and subordinate legislation:
Act Proclaiming Velebit Mountain a Nature Park (Narodne novine, no. 24/81)
Velebit Nature Park Rules of Internal Order (Narodne novine, no. 12/02)
Directive Establishing Velebit Nature Park Public Institution (Narodne novine, no. 44/98)
Rules on Rates for Compensation of Damages Caused by Illegal Actions involving Protected Animal
Species (Narodne novine, no. 84/96 and 79/02)
Amphibian Protection Rules (Narodne novine, no. 80/99) (Article 2 rescinded)
Terrestrial Snail (Gastropoda terrestria) Protection Rules (Narodne novine, no. 29/99) (Article 2 rescinded)
Rules on Conditions for Conducting Research in Specially Protected Natural Areas on the Sea Floor
or Sub-sea Floor in Marine Waters and Territorial Seas of the Republic of Croatia (Narodne novine, no.
97/98)
Nature Protection Sign Rules (Narodne novine, no. 178/03)
Mushroom (Fungi) Protection Rules (Narodne novine, no. 34/02) (Article 4 rescinded)
Rules on Proclamation of Protected and Strictly Protected Wild Taxa (Narodne novine, no. 7/06)
Rules on Habitat Types, Habitat Maps, Threatened and Rare Habitat Types and Habitat Maintenance
Measures (Narodne novine, no. 7/06)
Rules on Trans-border Traffic and Trade of Protected Species (Narodne novine, no. 34/06)
Rules on Risk Assessment of Intentional Release of Genetically-modified Organisms into the Environment
(Narodne novine, no. 136/06)
86
6.2. Appendix 2: Habitats in Velebit Nature Park
Table 12: Surface areas of habitat types based on habitat map.
NHC_CODE
NHC description
Surface (ha)
A.1.1.
Permanent ponds
280.1
A.1.2.
Seasonal ponds
44.6
A.1.3.
Pond banks with no or slight vegetation growth
59.4
A.2.3./A.2.7.
Constant waterways / Waterways banks with no or slight vegetation growth
232.0
A.2.7.
Waterways banks with no or slight vegetation growth
5.2
A.4.1.
Reed beds, bulrushes, high sedge
22.2
B.1.
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation growth
207.6
B.1./B.2.
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation / Gullies
26.7
B.1./B.2./E.6.1.*
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation / Gullies / Subalpine beech forests
18.5
B.1./C.3.5.*
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean
dry grasslands
2194.0
B.1./C.4.1.*
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation / Mountain turfs
18.3
B.1./D.2.1.
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation / Subalpine juniper stands
23.4
B.1./D.3.1.
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation / Jerusalem thorn groves
25.5
B.1./E.3.5.*
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation / Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and
underbrush
84.7
B.1./E.5.2.*
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation / Dinaric beech/fir forests
23.9
B.2./C.3.5.*
Gullies / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands
8.5
C.2.2./E.4.5.*
Central European wetland meadows / Subalpine mesophilous beech forests
14.9
C.2.3.
Central European mesophilous meadows
123.7
C.2.3./ I.2.1.
Central European mesophilous meadows / Mosaics of cultivated fields
36.4
C.2.3./C.3.3.*
Central European mesophilous meadows / Sub-Atlantic mesophilous grasslands and
mountain meadows on carbonate soils
91.4
C.2.3./E.3.1.*
Central European mesophilous meadows / Mixed oak/hornbeam and pure hornbeam
forests
76.1
C.2.3./E.4.2.*
Central European mesophilous meadows / Central European acidophilous beech forests
51.6
C.2.3./E.4.5.*
Central European mesophilous meadows / Subalpine mesophilous beech forests
2.6
C.2.3./E.4.6.*
Central European mesophilous meadows / Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous
beech forests
407.5
C.2.3./I.2.1.
Central European mesophilous meadows / Mosaics of cultivated fields
5.0
C.2.5.*
Wetland meadows in sub-Mediterranean vegetation zone
89.7
C.2.5./E.4.2.*
Wetland meadows in sub-Mediterranean vegetation zone / Central European
acidophilous beech forests
78.6
C.3.3.*
Sub-Atlantic mesophilous grasslands and mountain meadows on carbonate soils
225.1
87
NHC_CODE
NHC description
Surface (ha)
C.3.3.*/E.4.2.*
Sub-Atlantic mesophilous grasslands and mountain meadows on carbonate soils /
2.8
C.3.3./*E.4.5.*
Sub-Atlantic mesophilous grasslands and mountain meadows on carbonate soils / /
115.9
C.3.3.*/E.4.6.*
76.1
C.3.3.*/E.5.2.*
Dinaric beech/fir forests
107.4
C.3.3.*/I.2.1.
157,4
C.3.4.
European dry heaths and hard mat-grass fields
23,2
C.3.4./D.1.2.
European dry heaths and hard mat-grass fields / Mesophilous greenery and underbrush
of continental and only exceptionally coastal zones
16,1
C.3.4./E.3.2.*
European dry heaths and hard mat-grass fields / Central European acidophilous durmast
oak and common birch forests
104,3
C.3.4./E.4.2.*
European dry heaths and hard mat-grass fields / Central European acidophilous durmast
oak and common birch forests
104,4
C.3.4./I.2.1.
European dry heaths and hard mat-grass fields / Mosaics of cultivated fields
4,2
C.3.5.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands
18590,1
C.3.5.*/B.1.
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Rocky terrain with no or
slight vegetation
667,1
C.3.5./*.1./E.3.5*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Rocky terrain with no or
slight vegetation / Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush
39,0
C.3.5.*/B.2.
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Gullies
17,9
C.3.5.*/C.3.3.*/E.3*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Gullies / Sub-Atlantic
mesophilous grasslands and mountain meadows on carbonate soils / Littoral,
thermophilous forests
4,4
C.3.5.*/D.1.2.
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Mesophilous greenery and
underbrush of continental and only exceptionally coastal zones
9,8
C.3.5.*/D.2.1.
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Subalpine juniper stands
9,0
C.3.5.*/D.3.1.
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Jerusalem thorn groves
19650,6
C.3.5.*/D.3.1./B.1
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Jerusalem thorn groves /
Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation
4,8
C.3.5.*/E.3.1.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Mixed oak/hornbeam and
pure hornbeam forests
660,1
C.3.5.*/E.3.2.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Central European
acidophilous durmast oak and common birch forests
3,5
C.3.5.*/E.3.5.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Littoral thermophilous
downy oak forests and underbrush
4883,4
C.3.5.*/E.3.5.*/B.1
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Littoral thermophilous
downy oak forests and underbrush / Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation
16,8
88
NHC_CODE
NHC description
Surface (ha)
C.3.5.*/E.4.2.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Central European
acidophilous beech forests
126,4
C.3.5.*/E.4.5.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Subalpine mesophilous
beech forests
251,8
C.3.5.*/E.4.6.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Southeast alpine/Illyrian
thermophilous beech forests
870,4
C.3.5.*/E.5.2.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Dinaric beech/fir forests
583,8
C.3.5.*/E.6.1.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Subalpine beech forests
209,5
C.3.5.*/E.7.4.*
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Scots and black pine forests
on dolomites
16,1
C.3.5.*/E.9.2.
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Conifer nurseries
27,4
C.3.5.*/I.2.1.
Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands / Mosaics of cultivated fields
151,3
C.4.1.*
Mountain turfs
1018,8
C.4.1.*/B.1.
Mountain turfs / Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation
47,8
C.4.1.*/B.2.
Mountain turfs / Gullies
2,2
C.4.1.*/C.3.5.*
Mountain turfs / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands
5,0
C.4.1.*/D.2.1.
Mountain turfs / Subalpine juniper stands
62,5
C.4.1*./E.4.6.*
Mountain turfs / Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous beech forests
2,9
C.4.1.*/E.5.2.*
Mountain turfs / Dinaric beech/fir forests
2,7
C.4.1.*/E.6.1.*
Mountain turfs / Subalpine beech forests
170,6
D.1.2.
Mesophilous greenery and underbrush of continental and only exceptionally coastal
zones
273,0
D.1.2./E.3.1.*
zones / Mixed oak/hornbeam and pure hornbeam forests
182,4
D.1.2./E.3.2.*
zones / Central European acidophilous durmast oak and common birch forests
268,1
D.1.2./E.4.2.*
zones / Central European acidophilous beech forests
94,3
D.1.2./E.4.5.*
zones / Subalpine mesophilous beech forests
310,0
D.2.1.
Subalpine juniper stands
150,6
D.2.1./C.3.5.*
Subalpine juniper stands / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands
5,3
D.2.1./C.4.1.*
Subalpine juniper stands / Mountain turfs
15,2
D.2.1./C.5.3*
Subalpine juniper stands / Subalpine and alpine high green vegetation
20,3
D.2.1./E.6.1.*
Subalpine juniper stands / Subalpine beech forests
88,4
D.3.1.
Jerusalem thorn groves
9935,4
D.3.1./B.2.
Jerusalem thorn groves / Gullies
76,3
D.3.1./C.3.5.*
Jerusalem thorn groves / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands
2368,6
89
NHC_CODE
NHC description
Surface (ha)
D.3.1./C.5.2.
Jerusalem thorn groves / Forest clearings
4,2
D.3.1./E.3.5.*
Jerusalem thorn groves / Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush
370,8
D.3.1./E.4.6.*
Jerusalem thorn groves / Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous beech forests
218,1
D.3.1./I.2.1.
Jerusalem thorn groves / Mosaics of cultivated fields
48,2
E.2.1.*
Black alder and field ash flood forests
13,6
E.3.1.*
Mixed oak/hornbeam and pure hornbeam forests
2173,1
E.3.1.*/E.9.2.
Mixed oak/hornbeam and pure hornbeam forests / Conifer nurseries
14,4
E.3.2.*
Central European acidophilous durmast oak and common birch forests
251,0
E.3.4.*/E.4.2.*
Central European thermophilous oak forests / Central European acidophilous beech
forests
43,4
E.3.5.*
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush
22911,6
E.3.5.*/C.3.3.*
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush / Sub-Atlantic mesophilous
grasslands and mountain meadows on carbonate soils
85,4
E.3.5.*/C.3.5.*
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush / Sub-Mediterranean and epiMediterranean dry grasslands
1449,0
E.3.5.*/C.3.5.*/B.1
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush / Sub-Mediterranean and epiMediterranean dry grasslands / Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation
27,1
E.3.5.*/C.3.5.*/D.2
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush / Sub-Mediterranean and epiMediterranean dry grasslands / Subalpine juniper stands
36,5
E.3.5.*/C.4.1.*
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush / Mountain turfs
9,9
E.3.5.*/C.5.3.*
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush / Subalpine and alpine high
green vegetation
9,6
E.3.5.*/D.3.1.
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush / Jerusalem thorn groves
15,9
E.3.5.*/E.4.6.*
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush / Southeast alpine/Illyrian
thermophilous beech forests
8,6
E.3.5.*/E.9.2.
Littoral thermophilous downy oak forests and underbrush / Conifer nurseries
76,1
E.4.2.*
8986,0
E.4.2.*/C.2.3.
Central European acidophilous beech forests / Central European mesophilous meadows
7,9
E.4.2.*/C.3.3.*
Central European acidophilous beech forests / Sub-Atlantic mesophilous grasslands and
52,0
E.4.2.*/C.3.5.*
Central European acidophilous beech forests / Sub-Mediterranean and epiMediterranean dry grasslands
25,6
E.4.5.*
11431,7
E.4.5.*/C.3.3.*
Subalpine mesophilous beech forests / Sub-Atlantic mesophilous grasslands and
139,5
E.4.5.*/C.3.5.*
Subalpine mesophilous beech forests / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry
grasslands
55,5
E.4.5.*/I.2.1.
Subalpine mesophilous beech forests / Mosaics of cultivated fields
22,0
E.4.6.*
16294,1
90
NHC_CODE
NHC description
Surface (ha)
E.4.6.*/C.3.3.*
Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous beech forests / Sub-Atlantic mesophilous
grasslands and mountain meadows on carbonate soils
16,5
E.4.6.*/C.3.5.*
Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous beech forests / Sub-Mediterranean and epiMediterranean dry grasslands
72,0
E.4.6.*/E.7.4.*
Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous beech forests / Scots and black pine forests on
dolomites
16,4
E.4.6.*/E.9.2.
Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous beech forests / Conifer nurseries
30,5
E.5.2.*
Dinaric beech/fir forests
28135,6
E.5.2.*/C.3.5.*
Dinaric beech/fir forests / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands
11,4
E.6.1.*
Subalpine beech forests
16764,4
E.6.1.*/B.1.
Subalpine beech forests / Rocky terrain with no or slight vegetation
21,5
E.6.1.*/C.3.3.
Subalpine beech forests / Sub-Atlantic mesophilous grasslands and mountain meadows
on carbonate soils
8,6
E.6.1.*/C.3.5.*
Subalpine beech forests / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands
89,6
E.6.1.*/C.4.1.*
Subalpine beech forests / Mountain turfs
25,8
E.6.1.*/D.2.1.
Subalpine beech forests / Subalpine juniper stands
4,1
E.6.1.*/E.7.4.
Subalpine beech forests / Scots and black pine forests on dolomites
53,7
E.7.1.*
Calciphilous fir forests
201,1
E.7.3.*
Spruce forests
1695,1
E.7.4.
Scots and black pine forests on dolomites
484,9
E.7.4./C.3.5.*
Scots and black pine forests on dolomites / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean
dry grasslands
11,7
E.7.4./E.4.6.*
Scots and black pine forests on dolomites / Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous
beech forests
8,1
E.9.2.
Conifer nurseries
1105,1
E.9.2./E.4.2.*
Conifer nurseries / Central European acidophilous beech forests
28,4
E.9.2./E.4.6.*
Conifer nurseries / Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous beech forests
3,5
E.9.2./J.4.4.
Conifer nurseries / Infrastructure surfaces
6,5
F.4.
Rocky seashores
176,5
I.2.1.
1990,1
I.2.1./C.3.3.*
Mosaics of cultivated fields / Sub-Atlantic mesophilous grasslands and mountain
meadows on carbonate soils
175,6
I.2.1./C.3.4.
Mosaics of cultivated fields / European dry heaths and hard mat-grass fields
8,7
I.2.1./C.3.5.*
Mosaics of cultivated fields / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands
288,7
I.2.1./D.3.1.
Mosaics of cultivated fields / Jerusalem thorn groves
56,2
I.2.1./E.4.5.*
Mosaics of cultivated fields / Subalpine mesophilous beech forests
15,4
91
NHC_CODE
NHC description
Surface (ha)
I.2.1./E.4.6.*
Mosaics of cultivated fields / Southeast alpine/Illyrian thermophilous beech forests
11,0
J.1.
Villages
39,2
J.1./C.3.5.*
Villages / Sub-Mediterranean and epi-Mediterranean dry grasslands
11,3
J.1./I.2.1.
Villages / Mosaics of cultivated fields
58,6
J.1.1.
Active rural regions
1240,9
J.1.1./D.1.2.
Active rural regions / Mesophilous greenery and underbrush of continental and only
exceptionally coastal zones
19,7
J.1.1./D.3.1.
Active rural regions / Jerusalem thorn groves
15,9
J.2.
Cities
76,1
J.2.2./J.2.3.
Urban residential zones / Other urban zones
72,5
J.2.2./J.3.1.
Urban residential zones / Areas developed for sports, recreation and leisure
8,9
J.4.1.
Industrial and artisan zones
77,1
J.4.3.
Surface excavations
24,7
J.4.4.
Infrastructure surfaces
270,9
* threatened and rare habitats pursuant to the Rules governing Habitat Types, Habitat Maps, Threatened and Rare Habitat Types and
Measures to Maintain Habitat Types (Narodne novine, no. 07/06)
92
6.3. Appendix 3: Ecological Network for the territory
of Velebit Nature Park
Table 13: Areas important to wild taxa and habitat types in the preliminary Ecological Network within the boundaries of
Velebit Nature Park. (*-priority habitat; #-internationally significant area =potential Natura 2000 area).
Site_code
Designation
Species_eng
Species_lat
NHC_
code
NATURA
code
Habitat_designation
HR2000013
Cerovac Cave
(lower)
endemic taxa
H.1.
8310
Karst caves and pit-caves
HR2000014#
Cerovac Cave
(upper)
endemic taxa
H.1.
8310
HR2000017#
Čavle Cave
endemic taxa
H.1.
8310
HR2000041#
Ivina Pit-cave
endemic taxa
H.1.
8310
HR2000044#
Pit-cave above
Kugina kuća
endemic taxa
H.1.
8310
HR2000064#
Source of the
Krupa River
endemic taxa
H.1.
8310
HR2000143#
Cave at Mrkvište
endemic taxa
H.1.
8310
HR2000150#
Cave at Starigrad
Paklenica
endemic taxa
H.1.
8310
HR2000192#
Vranovinski sinkhole
endemic taxa
H.1.
8310
HR2000197#
Vrtlina Pit-cave
endemic taxa
H.1.
8310
Leptodirus
hochenwarti
HR2000302
Ledenica
H.1.
8310
HR2000307
Modrič Cave
H.1.
8310
HR2000334
Štirovača 1 sinkhole
H.1.
8310
HR2000362
Štirovača 2 sinkhole
H.1.
8310
HR2000550#
Krug
8120
Carbonate gullies with
round-leaved pennycress
HR2000641#
Zrmanja
Velebit degenia
Degenia velebitica
endemic taxa - fish of the Adriatic basin
Italian bleak
Alburnus albidus
Dalmatian
barbelgudgeon
Aulopyge huegelii
white-clawed crayfish
Austropotamobius
pallipes
barbel
Barbus plebejus
Cobitis bilineata
freshwater sculpin
Cottus ferrugineus
Zrmanja trout
Salmo zrmanjensis
ray-finned fish
Scardinius dergle
HR2000857#
Nadžak bilo
E.5.2.1.
91K0
Dinaric beech and fir
forests
HR2000858#
Štirovača
E.7.3.1.
9410
Mountain spruce forests
with forest agrimony
93
Site_code
HR2000859#
Designation
Species_eng
Species_lat
Klepina duliba
NHC_
code
NATURA
code
Habitat_designation
E.6.1.1.
91K0
Subalpine beech forest
with subalpine buttercup
E.5.2.
91K0
forests
E.4.6.3.
91K0
Maritime beech forest
with autumnal moor
grass
HR2000860#
Ramino korito
HR2000861
Sadikovac
HR2000862
Visočica
HR2000863#
Veliki and Mali
Kozjak
E.7.3.3.
9410
Subalpine spruce forest
with Adenostyles
HR2000865#
Rončević dolac
E.3.5.9.
9530*
Mixed black pine and hop
hornbeam forest
HR2000866#
Šatorina
E.6.1.2.
91K0
Subalpine beech and
sycamore maple forests
HR2000867
Wetland
meadows along
Ljubica Stream
C.2.2.
HR2000868#
Velinac - Bačić kuk
- Brizovac - Soline
- Budakovo brdo
high alpine flora
Turf vegetation
Croatian sibiraea
Sibiraea altaiensis
ssp. croatica
Central European wetland
meadows
8140
E.3.5.3.
E.4.6.3.
HR2000869
Tulove grede
high alpine flora
HR2000870
Duboke jasle
high alpine flora
HR2000874#
Krupa
Eastern Mediterranean
gullies
Turkey oak and
hornbeam forest and
underbrush
91K0
with autumnal moor
grass
B.2.2.1.1.
Coastal gully with Drypis
jacquinia
C.1.2.
Acidophilous peat bogs
(transitional and raised
bogs)
endemic taxa -- fish of the Adriatic basin
white-clawed crayfish
Austropotamobius
pallipes
HR2000877
Tisovac
indigenous ichtyofauna of Lika
HR2000960
Peat bog adjacent
to Ljubica Stream
HR2000975
Wetland meadow
at Štirovača
HR2000976
Sunđerac
HR2000977
Sunđer
HR2001003#
Prikinuto brdo
– Velebit degenia
site
Velebit degenia
Degenia velebitica
HR2001013#
Gračačko polje
(Gračac Field)
Croatian ray-finned
fish
Telestes (Phoxinellus)
croaticus
brown trout
Salmo trutta
Wetland meadows
C.1.
Peat bogs
C.1.
Peat bogs
8120
C.2.5.
Carbonate gullies with
round-leaved pennycress
Wetland meadows of
the sub-Mediterranean
vegetation zone
94
Site_code
Designation
Species_eng
Species_lat
NHC_
code
NATURA
code
Habitat_designation
3150
Natural eutrophic lakes
with Hydrocharition
or Magnopotamion
vegetation
91K0
forests
HR2001101#
Devčića tavani
E.5.2.1.
HR3000031
Sveti Juraj - islet
of Lisac
G.4.2.2.7.
Facies with large mosses
G.4.3.4.
Biocenosis of sink-hole
type springs (Springs)
HR3000032#
Ivanča Cove
1160
1170
G.4.3.4.
HR3000033#
Malin Cove;
Duboka Cove
Zavratnica Cove
1160
Large shallow coves
1170
Reefs
type springs
1160
Large shallow coves
1170
Reefs
G.4.3.4.
HR3000035#
Krivača Cove
type springs
1160
1170
G.4.3.4.
HR3000036#
Vrulja Cove
1160
1170
Jurišnica Cove
Novigrad and
Karin Sea
Reefs
Large shallow coves
Reefs
type springs
1160
1170
HR3000047#
Large shallow coves
type springs
G.4.3.4.
HR3000037#
Reefs
type springs
G.4.3.4.
HR3000034#
Large shallow coves
Large shallow coves
Reefs
G.4.3.4.
type springs
G.1.1.1.2.
Pelagic estuary
1130
Sandy sea-floor
1110
ješčana dna
HR3000048
Modrič Cove to
Cape Tanki
G.4.3.4.
type springs
HR3000049
Plantaža Spring
G.4.3.4.
type springs
HR3000266#
Cave at Pećica
Cove
8330
Sea caves
HR3000276#
Sea cave in Velika
draga
8330
Sea caves
HR3000278
Modrič Spring
HR3000283#
Šibuljina 1
G.4.3.4.
Springs
8330
Sea caves
95
Site_code
Designation
HR3000284#
Šibuljina 2
HR5000022#
Velebit
Species_eng
Species_lat
NHC_
code
NATURA
code
Habitat_designation
8330
Sea caves
other wild taxa endangered at the European and national
levels
4060
Alpine and boreal heaths
Kitaibel’s columbine
Aquilegia kitaibelii
5210
Mediterranean maquis
dominated by junipers
(Juniperus spp)
Scopoli’s rock cress
Arabis scopoliana
6110*
Open xerothermophilic
pioneer communities on
carbonate rocky ground
Barbastelle bat
Barbastella
barbastellus
6170
Alpine and subalpine
limestone grasslands
wolf
Canis lupus
6230*
Mat-grass fields
Dinaric chickweed
Cerastium dinaricum
62A0
Eastern subMediterranean
dry grasslands
(Scorzoneretalia villosae)
lady’s slipper
Cypripedium
calceolus
D.2.1.1.1.
Velebitska degenia
Degenia velebitica
E.4.6.3.
91K0
with autumnal moor
grass
Martino’s vole
Dinaromys
bogdanovi
E.6.1.1.
91K0
Subalpine beech forest
with subalpine buttercup
Carniolan spike rush
Eleocharis carniolica
E.7.3.3.
9410
Subalpine spruce forest
with Adenostyles
woodland ringlet
Erebia medusa
E.5.2.1.
91K0
forests
alpine sea holly
Eryngium alpinum
H.1.
8310
lynx
Lynx lynx
E.7.4.
91R0
Scots and black pine
forests on dolomites
large blue
Maculinea arion
D.2.1.
Subalpine juniper groves
greater mouse-eared
bat
Myotis myotis
C.4.1.
Mountain turfs
lesser noctule
Nyctalus leisleri
B.2.1.
8120
Mountain, subalpine and
alpine gullies
Apollo
Parnassius apollo
B.2.2.
8120
Ilyrian-Adriatic maritime
gullies
alpine long-eared bat
Plecotus
macrobullaris
8210
Carbonate rock with
hasmophytic vegetation
greater horseshoe bat
Rhinolophus
ferrumequinum
lesser horseshoe bat
Rhinolophus
hippossideros
Croatian ray-finned
fish
Telestes (Phoxinellus)
croaticus
Lulworth skipper
Thymelicus acteon
brown bear
Ursus arctos
meadow viper
Vipera ursinii
macrops
C.3.4.2.1.
Dwarf pine and
honeysuckle community
96
Table 14. Internationally important areas for birds in the Ecological Network within the boundaries of Velebit Nature Park. #
- internationally significant area = potencial Natura 2000 area, * area bordering Velebit Nature Park.
area code
HR1000019 #*
area designation
Gorski Kotar, Primorje and Northern Lika
conservation objectives
wild taxa
species
English name
Aegolius funereus
boreal owl
Alectoris graeca
rock partidge
Anthus campestris
tawny pipit
Aquila chrysaeto
golden eagle
Bonasa bonasia
grouse
Circaetus gallicus
short-toed eagle
Dendrocopos leucotos
white-backed woodpecker
Dryocopus martius
black woodpecker
Emberiza hortulana
Ortolan bunting
Ficedula parva
red-breasted flycatcher
Glaucidium passerinum
pygmy owl
Pernis apivorus
honey buzzard
Picoides tridactylus
three-toed woodpecker
Picus canus
gray-headed woodpecker
Strix uralensis
Ural owl
Sylvia nisoria
barred warbler
Tetrao urogallus
capercaillie
area code
HR1000021 #*
area designation
Karst fields of Lika
wild taxa
species
English name
Aegolius funereus
boreal owl
Bonasa bonasia
grouse
Circus pygargus
Montagu’s harrier
Crex crex
corn crake
Gallinago gallinago
common snipe
Lanius collurio
red-backed shrike
Lanius minor
lesser gray shrike
Pernis apivorus
honey buzzard
Strix uralensis
Ural owl
Sylvia nisoria
barred warbler
97
area code
HR1000022 #
area designation
Velebit
wild taxa
species
English name
Aegolius funereus
boreal owl
Alectoris graeca
rock partidge
Anthus campestris
tawny pipit
Aquila chrysaeto
golden eagle
Bonasa bonasia
grouse
Bubo bubo
Eurasian eagle owl
Circaetus gallicus
short-toed eagle
Dryocopus martius
black woodpecker
Emberiza hortulana
Ortolan bunting
Falco peregrinus
peregrine falcon
Glaucidium passerinum
pygmy owl
Lanius collurio
red-backed shrike
Pernis apivorus
honey buzzard
Phylloscopus bonelli
Bonelli’s warbler
Picoides tridactylus
three-toed woodpecker
Strix uralensis
Ural owl
Tetrao urogallus
capercaillie
98
6.4. Appendix 4: Summary of problems and stakeholder
proposals
Problem
Group Description
Meadows
No regular grazing nor mowing is carried out
on meadows, so they are becoming overgrown.
Needs further study; to be addressed in
Management Plan, too large an area to manage;
insufficient funding.
All activity pertaining to roads need to be
discussed and coordinated among interested
parties (Hrvatske šume, local road authority,
Park).
Establish regular working group to discuss
short term maintenance and long term
responsibilities and developments. County roads
office is preparing a new plan
1
No genuinely local souvenirs.
Park is already addressing the problem and will
formalize it in MP.
1
Admissions fees should be specified for special
groups.
There is a Ministry rate schedules and it will
be further refined and formalized under the
Management Plan.
2->1
Road maintenance
2,1
Souvenirs
Admissions price
Planned steps
Informing visitors
Information points at Park entrances are lacking. There are 3 info-panels (Vratnik, Prezid, Kubus).
There are only a few rangers who cannot be
present all the time
The Park has already taken measures to address
this problem in cooperation with the National
Parks. To be further elaborated in the MP
Visitor management by
rangers
1
Consultation with
stakeholders
1
There is no regular consultation with the local
community.
Regulation of
construction
3
Regulation of new construction and legalization
Addressed by physical plan.
of existing buildings.
Eco-hotels in the Park
3
Need for several hotels inside the Park
boundaries
Park policy is to support local initiatives in the
villages around the Park.
Promotion of the Park
and signposts
1
Park should be better promoted along
highways, and signposts need to be used in
general.
Part of the visitor management strategy
contained in the Management Plan.
Park boundaries
3
Boundaries do not adhere to land ownership
Cannot be addressed by MP. Problem exists also
nor morphological features on the western side. for Park itself.
Boundary not marked on the ground
Distinction between
National and Nature Park
1
Distinction not clear to local population.
Lack of information on
opportunities in the
Nature Park
1
Increased supervision
Regular meetings with stakeholders.
Newsletter to inform the local population on
the Nature Park’s activities and other topics of
interest.
Newsletter to inform the local population on
the Nature Park’s activities and other topics of
interest.
More rangers and higher fines.
Nature Park may address this in the that part
of the Management Plan dealing with visitor
management.
Camp and/or
recreational facility
3
Building restrictions in
Krasno
3
Residents of Krasno complain that the new
Physical Plan does not permit expansion of
tourism facilities.
It is in the Nature Park’s interest to promote
expansion of tourism facilities.
Access to Krasno Lakes
3
Residents of Krasno no longer allowed to graze
their livestock here.
Foresters see this as a problem due to protection
of potable water.
99
Problem
Group Description
Planned steps
Investment in local
community
1
In the Park’s interest; to be addressed in
Management Plan
Investments
3
Nature Park must invest in development.
Not the Park’s responsibility. The Nature
Park may help to create an investor-friendly
environment.
Nature Park wants
Krasno to become
weekend outing
destination
3
Cessation of lumber production creating
greater tourism orientation in Krasno.
Under aegis of Physical Plan
Rest-stops along road
3
No rest-stops along Krasno road.
Cooperation with relevant institutions, entrances
to Krasno already in equipping phases.
Lack of additional
tourism product
1,3
Insufficient variety in tourism product.
Enhance tourism cooperation with local and
regional stakeholders.
Bicycling trails on forest
roads
1,3
Roads used to extract logs, which may
jeopardize visitor safety.
Plan bicycling trails in cooperation with national
parks and other stakeholders.
Local travel agencies
not actively involved in
promoting Velebit
1,3
Agencies in Senj largely promote the coast.
Enhanced cooperation with local and region
tourism stakeholders.
Complicated
cooperation and
coordination of activities
1
Various institutions have various levels of
responsibility.
Enhance cooperation and horizontal
coordination
None of the Park’s staff
is charged with cultural
heritage
1
Cultural heritage inside Park not adequately
acknowledged and appreciated.
Develop cultural heritage action plan.
Gravel-pits along road
3
Gravel-pits needed to maintain roads.
Insufficient cooperation
with Park Management
1
Unsettled title issues
for forestry facilities and
land in the Nature Park
1
Buildings in the Park are largely owned by
Hrvatske šume.
Joint meetings and arrangements with the goal
of settling title issues and building use.
Poaching
1
Cooperation in the struggle against poaching
must be enhanced.
Introduce joint control and better mutual
information on the region.
Representative of hikers/
mountain climbers in
Governing Board
3
Hikers and mountain-climbers are among the
key stakeholders and they must be represented
in the Nature Park’s Governing Board.
Governing Board is appointed by the Ministry
of Culture.
Joint activities to
monitor visitors on
hiking trails
1
The law bans all exploitation of mineral
resources in national and nature parks. An
action plan as a part of the Velebit Nature Park
Management Plan must be drafted.
Hold regular meetings with key stakeholders.
Develop joint action plan for supervision and
safety on trails.
Groups:
1. may be addressed under Management Plan;
2. requires further study;
3. cannot be addressed under Management Plan but will be referred to the relevant institution or stakeholder;
Climbing zone at Dabarski Crests
N a t u r e
P a r k
Velebit
A C T I O N
P L A N S
Premužić Trail
Premužić Trail
N A T U R E
P A R K
Velebit
A C T I O N
P L A N
AC T I O N P L A N: R ECONS T RUC T ION OF PR EMUŽ IĆ T RAI L AND ADAPTATI ON TO THE NEEDS OF VI SI TS TO VELEBI T NATURE PARK
A2
Contents
Introduction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3
1. PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5
1.1. Sub-objective 1: Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5
1.2. Sub-objective 2: Construction works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5
1.3. Sub-objective 3: Protection status of Premužić Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5
1.4. Sub-objective 4: Additional enhancement of Premužić Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5
1.5. Sub-objective 5: Interpretive content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5
2. PROJECTED RESOURCES TO ACHIEVE ACTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6
3. FUNDING SOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6
4. ACTION PLAN – TABULAR OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7
5. TIMETABLE TO COMPLETE PLANNED ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A9
6. MAP OF TRAIL
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A11
INTRODUC TION
A3
Introduction
The Premužić Trail is a hiking trail that passes along the peak zones of the northern and central sections of
the Velebit massif, from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije, covering a length of 57 kilometers.
The quality of its construction and the manner in which it fits into the surrounding environment make it a
masterpiece of construction.
A part of the trail, from Zavižan to Alan at a length of 22 km, passes through Northern Velebit National Park,
while the remaining 35 km to Baške Oštarije pass through Velebit Nature Park. This Action Plan pertains
to that part of Premužić Trail in Velebit Nature Park, which has in fact endured greater devastation and
requires reconstruction.
“The new trail actually opens Velebit’s high-altitude axis in general for the first time, and it leads through a
veritable museum of the concentrated and typical specific features and beauty of Velebit, and ultimately
opens and makes accessible the alpine heart of this part of Velebit and its magnificent Rožanski Crests and
the wealth, beauty and uniqueness of forms of this portion of Croatia’s high karst. While previously Velebit
and the Dinaric karst constituted an unspeakable trial for hikers, with neither water nor shelter, today the
new hiker’s huts and new trails have transformed the trek across the most difficult portion of Velebit’s
high altitudes to a pleasant and relatively easy activity, allowing wholly alpine and aesthetic enjoyment
and leisurely scientific observation of all important details, viewpoints, forms, effects, illuminations, plants,
animals and geographic and ethnographic features.”
Dr. Ivan Krajač, Hrvatski planinar [’Croatian Mountaineer’], 1933.
Besides responding to forestry needs, the basic idea underlying construction of the longitudinal Velebit
highland trail was to open the massif to tourists. It also eased access to Velebit’s harshest ravines to the
local population and numerous researchers.
The trail was mapped out to avoid any major ascents – the highest point is near Gromovača at northern
Velebit (ca 1,630 m), while the lowest point is at Oštarije (ca 920 m), the average altitude is 1,300 meters,
and the trail is 1.2 to 1.3 m wide. Its gradient is approximately 10%, only exceptionally reaching 20% on
some very short sections. Its walled serpentines, retaining walls, semi-tunnels and small bridges allow
access to the otherwise most inaccessible and beautiful parts of Velebit that were previously known to
only a small number of people.
Several ascents branch off from the trail, leading to some of the loveliest peaks of northern and central
Velebit: Gromovača, Crikvena, Goli vrh, Zečjak, Visibaba, Šatorina, Budakovo brdo, Bačić kuk and Kiza.
Since there are no major ascents, the trail is adapted to people who are not accustomed to hiking.
“Those in the future who pass along this completed, lovely and pleasant trail will scarcely be able to
imagine the hard work and effort that had to be endured by the first pioneers who traversed this rugged
terrain with no trails …“
Dr. Ivan Krajač, Hrvatski planinar, 1931.
A4
Construction of the trail commenced in 1930, and work was completed in 1933. Construction was jointly
financed by the Forest Directorate in Sušak, the Croatian Mountaineering Association and the Royal
Provincial Government of the Sava Banovina (Province).
It was named after forester Ante Premužić (1889-1979), who was at the time a construction official in the
Forest Directorate in Sušak. He designed the trail, organized construction and participated in the work.
Ivan Krajač also deserved credit for construction, since as the tourism minister of the time in the Kingdom
of Yugoslavia and the president of the Croatian Mountaineering Association, he secured the funds for
construction.
Preliminary works took several years, so that the two of them spent summers walking through Velebit’s
crests, descending into pit-caves, and formulating the construction of tourist trail through this inhospitable
karst that would allow passage as through in a landscaped park. Works were carried out by workers from
the sub-Velebit villages whenever the severe climate allowed.
Unfortunately, some sections of the Premužić Trail were damaged over time, while others were partially
even replaced with logging roads – mostly at Baške Oštarije, and then at Zavižan and, in more recent times,
at Skorpovac. The construction of new logging roads should not jeopardize this national treasure, and their
sections should avoid the trail. After seven decades, it is time to reconstruct the Premužić Trail and place it
under state protection as a construction monument.
Based on field tours and regular inspections, it was ascertained that at individual sections passage along
the trail has been rendered difficult due to overgrowth of vegetation, fallen trees and individual larger
landslides on the trail or of the trail itself. However, a detailed survey of the current condition has yet to be
conducted as a part of preparations for this Action Plan.
Condition at individual sections:
1) Alan – Ograđenik
– Trail is passable, cleaned, no major damage except minor peripheral rockslides.
2) Trail to Šatorina to Ograđenica mountain shelter (side-trail to Šatorina, 1,624 m)
– Trail is overgrown with vegetation at places, individual slide-off of rocks at edges (retaining walls).
3) Raskrižje to Šatorina – Razvršje (near Radlovac)
– This part of the trail is in the poorest condition, above Mlinište and Radlovac in particular, where the
trail is entirely overgrown with vegetation so that at places it is necessary to pass above or below it.
Landslide damage is considerable, especially above Radlovac, where there is almost no edge stones
(retaining wall) over a length of 1 km. In sections where the trail passes through a forest, larger trees
have fallen over the trail.
4) Razvršje – Dabarska kosa
– There are three major points on this part of the trail where the retaining wall has slid off, and at
places the pruning of tree branches will be necessary.
5) Dabarska kosa – Stupačinovo
– The trail is in relatively good condition and passable in this section.
1. P R I N C I PA L O B J E C T I V E O F T H E A C T I O N P L A N
A5
1. PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTION PLAN
The Action Plan is predicated on achievement of the following objective:
Reconstruction of Premužić Trail and Adaptation to the Needs of Visits to
Velebit Nature Park
The accomplishment of the tasks foreseen under the Action Plan contribute to achievement of the vision
set forth in the Park’s Management Plan, calling for its development into a natural reserve of worldwide
significance.
The achievement of the Action Plan’s chief objective contributes to the maintenance of the existing
high level of biodiversity. Additionally, completion of this Action Plan will contribute to achievement of
the Velebit Nature Park Management Plan objective to improve marketing and promotion of the Park
at the national and international levels through the development of various informative materials, and
achievement of the objective tied to tourism and recreation: to enable quality visits, experiences and
interpretation of Velebit through all aforementioned measures.
Completion of the Action Plan encompasses a series of several sets of activities oriented toward the same
objective: preparations, construction works, protection status of Premužić Trail, additional enhancement of
Premužić Trail and interpretive content.
1.1. Sub-objective 1: Preparations
Preparations foresee a series of activities: survey of the existing condition and designation of primary routes,
formulation of a concept for the entire Premužić Trail, formulation of a final construction design, preparation
of joint projects to secure additional finances and preparation of a public tender for construction works.
1.2. Sub-objective 2: Construction works
Construction works entail the reconstruction and maintenance of Premužić Trail.
1.3. Sub-objective 3: Protection status of Premužić Trail
The protection status of Premužić Trail foresees the legal protection of Premužić Trail as a monument of
construction and the cultural heritage, and supervision of commercial activities around Premužić Trail.
1.4. Sub-objective 4: Additional enhancement of Premužić Trail
Additional enhancement means construction of a shelter at the halfway point on Premužić Trail in Velebit
Nature Park, creation of unified markers on Premužić Trail, work on existing water basins and landscaping
of viewpoints and rest areas.
1.5. Sub-objective 5: Interpretive content
Interpretive content foresees visitor education on the natural and cultural value of Velebit and publicity
and information.
A6
2. PROJECTED RESOURCES TO ACHIEVE ACTION
PLAN
The necessary resources to achieve the objectives of the Action Plan include use of existing human
resources. 927 working days have been planned for this purpose. Specialized external contractors will be
engaged to draft project documentation and carry out construction works.
3. FUNDING SOURCES
The projected duration of activities under this Action Plan is 6 (six) years. The amount of HRK 1,896,300.00 to
cover the activities foreseen under the Plan will be largely financed by Velebit Nature Park Public Institution,
while a portion of activities will be additionally funded by the central state budget, donations or national
and international endowments/programs.
4. A C T I O N P L A N  TA B U L A R O V E R V I E W
A7
4. ACTION PLAN – TABULAR OVERVIEW
Objective
Activity
Measurable result
Verification methods
Required inputs
Input costs
Principal objective: Reconstruction of Premužić Trail and adaptation to needs of visits to Velebit Nature Park
Sub-objective: 1. Preparations
Completion
of all
preparations
for
reconstruction
of Premužić
Trail
Survey of current
condition and
designation of primary
routes
Completed field work,
existing maps with
specific routes along
trail’s entire length
Field notes, maps, photo- 20 workers/day
documentation
From regular work of Public
Institution
Formulation of a design
for the entire Premužić
Trail
Written preliminary
design with all essential
features
Written preliminary
design
60 workers/day
Institution
Formulation of a final
construction design
All measurements done,
completed land survey.
All necessary project
documentation made
Land survey study,
project ready for tender
Land survey
measurement.
Project drafted.
Contract with subcontractor.
From budget; Land survey
measurement, HRK 100,000,
project, HRK 120,000
Preparation of joint
projects to secure
additional finances
Project proposal drafted
and sent to three
financing tenders
Project documentation
20 workers/day
Institution
Preparation of a public
tender for construction
works
Tender announced
Documentation
announced
5 workers/day
Institution
Performance of
construction works
Performance of
projected and planned
construction work within
deadlines
Construction
documentation
Sub-contract with
contractor
HRK 1,213,800
Construction supervision
Quality performance of
construction works and
adherence to deadlines
in compliance with
regulations and project
Construction
documentation. Report
of supervisory body.
Sub-contract with
contractor
HRK 24,000
Necessary additional
works to landscape trail
Premužić Trail complete
and fully functional
Ranger Service
operations log
200 workers/day
Institution
Ranger Service activity
plan
Ranger Service
operations log
12 workers/day
annually
Institution
plan
Ranger Service
operations log
40 workers/day
annually
Institution
Sub-objective: 2. Construction works
Reconstruction
of Premužić
Trail
Maintenance of Periodic tours of trail
Premužić Trail
Regular maintenance
in cooperation with
partners
Sub-objective: 3. Protection status of Premužić Trail
Legal
protection of
Premužić Trail
Supervision
of commercial
activities
around
Premužić Trail
Initiation of procedures
for official protection
of Premužić Trail as a
construction heritage
monument with 200 m
protective belt
Protected site status
Entry in Croatia’s Official
Protected Site Register
10 workers/day
Institution
Field work with relevant
institutions
plan, Technical Service
activity plan
Ranger Service
operations log, Technical
Service report
5 workers/day
Institution
Agreement with hunters
concerning hunting
seasons
activity plan
Ranger Service
Service report
4 workers/day
annually
Institution
Agreement with
national forest authority
concerning times for
logging and transport
activity plan
Ranger Service
Service report
4 workers/day
annually
Institution
A8
Objective
Activity
Measurable result
Verification methods
Required inputs
Input costs
Sub-objective: 4. Additional enhancement of Premužić Trail
Construction of
a shelter at the
halfway point
on Premužić
Trail in Velebit
Nature Park
Creation
unified markers
on Premužić
Trail
Determination of
locations
plan
Ranger Service
operations log
4 workers/day
Institution
Securing necessary
licenses and conditions
Conditions and all
necessary approvals
secured
Complete construction
documentation
8 workers/day
From regular work. Costs of
HRK 10,000
Construction of shelter
in cooperation with
partners
Performance of all
planned and projected
construction works
within deadlines
Use permit for structure
obtained
Contract with subcontractor
HRK 250,000
Other financing sources (from
state budget, donations or
national and international
endowments/programs)
Landscaping around
shelter
Fully functional shelter
Ranger Service
operations log
20 workers/day
Institution
Minutes and other
documentation
2 workers/day
Institution
Alignment of markers in Uniform trail markers
Velebit Nature Park with
Northern Velebit National
Park Public Institution
Production of markers
Work on
existing water
basins
Markers installed in entire Ranger Service
area
operations log
Design and printing, From regular work. Costs of
20 workers/day,
HRK 35,000
Installation, 20
workers/day
Cooperation with
Quality marked and
Croatian Mountaineering maintained trail along
Federation concerning
entire length
works to mark trail
Field tour, minutes
Part of daily work
of Ranger and
Technical Services
Institution
Introduction of new
New and recognizable
signs on GSM signals and markers installed at all
emergency ph. no. 112
sites covered by GSM
signal
Map of coverage by all
operators in field, field
tour
Design, 5 workers/
day. Production of
15 panels
From regular work. Costs
of HRK 2,000 (possibility of
sponsorships)
Maintenance of existing
markers
plan
Ranger Service
operations log
20 workers/day
annually
Institution
Ascertain condition of
existing water basins
in field
plan
Ranger Service
operations log
6 workers/day,
water analysis with
sub-contract
HRK 1,500
Make water basins along
Premužić Trail suitable to
supply potable water to
visitors
Quality repair of 3 water
basins in Park’s territory
Potable water in repaired Sub-contract with
water basins, laboratory contractor
analysis
HRK 80,000
Other sources of financing
(state budget, donations or
plan
Ranger Service
operations log
2 workers/day
Institution
Equip and landscape
viewpoints and rest areas plan
Ranger Service
operations log
40 workers/day
HRK 30,000
Other sources of financing
(state budget, donations or
Maintenance of
viewpoints and rest areas plan
Ranger Service
operations log
4 workers/day
annually
Institution
Development of
Drafted interpretative
interpretation plan based program and plan
on existing activities in
Velebit Nature Park and
Park
Interpretive plan
25 workers/day
Institution
Installation of interpretive Conceived and rendered
panels at selected sites
interpretive panels
(Theme: “Man and
Velebit”)
Ranger Service
operations log, graphic
design ready for printing
Design, 25 workers/
day. Production of
10 panels.
HRK 20,000
Development and
distribution of
promotional materials
Graphic design ready
for printing. Finished
products.
Design, 10 workers/
day. Printing
HRK 10,000
Landscaping of Determination of
viewpoints and locations for rest areas
rest areas
and viewpoints
Sub-objective: 5. Interpretive content
Visitor
education on
natural and
cultural value
of Velebit
Publicity and
information
Developed promotional
materials
5. T I M E TA B L E TO C O M P L E T E P L A N N E D A C T I V I T I E S
A9
5. TIMETABLE TO COMPLETE PLANNED
ACTIVITIES
Activity
2008.
1/4
2/4
3/4
2009.
4/4
1. Preparations
Survey of current condition
and designation of primary
routes
Formulation of a design for
the entire Premužić Trail
Formulation of a final
construction design
Preparation of joint projects
to secure additional
finances
Preparation of a public
works
2. Construction works
Performance of construction
works
Necessary additional works
to landscape trail
Periodic tours of trail
Regular maintenance in
cooperation with partners
3. Protection status of Premužić Trail
Initiation of procedures
for official protection
of Premužić Trail as a
construction heritage
monument with 200 m
protective belt
Field work with relevant
institutions
Agreement with hunters
concerning hunting seasons
Agreement with national
forest authority concerning
times for logging and
transport
4. Additional enhancement of Premužić Trail
Determination of locations
Securing necessary licenses
and conditions
Construction of shelter in
cooperation with partners
1/4
2/4
3/4
2010.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2011.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2012.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2013.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
4/4
A10
Activity
2008.
1/4
Landscaping around shelter
Alignment of markers in
Velebit Nature Park with
Park Public Institution
Production of markers
Cooperation with Croatian
Mountaineering Federation
concerning works to mark
trail
Introduction of new
signs on GSM signals and
emergency ph. no. 112
Maintenance of existing
markers
Ascertain condition of
existing water basins in field
Make water basins along
Premužić Trail suitable to
supply potable water to
visitors
Determination of locations
for rest areas and viewpoints
Equip and landscape
viewpoints and rest areas
Maintenance of viewpoints
and rest areas
5. Interpretive content
Development of
interpretation plan based on
existing activities in Velebit
Nature Park and Northern
Velebit National Park
Installation of interpretive
panels at selected sites
(Theme: “Man and Velebit”)
Development and
distribution of promotional
materials
2/4
3/4
2009.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2010.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2011.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2012.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2013.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
4/4
6. M A P O F T R A I L
A11
6. MAP OF TRAIL
Legend
Premužić Trail
Park border
Bačić duliba
C a p e r c a i l l i e
N A T U R E
P A R K
Velebit
A C T I O N
P L A N
AC T I O N P L A N: CAPER CAIL L IE
B2
Contents
Introduction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B3
1. PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF ACTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5
1.1. Sub-objective 1: Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5
1. 2. Sub-objective 2: Implementation of Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5
2. PROJECTED RESOURCES TO ACHIEVE ACTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6
3. FUNDING SOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6
4. ACTION PLAN – TABULAR OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7
INTRODUC TION
B3
Introduction
The capercaillie lives in four state-owned hunting zones in the territory of Velebit Nature Park. Northern
Velebit hunting zone IX/14 is managed by the national forest management company Croatian Forest, Senj
Chapter Forestry Office, Central Velebit hunting zone IX/16D is managed by Croatian Forest, Gospić Chapter
Forestry Office, Crna Duliba hunting zone IX/16 B is managed by Stjepan Sajković, private concessionaire,
and Jadovno hunting zone IX/16 D is managed by the Lika Hunting Club of Gospić.
The capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) is Croatia’s largest forest fowl in the Phasanidae family (which includes
pheasants, partridges, etc.), in the Tetraoninae (grouse) sub-family, and it is protected by law. It lives in dense
and quiet mountain forests. It is very timid and sensitive to disturbances (chain saws, heavy machinery, etc.).
It generally prefers mixed forests, and also conifer forests with low undergrowth at elevations over 1,000
m above sea level. Its range was formerly much wider than today (e.g. it formerly inhabited Medvednica
mountain above Zagreb). In Croatia today, the capercaillie can only be found in Lika and Gorski Kotar.
Its breeding grounds are where the capercaillie performs its courtship dance in April and May. The tables
and maps clearly show that the breeding grounds are at the peak zones of the northern and central
sections of Velebit.
The capercaillie is protected by law and is not classified as game. To ensure that this largest European forest
fowl does not disappear from Croatia, we propose the Capercaillie Protection Action Plan. This entails the
classification of capercaillie breeding grounds into protected areas and the exclusion of these forests from
commercial exploitation.
Capercaillie breeding grounds in velebit nature park:
Management unit
Site
Sector, section
Active
Hunting zone
Jelovac
Teslina sadika
16a
IX/14 Northern Velebit
Jelovac
Crimušište
17a
Jelovac
Kontino bilo
36a/37a
Kordinac
Kućišta
1b, 2b
Kordinac
Konačišta
7a, 8b
Lom
Bevandinica
1a
Lom
Grgina vlaka
2a
Lom
Plančica
3b
Lom
Pećina
10b, 11b
Lom
Macina kuća
10a, 11a
Lom
Šuplji dolac
25a
Lom
Stara Bevandinica
26a
Lom
Kitavac
33b
Lom
Stara Smrčevica
20b, 37b
Padeži
Smrčevci
1a, 2a, 3a
Padeži
Pjevalište
24a
B4
Management unit
Site
Sector, section
Active
Hunting zone
Padeži
Tadijevac
25a
Padeži
Mali golić
27a, 30a
Štokić duliba
Štokić duliba
46a,46b, 53a
Štokić duliba
Borovačko brdo
49b,50b, 56b
Štokić duliba
Pištolin golić
35b
Štokić duliba
Ljuljevačko brdo
29b
Štokić duliba
Kraljevac
41b
Štokić duliba
Lukšanovac
28a,28b
Štokić duliba
Malovan
4a,10b
Padeška kosa- Bijele
grede
Manitaš
22a
IX/16 D Central Velebit
grede
Zalinac
25a
grede
Debeli vrh
10a
grede
Debeljak
12b, 13b, 14b
Štirovača
Pupak
10a,11a
Štirovača
Golić
14b
Laktin vrh- Dabri
Jazmakuša
19a
IX/16 B Crna Duliba
Laktin vrh- Dabri
Laktin vrh
70b, 75b, 77b
IX/16 B Crna Duliba
Jadovno Jazbine
Grgin Brig
81a
IX/16 D Jadovno
1. P R I N C I PA L O B J E C T I V E O F A C T I O N P L A N
B5
1. PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF ACTION PLAN
Long-term survival of the largest Croatian forest fowl with populations of a
quality and size capable of continuing the most harmonious coexistence
with people.
significance.
high level of biodiversity. The Action Plan endorses the measure of management involving protection of
endangered species and their habitats.
The Plan also contributes to the objective set in the Park’s Management Plan concerning quality education
of visitors on the value of Velebit.
Preparations entail a series of activities meant to establish a comprehensive capercaillie management
system. Such activities include intense research and monitoring of the species, conservation of the integrity
and existing quality of habitats, regulation of relations with the hunting sector, particularly with reference to
alignment of the hunting management guidelines and the prevention of poaching, separation of parts of
forests in which the capercaillie lives for their protection, and mobilization of all interested stakeholders.
1. 2. Sub-objective 2: Implementation of Plan
Activities include education and dissemination of information on the capercaillie, public involvement in
preparation and implementation of the proposed program, and use of results to promote the Nature Park.
Also foreseen is the monitoring of progress on the Plan and its revision after two years.
B6
PLAN
The necessary resources to achieve the objectives of the Action Plan generally include use of existing
human resources and Park equipment. Contractors will be engaged partially for monitoring and for the
needs of making souvenirs.
Accomplishment of this Action Plan task will require an estimated 1,087 working days.
3. FUNDING SOURCES
All of the activities foreseen under the Plan will be financed by the Nature Park’s own revenues and will be
included in the annual activity plans. The total funds projected for completion of the Action Plan over the
five year period from 2008 to December 2012 are HRK 330,750.00.
B7
Objective
Activity
Measurable result
Verification
methods
Required
inputs
Input costs
PRINCIPAL
OBJECTIVE
Long-term survival of the largest Croatian forest fowl with populations of a quality and size capable
of continuing the most harmonious coexistence with people
Sub-objective 1:
Preparations
Research and
establishment of
monitoring
Research completed
and regular monitoring
established
Photodocumentation
Written reports
All active breeding
grounds recorded
180 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Contractor
Habitat protection
and conservation
and maintenance of
favorable conditions to
preserve species.
Preserved habitat
Photodocumentation
Written reports
60 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Preserved habitat
quality
Photodocumentation
Written reports
60 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Hunting management
guidelines aligned
with capercaillie
conservation
Breeding grounds
specified in hunting
management
guidelines
5 working days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Reduction of
capercaillie poaching
Daily operating logs
of ranger service and
game warden service
300 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Establishment of
cooperation with
forestry offices with
regard to preservation
of the capercaillie.
The sectors
encompassing grounds
excluded from active
management in
protected sites for the
purpose of securing
improved species
protection
Sectors
encompassing
breeding grounds
recorded and set
aside
10 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Involvement of
all stakeholders in
implementation of
Action Plan.
Cooperation
established with
licensed hunters and
company Croatian
Forest, university
forestry departments
and Ornithology
Department
Written agreements
Joint work on Action
Plan
15 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Establishment of
cooperation with
licensed hunters with
regard to preservation
of the capercaillie.
B8
Objective
Sub-objective 2:
Implementation
of Plan
Verification
methods
Required
inputs
Activity
Measurable result
Increased public
knowledge and
awareness of the
importance of
preserving the
capercaillie.
Educational and
information campaign
conducted
Promotional
materials, posters,
fliers, etc. produced
20 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Public involvement
in implementation of
Action Plan.
Percentage of public
participation in
activities defined under
the Action Plan
Nature school
Workshops
20 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Quantitative level
of public stance
on importance
of capercaillie
conservation
Polls
10 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Installed thematic
exhibition in Nature
Park’s Education Center
tied to the capercaillie
Number of visitors in
Education Center
10 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Souvenirs made
Number of souvenirs
sold
2 working days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Contractor
Establish system to
monitor activities and
verify results of Action
Plan implementation
Reports
10 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Field work by
inspectoral, Ranger and
game warden services
Operating journals
250 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Assessment of
monitoring and
preparation of
professional guidelines
National Nature
Protection Bureau
20 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Action Plan Monitoring
Commission
established
Commission formed
50 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Cooperation with
all interested parties
established
Number of
workshops, number
and type of
participants
50 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Action Plan revised two
years after adoption
Revision with
recommendations
for further Action
Plan implementation
15 working
days
From regular
work of Public
Institution
Define tourism product
related to capercaillie
conservation
Monitoring of activities
and verification of
results of Action plan,
and establishment
of cooperation with
interested groups.
Revision of Action Plan.
Input costs
B9
ACTIVITIES
Activity
2008.
1/4
Research and
establishment of
monitoring.
Habitat protection
and conservation and
maintenance of favorable
conditions to preserve
species.
Establishment of
cooperation with licensed
hunters with regard
to preservation of the
capercaillie.
Establishment of
cooperation with forestry
offices with regard to
preservation of the
capercaillie.
Involvement of
all stakeholders in
implementation of Action
Plan.
Increased public
knowledge and
awareness of the
importance of preserving
the capercaillie.
Public involvement in
implementation of Action
Plan.
Define tourism product
related to capercaillie
conservation
Monitoring of activities
and verification of
results of Action plan,
and establishment
of cooperation with
interested groups.
Revision of Action Plan.
2/4
3/4
2009.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2010.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2011.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2012.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
4/4
Fir and beech forest, Northern Velebit
Baške Oštarije
N A T U R E
P A R K
Velebit
A C T I O N
P L A N
AC T I O N P L A N: OR G ANIZAT ION OF V EL EBIT NAT URE PARK VI SI TOR AND I NF ORMATI ON CENTER I N BAŠKE OŠTARI JE
C2
Contents
INTRODUCTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C3
1. PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF ACTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C5
1.1. Sub-objective 1: Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C5
1.2. Sub-objective 2: Construction works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C5
1.3. Sub-objective 3: Final works on Visitor Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C5
2. PROJECTED RESOURCES TO ACHIEVE ACTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C6
3. FUNDING SOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C6
4. ACTION PLAN – TABULAR OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C7
5. TIMETABLE TO COMPLETE PLANNED ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C10
INTRODUC TION
C3
Introduction
Within the boundaries of the protected area in Velebit Nature Park and with direct reference to the
particular aspects of its peripheral zones, developmental activities clearly indicate the need to establish
administrative/visitor centers in and around which dynamic change will be concentrated in the future.
The settlement of Krasno in the northern section of Velebit Nature Park is forming into a developmental
center which is also the administrative headquarters of Northern Velebit National Park.
Gračac is becoming the developmental center for Velebit Nature Park’s southern end, primarily due to
activities involving Cerovac Caves, and also recreational fishing, rafting on the Zrmanja River, hiking routes,
etc.
Baške Oštarije has been recognized as the central, development-driving settlement of Velebit’s mid-section.
Baške Oštarije is a mountain settlement located along the Gospić-Karlobag road on a spacious plateau
approximately 4 km long, at an altitude of 924 m. This is a zone of contact between the continental and
Mediterranean climates, which influences the entire area’s development.
Baške Oštarije consists of several hamlets, among them the most populous are Šikići and Brkljačići.
The name Oštarije is of romance linguistic origin (“osteria” is the Italian word for inn), probably dating back
to the era of Venetian rule, when caravans stopped for the night at this most important pass over Velebit.
Depopulation, which plagues the entire Lika region, did spare Baške Oštarije, so the former school in this
settlement has not performed its basic purpose for many years now (the building was used by the Croatian
Red Cross for several years). Today Baške Oštarije has only around twenty permanent residents. Most of the
existing buildings are used as vacation homes.
Due to its advantageous location and good transit connections, Baške Oštarije has promising tourism
prospects.
The Velebit Nature Park Public Institution considers the existing school building an excellent site for the
Park’s Visitor and Information Center for the following reasons:
– It is 20 km from Gospić, where Velebit Nature Park’s Headquarters are located, and which is also the seat
of Lika-Senj County, and it is developing in this regard.
– It is 20 km from Karlobag, a town at the foot of Velebit marked by a permanent population and constant
growth in its tourism sector.
– The building is located along the main Gospić-Karlobag road, and parking lots for buses and personal
automobiles can be arranged.
– Baške Oštarije are located in very important surroundings, in terms of educational programs (Premužić
Trail – from Baške Oštarije to Zavižan; the Theresian Learning Trail – from Baške Oštarije to Karlobag
– currently functional from Baške Oštarije to Konjsko), research projects involving inventories and
monitoring of Velebit’s natural treasures, and tourist attractions (marked and equipped bicycling trails,
mountain-climbing zone at Dabarski crests, hiking trails of various difficulty levels adapted to visitors in
all physical fitness categories, “Kubus” or “Ora” viewpoints).
– Since this is a zone where the continental and Mediterranean climates meet, it is also characterized
by unique climatic conditions, which has already led to the designation of Baške Oštarije as a place of
medicinal atmospheric baths. Having the protected area’s visitor and information center at a location
with these qualities would mean the creation of a complex with open developmental potential.
C4
– Besides the Theresian Learning Trail, there are also meadow trails and paths in the school building’s
immediate vicinity which can be organized as trails adapted for use by persons with special needs. The
organization of the visitor center as a whole has been conceived so as to adapt the displays and yard to
persons with special needs.
– The Hotel Velebno is located close to the building on the Oštarije plateau, with the potential for yearround alpine tourism. The hotel constitutes an additional possibility for accommodation of visitors in
Baške Oštarije, and also the planned visitor center.
– There are also two mountain lodges near the building on the Oštarije plateau, both with suitable, quality
capacity, which can also potentially accommodate users of the planned visitor center.
The functioning of this Visitor Center, which would also serve as a sort of field base for the Institution’s
Ranger and Technical Services (two offices), would form a unified complex in combination with operations
at the Park Headquarters in Gospić due to its size and planned content. Velebit Nature Park’s Headquarters
building will have a fully-equipped presentation hall with seating for approximately fifty people. The field
portions of presentation and educational programs, after the substantial portion held in the hall in Gospić,
would in this case be organized in the center in Baške Oštarije.
The operations of the Visitor Center would require the hiring of new staff and staff training for the needs
of presentation and guided tours.
The involvement of the local population, and this primarily means the residents of the Karlobag Municipality
as a whole and the nearby settlement of Brušani, which has had lifetime ties to Baške Oštarije since the
distant past, would be just another positive and exceptionally important aspect of this project. There are
several reasons for this:
– Employment creates opportunities to ensure the survival and continued residence of people in a region
characterized by intense depopulation.
– Local residents begin to see life in a protected area as not only a burden, but also a real possibility to
secure a decent existence.
– The creation of opportunities for the
sale of products from local family
farms as souvenirs or consumer
products. Sales could be organized in
the visitor center’s souvenir shop or
in some other sales outlet established
in the settlement.
The Visitor Center in Baške Oštarije
should also include modest accommodation capacity (common kitchen,
bathrooms and four double bedrooms)
for the needs of field research teams.
C5
Organization of the Velebit Nature Park Visitor and Information Center in
Baške Oštarije
significance.
high level of biodiversity. Additionally, completion of this Action Plan will contribute to achievement of
the Velebit Nature Park Management Plan objective to improve marketing and promotion of the Park
at the national and international levels through the development of various informative materials, and
achievement of the objective tied to tourism and recreation: to enable quality visits, experiences and
interpretation of Velebit through all aforementioned measures.
Completion of the Action Plan encompasses a series of several groups of activities oriented toward the
same objective: preparations, construction works and final works in the Visitor Center.
Preparations entail a series of activities to draft project documentation and resolve ownership of the old
school building in Baške Oštarije.
Construction works entail the renovation and landscaping around the Visitor Center.
1.3. Sub-objective 3: Final works on Visitor Center
Additional work on the Visitor Center entails furnishing the interior, landscaping the yard, connecting the
Center to the Theresian Learning Trail and organizing accommodations for volunteers, and the Ranger and
Technical Services.
C6
PLAN
The necessary resources to achieve the objectives of the Action Plan include partial use of existing human
resources. 246 working days have been planned for this purpose. Specialized external contractors will be
engaged to draft project documentation and carry out construction works. External contractors will also
be engaged to design and install display cases and to design and produce typical souvenirs.
3. FUNDING SOURCES
The projected duration of activities under this Action Plan is 3 (three) years. The amount of HRK 3,454,500.00
to cover the activities foreseen under the Plan will be largely financed by the Nature Park’s own funds,
Beginning of the Theresian Learning Trail at Baške Oštarije
C7
Objective
Activity
Measurable result
Verification
methods
Required
inputs
Input costs
Principal objective: Organization of the Velebit Nature Park Visitor and Information Center in Baške Oštarije
Resolution of title
issues pertaining
to old school in
Baške Oštarije
Drafting
of project
documentation
Negotiations with current
owner, Karlobag Municipality
Agreement on donation
or long-term lease
Contract
5 workers/day
Institution
Precise land survey
measurement of lot’s
boundaries
Written study
Study
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 5,000
Alignment of land register
and cadastre
Entry in land register
Title deed
1 worker/day
Institution
Development of concept
for center and terms of
reference
Terms of reference
prepared for tender
Terms of reference
5 workers/day
Institution
Preparation and
announcement of
preliminary design tender
Tender announced and
conducted
Contract with
designer
2 workers/day
Institution, Costs of HRK
3,000
Drafting of preliminary
design
Preliminary design
Preliminary design
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 50,000
Secure site permit
All necessary
documentation
(permissions) obtained
Site permit
2 workers/day
1,000
Preparation and
announcement of public
tender to draft final design
conducted
Contract with
designer
2 workers/day
3,000
Development of final design
(interior and exterior)
Final design
Final design
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 250,000
Secure construction license
All necessary
documentation
(permissions) obtained
Construction license
2 workers/day
25,000 (with utilities charges)
Preparation and
works
conducted
Contract with
building contractor
4 workers/day
3,000
C8
Objective
Activity
Measurable result
Verification
methods
Required
inputs
Input costs
Renovation of
Visitor Center
Landscaping
around Visitor
Center
Rendering of construction
works
Performance of
deadlines
Construction
documentation
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 1,409,000
Other financing sources
(from state budget,
donations or national and
international endowments/
programs)
adherence to deadlines
in compliance with
regulations and project
Construction
documentation.
Report of
supervisory body.
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 30,000
Technical inspection
Fulfillment of all criteria
for use license
Use license
Commission
HRK 2,000
Construction of out
building to store tools and
equipment
Performance of
deadlines
Construction
documentations
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 80,000
(from state budget,
programs)
Necessary auxiliary works
to landscape Center’s
surroundings
Center completed and
fully functional
Ranger Service
operations log
10 workers/day
Institution
Signs on main thoroughfare
Signs fully functional
in compliance with
regulations
Decision of relevant
agency issued
3 workers/day
10,000
Conception for permanent
exhibition
Conceptual design with
plans for execution
Study on exhibition
30 workers/day
Institution
Production and installation
of exhibition
Rendering of all planned
content
Fully functional
exhibition
40 workers/day,
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 600,000
Audio-visual equipment
Ascertaining needs and
tender and installation
Installed audiovisual equipment
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 120,000
(from state budget,
programs)
Collecting the necessary
exhibits
Definition of needs and
procurement of exhibits
Exhibits installed
and protected
30 workers/day
80,000
Production of didactic/
interpretive content
tender and installation
Installed didactic/
interpretive
equipment
20 workers/day,
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 100,000
Content for persons with
special needs
organization of exhibition
Exhibition with
content for persons
with special needs
10 workers/day,
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 100,000
(from state budget,
programs)
Shop to sell souvenirs and
local products
Finishing and furnishing
rooms, procurement of
souvenirs and authentic
local products
Functioning sales
outlet offering
only authentic
local souvenirs and
products
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 20,000
Sub-objective 3: Final works on Visitor Center
Furnishing the
interior
C9
Objective
Landscaping of
yard
Connecting
Center with
Theresian
Learning Trail
Organization of
accommodations
for volunteers
and ranger and
technical service
Activity
Measurable result
Verification
methods
Required
inputs
Input costs
Construction of educational
and rest area
Facility for 50 persons
Educational/rest
area functional
30 workers/day
50,000
Construction of parking lot
outside of school yard
Parking lot for one bus
and 10 automobiles
Completed and
marked parking
lot in line with
regulations
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 80,000
special needs on first third of
Theresian
Ramp made from
Center’s yard and
adapted trail
Trail safely
functional for
persons with special
needs
30 workers/day,
Sub-contract
with contractor
200,000
Setting up outdoor
‘classrooms’ between Center
and Theresian
‘Classroom’ for ca
50 persons made of
materials at hand
Classrooms
functional
20 workers/day,
Sub-contract
with contractor
10,000 HRK
Equip 2offices for associates
and the ranger service in
attic rooms
2 equipped offices
Offices functional
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 30,000
Equip 4 rooms to
accommodate associates,
and kitchen
4 equipped rooms with
kitchen and bathrooms
Rooms functional
Sub-contract
with contractor
HRK 80,000
C10
ACTIVITIES
Activity
2008.
1/4
1. Preparations
Negotiations with
current owner, Karlobag
Municipality
Precise land survey
boundaries
Alignment of land
register and cadastre
Development of concept
for center and terms of
reference
Preparation and
announcement of
preliminary design
tender
Drafting of preliminary
design
Secure site permit
Preparation and
tender to draft final
design
Development of final
design (interior and
exterior)
Secure construction
license
Preparation and
works
Rendering of
construction works
Construction oversight
Technical inspection
Construction of out
building to store tools
and equipment
2/4
3/4
2009.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2010.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
4/4
C11
Activity
2008.
1/4
Necessary auxiliary works
to landscape Center’s
surroundings
Signs on main
thoroughfare
3. Final works on Visitor Center
Conception for
permanent exhibition
Production and
installation of exhibition
Audio-visual equipment
Collecting the necessary
exhibits
Production of didactic/
interpretive content
special needs
Shop to sell souvenirs
and local products
Construction of
educational and rest area
Construction of parking
lot outside of school yard
special needs on first
third of Theresian
Setting up outdoor
‘classrooms’ between
Center and Theresian
Equip 2offices for
associates and the
ranger service in attic
rooms
Equip 4 rooms to
accommodate
associates, and kitchen
2/4
3/4
2009.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
2010.
4/4
1/4
2/4
3/4
4/4
Cerovac Caves
Cerovac Caves
N A T U R E
P A R K
Velebit
A C T I O N
P L A N
AC T I O N P L A N: CER O VAC CAV ES
D2
Contents
INTRODUCTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D3
1. PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF ACTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D4
1.1. Sub-objective 1: Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D4
1.2. Sub-objective 2: Construction works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D4
1.3. Sub-objective 3: Additional work on Cerovac Caves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5
1.4. Sub-objective 4: Publicity and information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5
1.5. Sub-objective 5: Scientific research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5
2. PROJECTED RESOURCES TO ACHIEVE ACTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D6
3. FUNDING SOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D6
4. ACTION PLAN – TABULAR OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D7
5. TIMETABLE TO COMPLETE PLANNED ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D11
INTRODUC TION
D3
Introduction
The Cerovac Caves constitute one of the largest organized cave complexes in Croatia. They derive their
name from the nearest train station, in Cerovac. They are also known among local residents as Turkalj’s
Caves, after the engineer Nikola Turkalj, who discovered them during construction of a railroad.
The Cerovac Caves consist of three channels. The Lower Cave has been explored to a length of 2,400 m.
The Upper Cave has been explored to a length of 1,200 m. The Middle Cave has been explored to a length
of 390 m.
Besides being exceptionally rich with cave ornaments, the Cerovac Caves are among the largest sites for
cave bear remains in Croatia. Judging by the finds of bones and pottery, the caves were also used by
people, for the most part sporadically during the Paleolithic, on hunts for cave-dwelling animals, and then
later as a permanent abode, particularly during the Iron Age.
Thanks to their unique natural beauty and numerous artifacts from the distant past, the Cerovac Caves
were declared a geomorphological natural monument by an Act of Proclamation in 1961, and in 1981 they
became a component of Velebit Nature Park.
Stone basins in Cerovac Caves
D4
Comprehensive organization of the Cerovac Caves complex
significance.
The achievement of the Action Plan’s chief objective contributes to the maintenance of the existing high
level of biodiversity. The Action Plan endorses the measure of drafting a management plan for the Cerovac
Caves and strictly supervised access to the pit-caves and caves within the entire space of subterranean
habitats. Also, implementation of this Action Plan will contribute to achievement of the Velebit Nature Park
Management Plan objective to improve marketing and promotion of the Nature Park at the domestic and
international levels through the development of various informative materials, and achievement of the
objective tied to tourism and recreation: to enable quality visits, experiences and interpretation of Velebit
though all aforementioned measures.
The Action Plan encompasses a series of several sets of activities aimed at the same objective: preparations,
construction works, additional works on Cerovac Caves and making them functional, targeted publicity
and dissemination of information. During all activities and later use of Cerovac Caves, ongoing scientific
research and monitoring has been foreseen.
Preparations entail a series of activities to develop the project documentation and introduce a new system
of illumination, telephone links, an audio and video presentation system in the caves (also encompassing
the non-illuminated and unorganized part D of the Cerovac Caves at a length of roughly 1,000 m) and
settlement of property rights matters around the facility for the entry point.
Construction works entail reconstruction and introduction of new systems of installations and links and
organization and equipping of the entry point.
D5
1.3. Sub-objective 3: Additional works in Cerovac Caves
Additional works in Cerovac Caves entail the installation of measuring stations for temperature, moisture
and radon concentration in the Lower and Upper Caves, design and production of an entire marker system
for the cave complex, removal of graffiti from cave ornaments and walls, conception and production of
display cases for archeological artifacts and digs.
1.4. Sub-objective 4: Publicity and information
Publicity and information encompass a set of activities under the Action Plan to organize the Cerovac
Caves which entail the publication of a monograph on the Cerovac Caves, other promotional materials
and their distribution, and design and production of a typical souvenir.
1.5. Sub-objective 5: Scientific research
The Action Plan foresees ongoing scientific research (archeological, biospeleological, hydrospeleological,
speleological) in the Cerovac Caves.
D6
PLAN
The necessary resources to achieve the objectives of the Action Plan include partial use of existing human
resources. 228 working days have been planned for this purpose. Specialized external contractors will
be engaged to draft project documentation, conduct scientific research and carry out construction
works. Contractors will also be engaged to install the measuring stations, remove the graffiti in the caves,
manufacture and install the display cases with exhibits and design and produce a typical souvenir.
3. FUNDING SOURCES
The projected duration of activities under this Action Plan is 6 (six) years. The amount of HRK 4,270.350.00
to cover the activities foreseen under the Plan will be largely financed by the Nature Park’s own funds,
Detail from
Cerovac Caves
D7
Objective
Activity
Measurable result
Verification
methods
Required inputs
Input costs
Principal objective: Comprehensive organization of Cerovac Caves complex
Development of
project documentation
and introduce a new
system of illumination,
telephone links, an
audio and video
presentation system
in the caves (also
encompassing the
non-illuminated and
unorganized part D
of the Cerovac Caves
at a length of roughly
1,000 m)
Settlement of property
rights matters around
the facility for the entry
point
Formulation
of design for
comprehensive
organization of
installations and links
in caves
Terms of reference prepared
for tender announcement
Terms of reference
5 workers/day
From regular work of
Public Institution
Preparation and
announcement
of tender for
preliminary design
conducted
Contract with
preliminary design
architect
3 workers/day
Public Institution
Formulation of
preliminary design
for new system
of illumination,
telephone links and
audio and video
presentation system.
Preliminary design written
with all required elements
Preliminary design
Sub-contract with
contractor
From regular work
of Public Institution
and other financing
source (state budget,
donations or national
and international
endowments/
programs)
Preparation and
announcement of
public tender for
final design
conducted
Contract with final
design architect
3 workers/day
Public Institution
Development of
detailed construction
project/final design
Final design
Final design
Sub-contract with
contractor
Public Institution
Preparation of joint
projects to secure
additional finances
Project proposal drafted
and sent to three financing
tenders
Project
documentation
20 workers/day
Public Institution
Preparation of a
public tender for
construction works
and other works
and introduction
of system of
installations and links
conducted
Tender
documentation
released
5 workers/day
Public Institution
Negotiations with
current owner,
Gračac Municipality
Agreement on donation or
long-term lease
Precise land survey
boundaries
Study
Study
Sub-contract with
contractor
Public Institution
Alignment of land
register and cadastre
Entry in land register
Title deed
2 workers/day
Public Institution
Contract
5 workers/day
Public Institution
D8
Objective
Activity
Measurable result
Verification
methods
Required inputs
Input costs
Reconstruction and
introduction of new
system of installations
and links
Organization and
equipping of entry
point
Rendering of
construction works
Performance of projected and
planned construction work
within deadlines
Construction
documentation
Sub-contract with
contractor
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Construction
supervision
adherence to deadlines in
compliance with regulations
and final design
Construction
documentation.
Report of
supervisory body.
Sub-contract with
contractor
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Additional works
to complete access
trails
Fulfillment of all criteria for
use license
Ranger Service
operations log
50 workers/day
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Works to organize
and equip the entry
point
Performance of projected and
planned construction work
within deadlines
Ranger Service
operations log,
invoices for
procurement
of equipment,
materials and
miscellaneous
supplies
10 workers/day
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Construction of
out-building to store
tools and equipment
Center completed and fully
functional
Ranger Service
operations log
10 workers/day
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Necessary works
to landscape area
around entry point
Entry point complete and fully
functional
Ranger Service
operations log
10 workers/day
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Sub-objective: 3. Additional works in Cerovac Caves
Installation of
measuring stations
for temperature,
moisture and radon
concentration in the
Lower and Upper
Cerovac Caves
Determination of
locations to install
measuring stations
Ranger and Technical Service
activity plan
Ranger and
Technical Service
operations log
4 workers/day
Public Institution
Securing necessary
licenses and criteria
Conditions and all necessary
approvals secured
Complete
technical
documentation
(NNPB)
8 workers/day
Public Institution
Preparations to
announce public
tender to procure
and install measuring
instruments
Tender to procure and install
equip announced and
conducted
Contract with
contractor /
vendor
2 workers/day
Public Institution
Installation of
measuring stations
2 measuring stations installed
Measuring
stations in use
Sub-contract
with contractor /
vendor
Public Institution
D9
Objective
Design and production
of an entire marker
system for the cave
complex
Removal of graffiti
from cave ornaments
and walls
Display cases for
archeological artifacts
and digs
Activity
Measurable result
Verification
methods
Required inputs
Input costs
Alignment based
on form of existing
markers
Uniform markers and signs
Reports and other
documentation
1 worker/day
Public Institution
Installation of
markers
Markers installed in entire area
and in caves
Ranger Service
operations log
Design and
printing, 5
workers/day,
installation, 10
workers/day
Public Institution
Cooperation with
CMF on works to
mark trails
Quality markers and
maintained trails along entire
length
Field tour, reports
As part of daily
work of ranger
and technical
services
Public Institution
Maintenance of
existing markers
Ranger Service activity plan
Ranger Service
operations log
5 workers/day
annually
Public Institution
Detect all existing
graffiti
Ranger Service activity plan
Ranger Service
operations
log, photodocumentation
6 workers/day
Public Institution
Preparation and
announcement of
invitation to bid for
works to remove
graffiti from caves
conducted
Contract with
contractor
2 workers/day
Public Institution
Removal of graffiti
in caves
Completion of all contracted
works within deadlines
Photodocumentation,
list of sites that
require cleaning/
rehabilitation
Sub-contract with
contractor
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Design for
permanent
archeological exhibit
Conceptual design with
operational plans
Study on exhibit
10 workers/day
in cooperation
with Lika Museum
and Archeological
Museum in
Zagreb
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Gathering or
borrowing of
necessary exhibits
Procurement of exhibits,
analysis of existing exhibits
Exhibits installed
and protected
10 workers/day
in cooperation
with Lika Museum
and Archeological
Museum in
Zagreb
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Preparation and
announcement of
tender to install
exhibition
Tender for public
procurement and installation
announced
Contract with
party installing
exhibition
2 workers/day
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Design and
installation of display
cases with exhibits
Rendering of all planned
content
Exhibition fully
functional
Sub-contract with
contractor
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
D10
Objective
Activity
Measurable result
Verification
methods
Required inputs
Input costs
Sub-objective: 4. Publicity and information
Publication of
monograph on Cerovac
Caves
Production of
monograph on
Cerovac Caves
Production of monograph in
cooperation with experts and
scientists
Monograph
entitled Cerovačke
špilje (Cerovac
Caves) released
and on sale
Design, 15
workers/day,
Sub-contract with
contractor, Printer
From regular work
and international
endowments/
programs)
Production of
Production of tourist
guide for Cerovac
Caves
Tourist guide produced
Tourist guide
released and on
sale
Design, 15
workers/day,
Printer
Public Institution
Production and
distribution of
promotional
materials
Promotional materials
produced
Graphic design,
ready for print,
fliers, multimedia
CD, etc.
Design, 10
workers/day,
Printer, recording
Public Institution
Design and
production of typical
souvenir
Souvenirs produced
Souvenirs on the
market and on
sale
Sub-contract with
contractor
Public Institution
Archeological
research
Planned research conducted
Studies,
articles, maps,
photographs,
artifacts
Sub-contract with
contractor
Public Institution
Biospeleological
research
Studies, articles,
maps
Sub-contract with
contractor
Public Institution
Hydrogeological
research
Studies, maps,
samples
Sub-contract with
contractor
Public Institution
Speleological
research and
measurement
Studies, articles,
maps
Sub-contract with
contractor
Public Institution
Design and production
of typical souvenir
Sub-objective: 5. Scientific research
Research and
inventories in Cerovac
Caves
D11
ACTIVITIES
Activity
.
1. Preparations
Formulation of concept for
comprehensive organization of
installations and links in caves
Preparation and announcement
of tender for preliminary design
Formulation of preliminary
design for new system of
illumination, telephone links and
audio and video presentation
system.
of public tender for final design
Development of detailed
construction project/final design
Preparation of joint projects to
secure additional finances
Preparation of a public tender
for construction works and other
works and introduction of system
of installations and links
Negotiations with current owner,
Gračac Municipality
Precise land survey measurement
of lot’s boundaries
Alignment of land register and
cadastre
Rendering of construction works
Additional works to complete
access trails
Works to organize and equip the
entry point
Construction of out-building to
store tools and equipment
Necessary works to landscape
area around entry point
2008.
2009.
2010.
2011.
2012.
2013
1/4 2/4 3/4 4/4 1/4 2/4 3/4 4/4 1/4 2/4 3/4 4/4 1/4 2/4 3/4 4/4 1/4 2/4 3/4 4/4 1/4 2/4 3/4 4/4
D12
3. Additional works in Cerovac Caves
Determination of locations to
install measuring stations
Securing necessary licenses and
criteria
Preparations to announce public
tender to procure and install
measuring instruments
Installation of measuring stations
Alignment based on form of
existing markers
Installation of markers
Cooperation with CMF on works
to mark trails
Maintenance of existing markers
Detect all existing graffiti
of invitation to bid for works to
remove graffiti from caves
Removal of graffiti in caves
Design for permanent
archeological exhibit
Gathering or borrowing of
necessary exhibits
of tender to install exhibition
Design and installation of display
cases with exhibits
4. Publicity and information
Production of monograph on
Cerovac Caves
Production of tourist guide for
Cerovac Caves
Production and distribution of
Design and production of typical
souvenir
5. Scientific research
Archeological research
Biospeleological research
Hydrogeological research
Speleological research and
measurement
Zoning map of
Velebit Nature Park
Legend
Park border

Velebit Nature Park

Transcription

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