Roztocze National Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Roztocze National Park | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
| Location: | Lublin Voivodship, Poland |
| Area: | 84.83 km² |
| Established: | 1974 |
| Governing body: | Ministry of the Environment |
Roztoczański National Park (Polish: Roztoczański Park Narodowy) is a national park located in eastern Poland, in the Lublin Voivodship. It protects the most precious, natural areas of the middle part of the Roztocze range. The Park was created in 1974 and initially covered area of 48.01 km² and now 84.83 km² of which forests occupy 81.02 km² and strictly protected part - 8.06 km².
The beginnings of nature protection in the region date back to 1934, when the Bukowa Gora Preserve was created (now it is a strictly protected area). In 1938, for the first time in Poland, a bill was issued which stated that prey birds on the area of the Zamoyski family estate were protected. The Park itself was created from State Forests of Districts of Kosobudy and Zwierzyniec, which had belonged to the Zamoyski family estate. The Park is located in a picturesque Roztocze Środkowe Region, in the upper Wieprz river valley. These parts separate Lublin Upland (Polish: Wyżyna Lubelska) from Sandomierz Dale (Polish: Kotlina Sandomierska). Water of the main river running through the Park - the Wieprz - is of the second class of purity. There are also two streams which originate in here: the Szum (2.5 km) and the Świerszcz (7.5 km). It must be mentioned that Roztoczański National Park boasts unique tree formations. There are more than 400 so-called "nature monument" trees and the Park’s fir are among the highest and biggest in Poland (up to 50 meters of height).
Contents |
[edit] Wildlife
Among mammals living in the Park are: elk, deer, boar, fox, wolf and badger. In 1979 beaver was reintroduced and now colonies of the mammal thrive in the Wieprz valley. In 1982 Polish ponies were brought here. Also, there have been registered around 190 species of birds, including eagle, stork and woodpecker. Reptiles are represented by lizard, adder and grass snake as well as endangered European pond terrapin. Also insect fauna is interesting, with more than 2000 species.
[edit] Brief History
The history of this area is closely connected with the Zamoyski family estate, which was founded in 1589. The Estate’s headquarters were placed at Zwierzyniec, and the Park’s management today is located in the restored house of the former Estate’s administrator. Tourists have a choice of five walking trails as well as a bicycle trail. The area of the Park and adjacent lands witnessed numerous battles during the Polish January Uprising and both World Wars. Tragic reminiscences of these times are numerous cemeteries in Zwierzyniec and other locations.
[edit] Park Management
Management address:
- ul. Plazowa 2
- 22-470 Zwierzyniec
- POLAND
