Valdivian Coastal Reserve | |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Sand dunes of Colún Beach invading forest |
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Location | Los Ríos Region, Chile |
Nearest city | Valdivia |
Area | 597 km² |
Established | 2003 |
Governing body | Corporación Nacional Forestal |
Valdivian Coastal Reserve is a natural reserve located in the Cordillera Pelada, in Los Ríos Region of Chile, near Corral. The reserve was formed in 2003 when the WWF, TNC and other local organizations acquired a large area of 597 km2 (231 sq mi) of which 83% is categorized as Valdivian temperate rainforest and 7.8% was previously used for growing eucalyptus. Some native trees in the reserve includes Olivillo that forms dense forests near the coast and Fitzroya that grows in the higher parts. The Valdivian Coastal Reserve is the largest reserve in the Chilean Coast Range. The 9 km long Colún Beach and the Twin Lagoons of Colún lies inside the reserve just some kilometers north of Colún River. The lower flow of Bueno River makes up the southern boundary of the reserve.