HABITAT PROGRAM PLANTATIONS

In addition to the plantations to promote connectivity between bear areas, the FOP has over several years created a network of feeding points strategically located on the slopes most visited by bears and, especially, by females with cubs. The land is planted with cherry trees (Prunus avium), apple trees (Malus sp.), alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus), whitebeam (Sorbus aria), alpine buckthorn (Rhamnus alpina) and other 8 fruit-producing species for the bear.The plantations are developed on abandoned grassland or in forests owned by the FOP, or on public or private lands through land stewardship agreements that guarantee the future maintenance of the plantations.

The plantation works are usually carried out with local forest cooperatives and unemployed residents of the area, thus contributing to the creation of local employment.