Bihor-Bălileasa

BH-005-Bălileasa Wetland

General information

The peatland ecosystem called Turbăria de la Bălileasa, located at 1236 m, is included in the Padiș karstic plateau in the Bihor Mountains and is administratively located in Budureasa commune, Bihor county. From a biogeographical point of view, the ecosystem is integrated with the boreonemoral level (spruce-beech mixture), the peatland being mesotrophic. The ecosystem area has 1,94 ha.

WebGIS

Restoration works

2-3.2024 – Subsequent to obtaining the environmental permit, as well as other authorizations required by local institutions, some of the restoration works associated with the Bălileasa Peatland were implemented.

During several field trips, the following activities were carried out:

  • Installation of a billboard;
  • Placement of tourist signs;
  • Installation of piezometers for monitoring water level fluctuations;
  • Creation of dams to optimize the water budget in the peat bog.

All restoration works were carried out using local materials, with a non-invasive impact on the peatlands.

Creating promotional materials

2.2024 – In order to promote the peatland ecosystems associated with the NWPEAT project, several distinct informational and promotional materials have been created for each peatland. In this regard, Bălileasa Peatland has a digital brochure and a billboard that will be placed on-site.

Restoration scheme – Bălileasa

25.02.2022 – To restore the functions of the BH-005-Bălileasa ecosystem, it is envisaged to achieve an optimal hydrological balance and improve the state of the ecosystem. The main pressures affecting this wetland are intensive drainage and grazing.

Field documentation – Bălileasa

7.06.2022 – The field documentation from Bălileasa peatland highlighted a good status of this ecosystem. The immediate pressure generated by nearby logging and the presence of overgrazing are some of the aspects noted in the field. At the same time, the spread of the tussock cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum) was reported, as well as the presence, in the vicinity of the peat bog, of some species of amphibians (the yellow-bellied toad – Bombina variegata).

Habitat mapping – Bălileasa

27.08.2022 – The habitats found in the Bălileasa peatland are 7140. Transition mires and quaking bogs, in the eastern and southern part of the peatland, partially degraded by overgrazing, and 91D0*. Bog woodlands, in the central part of the peatland. The herpetofauna is represented by several species of amphibians and reptiles.

Obtaining legal status for Bălileasa Peatland 

14.03.2023 – A field survey to the Budureasa Town Hall was carried out in mid-March in order to settle the legal status of the Bălileasa peatland. In some cases, as in the present case, peatlands have been classified as non-productive land in terms of their use and the ownership is uncertain. They are not registered and do not have a land register or topographical number.