Cluj – La Poduri

Creation of a boardwalk

16.04.2024 – A boardwalk has been created for Tinovul La Poduri to stimulate sustainable tourism. The design of this trail was carried out through a participatory mapping action during an exploratory research event organized on June 2, 2023, to celebrate World Peatlands Day. This exploratory research involved combining use of GIS technologies with modern communication technologies to engage citizens in decision-making processes. The volunteers who participated, all students, had prior knowledge of GIS, acquired during their university studies. The students’ contribution consisted of collecting 76 locations added through either of the two options provided – ArcGIS Field Maps or the dedicated application. Based on the obtained data, a cluster analysis was conducted, and this was the form in which the results were presented to the volunteer participants. By merging the areas of point concentration, the optimal route of the thematic trail was validated.

The actual validation of the thematic trail took into account on-site adjustments based on accessibility and any necessary interventions on the pre-existing forest. To avoid linear segments through the forest, which could lead to unplanned clearings, a more friendly and minimally invasive trajectory was validated along the alignments of clearings/openings. Due to the existence of continuous areas with moderate moisture, the trail was marked with orientation indicators made from sustainable materials.

Partial restoration works at Tinovul La Poduri

03.2024 – With the obtained environmental permit and construction authorization, La Poduri Peatland also underwent several restoration works aimed at improving the ecosystem. These include:

• installation of a billboard;
• placement of tourist signs;
• installation of piezometers for monitoring water level fluctuations;
• installation of drainage pipe to hydrate the lower part of the peat bog.

Furthermore, field monitoring was conducted during these works, with soil sampling.

Currently, materials are being prepared for the creation of the boardwalk.

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, La Poduri Peatland has a digital brochure and a billboard that will be placed on-site.

Restoration scheme – La Poduri

25.02.2022 – To restore the functions of the CJ-044-La Poduri ecosystem, it is envisaged to achieve an optimal hydrological balance and improve the state of the ecosystem. The main pressure affecting this wetland is drainage. CJ-044-La Poduri peatland ecosystem is located in the vicinity of a non-functioning ski slope, part of a project to develop an eco-resort currently in conservation.

Field documentation – La Poduri

25.05.2022 – Together with the Norwegian partners, a field survey was carried out in the wetland called La Poduri to establish the status of the area. Water quality samples were taken, flora and fauna species were inventoried and photos of the area were taken. It was found that the peatland is well drained, with an optimal water budget. Some of the proposed restoration measures will be updated.

Water assessments and UAS flights – Tinovul La Poduri

20.07.2022 – To complete the existing database on primary water quality data and the configuration of the river network, a new field trip to the site was organised. The timing (July) confirmed a clear reduction in available water volumes amidst a prolonged drought, noted on a national scale. The actual field work focused on the resumption of the water quality monitoring campaign, with sampling and in-situ assessments following the locations chosen in the first field trip on 25 May 2022, to which other representative points were added. Thus, 12 water quality analyses were carried out, covering parameters associated with Hanna portable equipment. Flow measurements were also carried out on the streams draining the peatland longitudinally and their drainage paths were marked. The work was also documented photographically, including aspects and details of the condition and distribution of local plant species. Based on the existing camera, several parallel, striped, drone overflights were carried out for the subsequent generation of a DEM and a high-resolution ortho-plane of the analysed peatland.

Approval request for nature restoration works associated with La Poduri Peatland

27.02.2023 – On 27.02.2023, the NWPEAT team was invited to attend the public meeting organized by Ocoliș Local Council. The meeting took place in Ocoliș Town Hall (Alba County), the owner of La Poduri Peatland.

During this meeting, lecturer Răzvan Bătinaș, project manager, together with Ana-Maria Pop, technical expert in the NWPEAT project, presented the restoration measures proposed for this peatland. The NWPEAT team requested the official approval of these restoration works.