Along the Podskrajnik–Rakov Škocjan road, there is an avenue of 29 Box Elder Trees (Acer negundo). In the wider area of Lake Cerknica, in addition to these known specimens, we have recorded two individual Box Elder Trees, which we monitor and keep under control.
Box Elder, also known as Ash-Leaved Maple, is an invasive alien species that can spread rapidly, primarily due to its abundant seed production. The wet soils in the Lake Cerknica area provide favourable conditions for its growth, creating a risk that the species could spread from the existing avenue into the natural environment. There, it could displace native plant species and affect the natural composition of habitats.
For this reason, Box Elder is included on the black list of invasive alien plants developed as part of the LIFE OrnamentalIAS project. The list includes species for which we aim to prevent further spread and reduce their impacts on nature through timely action.
The removal of the trees is also important due to their poor vitality. Some of the trees have visibly damaged and broken crowns, as well as damage to their trunks and root collars. In some cases, the damage is already extensive enough to pose a potential risk to the surrounding area and road users.
Therefore, as part of the LIFE OrnamentalIAS project and the Climate Fund project, all 29 Box Elder Trees will be removed.
The measure is thus important not only from a road safety perspective, but above all as a preventive nature conservation measure. By removing the trees in a timely manner, we aim to prevent Box Elder from spreading from the existing avenue into the Lake Cerknica area.
When an invasive alien species is still restricted to a small number of known locations, it can be managed much more effectively. This is why early action is crucial – we want to prevent box elder from spreading into the natural environment, where its removal would be more difficult and time-consuming.
By removing the existing trees, we will reduce the potential for further spread of the species and preserve space for native plant species and the natural habitats of Lake Cerknica.
More information about Box Elder (Acer negundo) and its impacts on nature can be found on the Tujerodne vrste website.
The implementation of extensive nature conservation projects exceeds the financial capacity of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing by the European Union.
The implementation of large-scale conservation projects exceeds the financial capabilities of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing from the European Union.
