62 new veteran trees identified in Auce Municipality
Published: 03.03.2021
Add Events
At the beginning of this year, 62 new veteran trees were identified in the territory of Auce Municipality, bringing the total number of registered veteran trees in the municipality to 146, most of which are oaks.
The veteran trees were identified and measured by the Nature Conservation Agency in cooperation with Lāsma Veilande, a student at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, who studied the veteran trees of Auce Municipality as part of her bachelor’s thesis. Over the course of two months, the student surveyed the protected trees, took measurements and photographs, and compiled information on the actual condition of the veteran trees, thereby supplementing the database and making a significant contribution to the collection of nature conservation information.
Of the newly identified veteran trees, 13 are black alders, and practically all of them are located in the avenue in Lielauce Park. Nine common hornbeams were also measured; they are located in the park of Vecauce Palace and in the park of the former Ķevele Manor and have now reached veteran-tree dimensions. The common hornbeam is a protected tree species that grows naturally only in the far southwest of Latvia, with Latvia representing the northernmost point of the species’ range. To qualify as a veteran tree, a common hornbeam must reach a circumference of 1.5 metres, which is small compared with the threshold for many other species. Consequently, common hornbeams are often overlooked when veteran trees are being sought, as they appear slender.
Recognition signs bearing the “Oak Leaf” emblem have already been attached to many of the newly identified veteran trees in Auce Municipality. These signs not only make the trees more noticeable but also promote their protection. In the near future, such recognition signs will also be attached to the remaining trees. The veteran trees have also been registered in the natural data system “Ozols”.
Over time, the Agency has developed very good cooperation with Latvia’s higher education institutions. “We are interested in cooperating with every student, because work-based learning not only allows young people to become acquainted with the real working environment and gain experience in their chosen field, but also makes a significant contribution to nature conservation. We are open to such cooperation and are also pleased to welcome trainees and students who wish to become involved in the Agency’s daily work, show an interest, and conduct research on nature-related topics,” says Meldra Priedēna, head of the Agency’s Pierīga Regional Administration.
The number of veteran trees is constantly changing: every tree that has reached the circumference and height specified in regulatory enactments becomes a protected tree requiring special management and protection. More than 11,500 veteran trees of various species are currently registered in the natural data management system “Ozols”. However, the actual number of protected trees is much higher, as not all veteran trees have been identified, and trees without an “Oak Leaf” recognition sign may also be veteran trees.
The Agency draws residents’ attention to the fact that veteran trees are natural monuments subject to special protection. Even when an “Oak Leaf” recognition sign has not been attached to a tree, the felling of large and old trees, any other impact on such a tree, or economic activity in its vicinity must be coordinated with the Agency. The Agency also urges residents to report large and magnificent trees so that they can be included in the register of protected trees by calling 26872625.
Information prepared by:
Nature Conservation Agency
Nature Education Specialist
Nature Education Specialist
Categories:
Other;
