Natural Regeneration of Beech Forests in the Strict Protected Area of the Plitvice Lakes National Park

A decade-long study reveals that natural regeneration of beech forests in the strict protection zone of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, is significantly influenced by passive protection measures. The research, conducted from 1998 to 2009 on a permanent experimental plot, found a fourfold increase in beech seedlings—rising from 3,556 to 12,694 per hectare—with beech becoming the dominant species among young growth. However, most of these seedlings exhibit poor quality, raising doubts about their long-term survival under current conditions. The study also introduced a novel approach using three-dimensional visualization to analyze crown structures and regeneration dynamics, providing more intuitive insights into forest development. To ensure sustainable management in protected areas, particularly amid climate change, the authors advocate for expanding monitoring networks with permanent plots across all protected forests.

Dubravac, T., Dekanić, S., Novotny, V., & Milašinčić, J. (2013). Natural Regeneration of Beech Forests in the Strict Protected Area of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. South-East European Forestry, 4(2), 95–103. https://doi.org/10.15177/seefor.13-10