UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory

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			Biosphere Reserve Information
			Germany VESSERTAL-THÜRINGEN FOREST


	General Description		This biosphere reserve is located in the Thuringian forest and is crossed by the famous German hiking trail ‘Rennsteig’. The biosphere reserve comprises mainly large contiguous mountain spruce forests. Furthermore, beech forests, block and rock forest communities, high-elevation raised bogs can be found. Upland, low-lying and valley meadows reflect the extensive use by people for dairy cow raising. The entire biosphere reserve has been designated as Natura 2000 site and European Bird Protection Area because of black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) and black stork (Ciconia nigra) populations. The biosphere reserve is only sparsely populated (4,200 people in the transition area in 2001). The area is also important for the protection of water resources. Activities in the transition area are agriculture, fish farming, commerce and retail, forestry, glass manufacture and crafts. Tourism is a major source of income in the region. Environmental education consists of guided tours, excursions, lectures, courses, special programs for children etc.
	Major ecosystem type		Temperate broadleaf forests or woodlands
	Major habitats & land cover types		Mixed mountain forest dominated by Picea abies, Fagus sylvatica and Acer pseudoplatanus, sometimes mixed with Abies alba and Ulmus glabra; mountain clefts with Fraxinus excelsior, Acer platanoides and Alnus glutinosa; mountainous hay meadow with Trisetum flavescens, Geranium sylvaticum, Arnica montana together with several orchid species such as Coeloglossum viride and Dactylorhiza sambucina; mountain springs and streams with Phalaris arundinacea, Mimulus guttatus, Veronica beccabunga etc.; wet meadows; riverine herb communities with Filipendula ulmaria, Petasites hybridus and Chaerophyllum hirsutum; low mountain range grassland as pasture or hay pasture
	Location		50°36'N; 10°48'E
	Area (hectares)
	Total		17,098
	Core area(s)		437
	Buffer zone(s)		2,024
	Transition area(s) when given		14,637
	Altitude (metres above sea level)		+420 to +982
	Year designated		1979, extension 1986/1990
	Administrative authorities		Ministry for agriculture, nature conservation and environment of Thuringia

Last updated: 16/03/2004