Concentrations of 137Cs^{137}Cs, 40K^{40}K radionuclides and some heavy metals in soil samples of Chochołowska Valley from Tatra National Park

This paper presents the results of determination of artificial $^{137}Cs$ and natural $^{40}K$ activity concentrations and some heavy metals in soil samples from the region of one of the main valleys of Tatra National Park (Chochołowska). Our investigation concentrated on $^{137}Cs$ and heavy metal levels in mountain soil taken from Chochołowska Valley, which revealed great variability in their concentration. The results show considerably small amounts of radionuclides $^{137}Cs$ and $^{40}K$ in the soils. Larger amounts of those elements can be found in the organic surface horizons of the soils. The evaluation of the content of those elements must be based on the bulk density analysis of the soil

Changes of spruce stands in the lower mountain forest belt subjected to active protection in the Tatra National Park

One of the most important objective of the active nature protection in national parks situated in Polish mountains is the restoration of mixed stands replaced by Norway spruce monocultures. Seven spruce stands situated in the Tatra National Park were measured in 1983−1986 and in 2001. The density of all stands decreased whereas the basal area and volume increased. In some of them the changes were considerable. The contribution of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba, two most important tree species in natural mountain forests, changed only slightly and even decreased in three stands. Intensity of elimination of trees was related to their thickness – thin trees were removed from stands more often. Due to this way of thinning the variation of tree thickness diminished in all spruce stands. The densities of Fagus sylvatica and Acer pseudoplatanus saplings increased in all stands as a result of former planting. However, they are still to low for effective restoration of mixed stands. It can be concluded that mainly sanitary cuttings have been used recently in all stands. This line of management is not deliberately focused on the restoration of mixed stands and the diversification of their structure. It results in aging of dense spruce stands and increases the risk of future large−area disturbances due to strong winds and insect outbreaks

Transect survey of artificial 137Cs and natural 40K in moss and bilberry leaf samples from two main valleys from Tatra National Park

This paper presents the results of determination of artificial 137Cs and natural 40K activity concentrations in plants (bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and moss ( Polytrichum commune ) Polytrichum commune )) and in soil samples from two main Tatra Valleys; Kościeliska and Rybi Potok Valley. The data were obtained during two years (2001- 02). These plants are known a as good bio-monitors for radioceasium [1,2 ]. It is known that 137Cs and 40K isotopes play important roles in the environment, due to their good assimilation by plants. The transfer of these elements from soil to plant depends of many factors: type of soil, organic matter contents, pH, type of plants. In this paper some results concerning the transfer of 137 Cs and 40K isotopes from various types of Tatra soil to moss or bilberry are shown

Population size and distribution of the capercaillie in Poland in the 21st century

The data on the distribution and number of the capercaillie Tetrao urogallus in Poland for the period from the end of the 20th century up to 2017−2018 is presented. The capercaillie is a sedentary forest grouse living in old mountain forests and within the boreal zone. Since more than a century, the decrease in the numbers of the species has been observed, interlinked with the extinction of isolated populations. Within the present borders of Poland, a 1925 questionnaire study noted 2200−2700 individuals. In the 1960s, the national population was estimated at 1700−2000 birds, living in five isolated populations. In 1985−1995, the population numbers of the capercaillie dropped to approx. 466−700 individuals in four regions, and in 2000 it was estimated at 470−570 birds. According to the results of the censuses performed in 2017−2018, the size of the capercaillie population risen to 523−631 individuals and 59−69 lekking grounds. Currently the capercaillie occurs in four isolated regions. These are the Western Carpathians (the Beskid Sądecki, Tatry, Gorce, Babia Góra, Beskid Żywiecki, and the Beskid Śląski ranges) where 284−326 individuals live and 35−41 leks are active. In the Solska and the Lasy Janowskie Forests (Lublin region), the population was estimated at 132−184 individuals and 12−13 lekking grounds. In the Augu− stów Forest (Podlasie region) 36−46 individuals and 5−7 leks were found. In the Bory Dolnośląskie Forest, where native capercaillies got extinct during the last decade, the reintroduction program resulted in the rebuilding of their 65−75 population (with 6−7 leks). The restitution of the species in the Piska Forest has begun. During the last 20 years, populations in the Carpathian national parks have been stable, although fluctuating in numbers. The increase in the number of individuals in the Augustów Forest as well as in the Sądecki and Beskid Śląski Mountains is an after−effect of the release of birds from breeding centers or translocations. In other strongholds, fluctuations or decreases have been recorded, including wisible in the Beskid Żywiecki Mountains