Preparation of the National Park Plan - Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald

18 NATIONAL PARK PLAN 2010
3. Research
3.1. Formulation of the scientific principles for the
implementation of national park objectives
In order to realise long term planning objectives and
optimum efficiency of the national park administration, it is
necessary to undertake a careful appraisal of the animate and
inanimate natural environment of the national park (inventory).
The research into this basic information should provide results
on the landscape, natural and cultural history of the area, the
settlements and infrastructure, the former and existing uses as
well as the current research situation.
When carrying out research in the national park, it is
important to take care that the research methods applied have
as little impact as possible on the natural development of the
ecosystem. Observational research should normally take priority
over experimental research methods in the area being studied.
3.2. Monitoring the efficiency of the management of the
national park
It is of fundamental importance for effective management of
the national park that the effectiveness of measures to achieve
objectives is monitored continuously. The optimisation of these
measures requires continuous use of scientific observation and
research. The results of the research work should serve to
formulate scientific recommendations for further support and
improved implementation of measures for nature protection.
This research work also needs to take account of the
surrounding area as there is considerable interaction between
the development of the national park and its surroundings.
3.3. Research and documentation of the development of
the forest ecosystems without human influence
The main emphasis of scientific observation in the Bavarian
Forest National Park is the research and documentation of the
development of the forest ecosystems in predominantly natural
ways, uninfluenced by man. The development of the forest, the
ecosystems and the range of species should be documented by
long term monitoring of representative sectors (long term
observation areas, inventories). Special questions are dealt with
in supplementary project research. In the interests of
effectiveness these can also be awarded to third parties (e.g.
universities, scientific institutes). As a result of the death of
large areas of old mountain spruce, research into natural forest
succession in the areas of higher altitude is particularly
important.
3.4. Recording of human influences and their impact on
the ecosystems
Worldwide there are no natural landscapes left which are
completely unaffected by humankind. In comparison with
commercial forests, the forests in the national park can develop
without any direct human exploitation. Thus the forests of the
national park can be drawn on as zero areas for the recording of
man-made influences and their impact on the ecosystems for
purposes of comparative research.
Research proposals of the national park in the area of pure
research and environmental monitoring (e.g. ECE - „Integrated
Monitoring“ in the trout stream area) should be included in
national and international research projects.