Will the removal of the recreational symbol of Jeseniky Mountain summit parts, the dwarf pine forests, affect the ecosystem functions of the hills?

Abstract

The study evaluates how the removal of the dwarf pine from the forest stands of the summit parts of the Jeseníky Mountains will affect the performance of their ecosystem functions. The primary interest of the study is the assessment of the effect of the removal of the dwarf pine on the runoff conditions of the investigated locations, however, their recreational function is also considered. It is obvious that the dwarf pine has historically become one of the symbols of the local landscape in the summit parts of the Jeseníky Mountains. The results achieved by the author's team indicate that the removal of the dwarf pine will not significantly affect the functions of the forests in the monitored area compared to their current functionality. However, the social perception of this intervention will probably be very significant, both in the professional sphere (foresters) and in the sphere of the public (recreationists). It turns out that currently, the social significance of interventions implemented in socially exposed localities is as serious as its ecological and technical significance.