Presentation
Luci swampland (282,5 ha), Sântimbru and Sâncrãieni
PERMITTED AND FORBIDDEN ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE PROTECTED AREAS
This swamp covers 73 ha, and by its size is the largest mountain peat swamp in Romania, it is located 10 km west from Sâncrãieni, in the northern part of the Southern-Harghita Mountains, between the Tolvajos pass and Sântimbru Bãi, in a giant crater.
The diameter of the crater is 7 km, it is situated at 1080 meters altitude, and the Cormos brook flows through the marsh. The thickness of the peat is estimated to be about 4, 5 meters. The area of 282.5 ha was declared protected area in 1955. It was formed by the drainage and sedimentation of a former crater lake, and deserved its protected status due to its plant associations and species which are here since the last ice age.
We can mention the dwarf birch (Betula nana), sphagmun moss species, round-leafed sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), hare’s tail cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum), blueberries and cranberries. Among the reptiles we can find the common lizard (Zootoca vivipapa), the European viper (Vipera berus), the Carpathian newt (Triturus montandori), the alpine newt (Triturus alpestris), the common newt (Triturus vulgaris), the yellow bellied toad (Bombina variegata), the European common frog (Rana temporaria) or the European common toad (Bufo bufo). There are also frequently seen brown bears, stags, dear, wolf, wild boar and lynx as well.
The diameter of the crater is 7 km, it is situated at 1080 meters altitude, and the Cormos brook flows through the marsh. The thickness of the peat is estimated to be about 4, 5 meters. The area of 282.5 ha was declared protected area in 1955. It was formed by the drainage and sedimentation of a former crater lake, and deserved its protected status due to its plant associations and species which are here since the last ice age.
PERMITTED AND FORBIDDEN ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE PROTECTED AREAS
Protecting
the natural environment is our legal duty. A nature reserve is an area
of a particular status, enforced by law, where not just a couple of rare
species of plants, animals, geological formations or
archeological-paleontological objects can be found and need to be
protected. To ensure, that these protected elements will remain or
survive, we need to protect their living habitat as well. The natural
values and the biodiversity of a given area offer a spiritual
experience, and an aesthetic enjoyment, thus contributes to a spiritual
recreation of the explorer of nature. Harghita County is one of the few
places, endowed with several authentic natural treasures. These gems of
nature represent an economical asset, and by this, an improper visitor’s
behavior can endanger its content and existence. Protecting our
environmental treasures is a collective task and duty. The managing
organizations which are responsible for these reserves have been already
assigned, and they can enforce or apply special rules for visitors
regarding protected area. Below you can find some recommendations
concerning the avoidance of natural damages:
- do not leave the marked trails
- do not litter or leave garbage behind
- keep the peace and quiet by avoiding to use strong sources of music
- do not tear any plants down, including the protected species
- camp only in specially designed and marked areas
- make fire only in special designated areas, and make sure that you put you put it out before leaving
- do not throw lit cigarette butts
- avoid using motorized vehicles in the vicinity of the protected areas, and use only the marked accessibility routes
- enjoy the sounds and sights of nature and do not disturb others in enjoying these as well
By
this informative material, which presents the natural protected areas
of Harghita County, we wish to contribute to the promotion of a
responsible and eco-conscious form of tourism. To a better success we
count on your open mindedness and interest.
Closer to nature: through visiting and preservation!
Closer to nature: through visiting and preservation!
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