Forest area and related problems
The territory of the commune of Bushat has 1.436 ha which is classified as forest land and is under administration by the Directorate of Forest Services in Shkoder. The forest land is located in:
- flat terrain – on the gravel area (by the side of the River Drin measuring 342 ha)
- hill area (the Hills of Zefjana with about 226 ha, Plezhë 45 ha and Shkjezë 21 ha)
- mountainous area (The mountain of Jushi with 802 ha).
The flat terrain was mainly forested with poplar trees. During the transition years, these forests were totally destroyed. Parts of the area are currently in a process of self forestation mainly with willow trees. However, this process is constantly interrupted by the uncontrollable extraction of gravel from the river bed. Law enforcement is necessary in order to guarantee the protection of the reforested areas.
In the hilly area, mention should be made of the forest plots in Zefjanë (about 16 plots) with about 226 ha. This area was sown with pine trees (190 ha), which were felled and burned during transition. Once these plots have passed into Commune ownership, the local authorities will take steps to populate it with pine and other trees adapted to the climate conditions in the area.
In the mountainous area, mainly Mounts of Jushi and Kukel, forestation was spontaneous with trees typical for the area such as oak, juniper, ash trees, hornbeam, wild pomegranate, etc. Under the socialist system, these forests were damaged by the local population who extracted firewood in wintertime, but was recently reforested. The summer of 2007 was fatal for most forests in Albania. Fire-setting caused the burning of these new forests. Only an area of 62 ha, forested around the years ‘85-‘90 was protected by the owners and represents now the green circlet of the entire area. However, the owners have only been protecting the forest from the felling of trees and intentional fire setting, while they are unable to maintain and manage these natural resources.
Among wild birds mention can be made of the eagle, sparrow, hawk, seagull, awl, bat, etc. Among wild animals is the fox, the wolf, the marten, the turtle, the hedgehog, etc. The Drin River is home to ducks, geese, snakes, frogs, water turtles, etc. The damage of forests afflicts both the flora and fauna. Some of the species are disappearing such as the wild rabbit, the woodcock, etc. due mainly to uncontrollable hunting both inside and outside the protected area, during the hunting season and outside the season, etc.
