The
Demonstration Project
Some
of
the trees have been planted with the idea of creating a small mixed
plantation as a model of sustainable forestry which will provide local
employment. These species are faster-growing and marketable. At the
same time they must be trees that contribute to the surrounding forest
and benefit the local flora
and fauna. The initial selection comprises Cupressus lusitanica
(cypress, cipres) and Alnus acuminata (alder, jaúl). These have
been planted in three rows on either side of the Bridge Trail that runs
between the entrance and the covered bridge.
 Jaúl/Alder
Alnus
acuminata (picture) is valued for its wood, watershed protection and
soil improvement. It is nitrogen-fixing, thus fertilizing the soil as
it grows.
It is a fast-growing native pioneer species that regenerates naturally
in
open, disturbed areas, and helps control soil erosion and improves soil
quality.
It flourishes in zones such as cool, tropical highlands, with abundant
rainfall
where mist and cloud cover can be a source of fog-drip precipitation.
Thus
even during Costa Rica’s “verano” (dry season) it grows well. The trees
regenerate
from their own stumps. The timber is easy to work and widely used in
construction
and even for making musical instruments.
Cipres/Cypress
This
conifer, Cupressus lusitanica, is native to Mexico and Guatemala but
now widely planted at high elevations throughout the tropical world.
Height may exceed 100 ft (30m) with a bole diameter of 2 to 3 ft (1m).
Like alder, it is one of the few fast-growing, marketable trees that
will grow at this altitude, except for exotic species such as
eucalyptus.
 Tree maintenance
The
first
few months of a tree's in-the-ground life are crucial. In the
rainy season, from July to November, the grass and weeds grow quickly
and
can overwhelm the young trees if left unattended. Not only must there
be
a clear circle (“rueda”) around the sapling, but also the ground must
be
free of encroaching roots. Fertilization must be continued throughout
the
first three years, and clearing, with a machete, is required at least
once
every 4-6 weeks in the lush “invierno” or rainy season.
After
a
few years all this work is no longer necessary. By then the trees are
tall and strong enough to survive on their own. Selective harvesting of
individual trees will be done with the aid of horses or oxen at time
intervals to avoid any danger of erosion or damage to the ecosystem,
and to maintain the forest.
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