Stabbursdalen National Park

Infobox_protected_area
name = Stabbursdalen National Park
iucn_category = II


caption =
locator_x =
locator_y =
location = Porsanger, Norway
nearest_city = Alta
lat_degrees = 69
lat_minutes = 59
lat_seconds =
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 24
long_minutes = 29
long_seconds =
long_direction = E
area = 98 km²
established = 1970
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = County Governor

Stabbursdalen National Park lies in North Norway. It contains the northern-most Pine Forest in the world. It is located in Porsanger, Norway.

The national park

The Stabbursdalen National Park contains many of Finnmark`s typical landscape forms: barren mountains, open plateaux and narrow ravines, with scattered mountain birch and stretches of pine forest. Waterfalls and rapids interspersed with deep pools of still water mark the Stabbur river as it runs through the National Park. At Luobbal (Lompola) it sweeps gently into wide bays. The bare rugged mountains of Gaissene to the south-east contrast with the ancient undulating landscape to the north and west.

The pine forest

Some 7,500–5,000 years ago when the climate was warmer, the pine forest spread far inland along the fjords and valleys. As it grew colder, the forest retreated and has only survived in sheltered valleys like Stabbursdalen, where it forms the world's northernmost pine forest ( [http://met.no/observasjoner/finnmark/normaler_for_kommune_2020.html?kommuner Porsanger climate] ). It's protection is therefore one of the major objectives of this national park.

The woodland is open with low shrubby pine trees, in the far north trees grow slowly and are liable to frost and wind damage. The dry sterile soil can only support a poor undergrowth of lichen and heather.

At Loubbal the wetlands form a fertile oasis in an otherwise barren landschape. Along the river, willow and sedge, with pine woodland behind, support a rich bird life. Stabbursdalen is the most northernly habitat for many species, including black grouse and osprey, and wetlands are important breeding ground, especially for ducks. Old hollow pine trees provide good nesting places for the goldeneye and goosander.

People in the park

For the coastal Saami people "sjøsamene", the natural resourses of Stabbursdalen formed a significant part of their subsistence. Hunting, fishing and collecting animal fodder have long traditions, but by careful harvesting few traces remain in the landscape. In Luobbal, sedge was previously cut for winter fodder, while tree stumps in the forest bear witness of timber cut for building boats and houses. There are remains of pit-falls where wild reindeer were hunted in the past, but domestic reindeer herding took over in the 17th century. Today, the area provides summer grazing for the reindeer.

External links

* [http://www.dirnat.no/multimedia.ap?id=31431 Map of Stabbursdalen National Park]
* [http://www.forestlight.co.uk/catalogue/439.html Image]