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Saturday, September 02, 2006
98 plant species identified at CJH eco-trail
THE sectoral monitoring team (SMT) overseeing various aspects of development at the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) this week reported it has identified at least 98 plant species growing at the Camp John Hay Eco-trail, making it an ideal outdoor classroom for biology students.
The SMT's bio-diversity team, led by Dr. Adelaida Costales, division chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Ecosystems Research and Development Section, conducted a survey of the Eco-trail last Tuesday and is preparing a formal report of their findings.
The team conducted a walk-through of the Eco-trail and identified both endemic and introduced plant species using the belt trans-sect method where species growing within a ten-meter area surrounding the existing trail were identified.
Cranep Udan, CJH Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) multi-partite monitoring team coordinator, revealed there may be other species within the Eco-trail itself that have not been surveyed because these grow in areas not easily accessible through the trails.
The Eco-trail, spanning the old Camp John Hay main gate towards the present CJH DevCo Marketing Office, was formerly known as the White Trail during the American administration of the US rest and recreation base.
It is a favorite destination of elementary and high school pupils wanting to experience nature and the trails. Trekking at the Eco-trail has also become a popular pastime among visitors because of the growing scarcity of trees and trails in most areas of urban Baguio.
With the presence of a diverse eco-system in the area, the Eco-trail is expected to become more popular, especially among biology enthusiasts, not to mention groups who visit the trail for simple promenades, jogging, and bird-watching.
The CJH pine forest is also home to a small population of birds belonging to 23 species and sub-species, represented by 17 general and 14 bird families. None of these birds, however, are endangered or belong to threatened species.
The CJH managed forest boasts of a natural vegetation dominated by Benguet pine trees, with a few endemic broad-leaf plants growing along creeks and gullies. Other tree species found include oak, camphor, and some agoho, alnus, eucalyptus, cypress and African tulip varieties introduced mostly in the golf course.
CJHDevCo, the developer of Camp John Hay, abides by an Environmental Management Plan that covers various aspects of development of around 247 hectares of pine forest in the John Hay reservation.
Included in the plan is a forest watershed management program that provides an integrated framework for the protection, development and allocation of forest areas into various uses that are consistent with and complementary to land use plans of Baguio.
The management of the CJH pine forest promotes the integrity of the reservation as part of the upper catchments of the Ambalanga and Bued river systems and provides a domestic water supply for surrounding local communities. (Adam Borja)
(September 2, 2006 issue)
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