Phytostroma transformation of «Rechitsia» hydrological reservoir as a consequence of amber mining

As a result of illegal amber mining on the territory of «Rechitsia» hydrological reserve, 97.0 hectares or 80.8% of its area was damaged during 4 years (2014– 2017). Including on the area of 59.2 hectares (49.3% of the area of the reserve), catastrophic changes took place — the complete destruction of natural ecosystems; on 37.8 hectares or 31.5% of the area of the reserve, gradual negative changes are taking place — there is a strong impact on natural ecosystems from the side of the surrounding quarters, disturbed by amber mining. As a result of the illegal mining of amber on the territory of «Rechitsia» hydrological reserve, all protection priorities were lost both at the species and coenotic levels. On its territory, mesooligotrophic ancient, 130-year-old pine-sphagnum bogs (unique reference areas), treeless oligotrophic sedge-sphagnum bogs, and areas of ancient, 110-yearold dryland pine-oak acidophilic, floristically rich forests had the greatest value. Prior to anthropogenic disturbance of the natural ecosystems of the reserve on its territory, the priorities of protection at the species level were 8 species of vascular plants listed in the «Red Book of Ukraine», as well as 5 species of animals listed in the «Red Book of Ukraine». At the cenotic level, rare coenoses of forest-swamp meso-oligotrophic and oligotrophic swamps of the reserve were protected, listed in the «Green Book of Ukraine». In 8 areas bordering heavily disturbed areas, a strong impact on natural ecosystems from the surrounding disturbed quarters is now manifested, due to negative changes in the general hydrological regime of the territory — as a rule, significant drying, which results in the degradation of natural vegetation. The total area of such plots in «Rechitsia» reserve is 37.8 hectares or 31.5% of the area of the reserve. These gradual changes are manifested, first of all, in the loss of ecological stability of ecosystems, the loss of the most moisture-loving species at the first stage, the thinning and gradual dying of the crowns of the tree stand, the reduction of species and coenotic diversity of flora and fauna. On the territory of the former reserve, disturbed by illegal amber mining, it is necessary to carry out engineering reclamation, after which — biological, namely — planting of birch and pine crops.