Skógrækt
The Green Scarf - North of the river Glerá, there is a plan for the town of Akureyri set forward in 2018 by Johan Holst. The area is part of the towns main development plan for the years between 2018 and 2030. It is estimated that the area is above the built up area of the town and is around 700 hectares total. The area will be dedicated to outdoor recreational facilities and hiking trails.
Carbon Capture Plans
After planting it is estimated that, within the area, trees will grow to form a continuous forest 190 hectares in size. Assuming 7 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year the area, when it is fully planted, will capture 1300 tonnes of CO2 per year. That is equivalent to about 600 cars that drive on average 15,000 km per year.
There are many goals of the Green Scarf:
Carbon Capture
The plan will grow fast-growing and long living plants that require little care. These plants will significantly increase carbon capture in the area and, as such, help achieve the town's goal of carbon neutrality.
Nature conservation
It is important to maintain the natural ecosystems of the forest, so there will be no planting done in swampy areas and berry fiels will be left alone.
Outdoor Recreation
Aðgengilegur og fjölbreyttur skógur þar sem slóða- og stígakerfi er greiðfært og nýtist bæði sem gönguleiðir og hjólaleiðir.
Landscape
Maintanance will be needed to maintain a beautiful view of the forest and within the forest. Planting will be done so that trees are scattered and soft lines are created between fields.
Soil Protection
It is most important to pay attention to the soil in the upper region as it is often of poor quality and eroded. Trees that are better aclimated to the poor soil conditions, such as larch and birch will be planted in these soils.
Timber
Lower in the region the land is fertile and is good for timber production. The majority of species planted there, then, would be aspen and spruce, which would be planted quite densely.
Planning area according to the main plan document.
