SMURF PROJECT – The Forestry Consortium of Villa Basilica and its enviromental values
The Consortium’s entrepreneurial spirit does not conflict with its environmental and social values.
Over the years, we have carried out several environmental restoration projects in the woods of Villa Basilica and neighboring municipalities.
A first major project was carried out in Pizzorna, where the 2015 windstorm had downed numerous trees. The project consisted of removing the fallen trees and, in some cases, reforesting the most affected areas.
In the following years, we worked to combat the spread of Mazzococco in several pine forests. These were woods with numerous diseased or dead trees, which were removed and replaced with broadleaf seedlings.
We are still working on these projects today, as reforestation requires care and attention over time.
The main projects, carried out directly or in partnership with our members, are in Villa Basilica, Capannori, Lucca, and Pescia.
Other public interest projects (environmental and social) include road and forest trail maintenance. Over time, through regional and European funding, we have reopened or restored several trails in Villa Basilica and Capannori. In the coming months, we plan to complete seven new projects: in Villa Basilica (Botticino), Capannori (Pizzorne and Vorno), Pescaglia (Piegaio), and Borgo a Mozzano (Socciglia).
The trails serve both tourism and cultural purposes.
We have recently submitted and are working on new grant applications to develop additional roads, trails, and waterways, in the following locations: Villa Basilica (Botticino), Pariana-Pizzorna, and Distiendino-Boveglio; Capannori (Pizzorne and Vorno); and Buti (Montemagno).
Another intervention of environmental value is the creation of firebreaks, such as those built in 2024 in Castelfranco di Sotto (PI), and which were commissioned by the Municipality.
For info on SMURF Project, https://www.smurfproject.eu/