DUE DILIGENCE REPORT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLONINY NATIONAL PARK TRAIL DUE DILIGENCE REPORT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLONINY NATIONAL PARK TRAIL © 2019 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 Internet: www.worldbank.org This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. 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CONTENTS Acknowledgements 7 Acronyms and Abbreviations 8 Synopsis 9 Key Facts about the Trail 9 Introduction 10 Historical and Cultural Context of the National Park 12 Methodology 13 SITUATION ANALYSIS  17 Overall  18 Key Activities and Points of Interest in NP Poloniny: Significant Cultural and Natural Landmarks 18 Existing Trail Network 18 Communities  18 Cultural Sights and Natural Attractions 19 Natural Attractions 21 EXISTING AND PROPOSED TRAIL NETWORK BY ACTIVITY 25 Cycling 27 Hiking 32 Horseback riding 35 Additional Tourist Activities 38 ZONING LAWS IN THE PARK 43 Land Ownership Distribution in the Park 45 Identification of Stakeholders 46 REQUIREMENTS FOR HIKERS, CYCLISTS AND HORSEBACK RIDERS 49 Hikers 51 Cyclists 53 Route infrastructure 53 Signage and Marking of Cycle Tourist Trails 54 Design Parameters for Cycling Trails 55 Services 56 Accommodation, food, drink, and attractions 56 Rest areas 56 Bike repair, helpline, bike rental, ‘pedelec’ charging stations and bicycle centers 56 Marketing and promotion 56 Equestrian visitors 57 Infrastructure: Equestrian Specific Services and Facilities 57 Trail Riding Considerations 58 Route planning and selection 58 Classification of terrain difficulty and surface types 59 Overnight Camping Considerations 59 GAPS IN THE PARK 61 Infrastructure Gaps 62 Accommodation 62 Shelters and rest areas 63 Water 64 Restrooms 65 Parking 65 Restaurants, Food and Beverages 65 Restaurants and cafes 66 Grocery stores and food vendors 66 Transportation 67 Remoteness and access by car 67 Access by train 67 Access by bus 68 Tourism Development Plans for the Park 68 RISKS, CHALLENGES, AND OBSTACLES 71 Administrative resources 72 Financing 72 Human resources 72 Landownership 73 NEXT STEPS AND KEY RECOMMENDATIONS 75 Recommendation #1: Implement ‘Poloniny Park Trail Project’ 76 Recommendation #2: Finalize mapping  76 Recommendation #3: Consensus on quality trail development and maintenance standards  77 Recommendation #4: Stakeholder capacity for trail development  77 Recommendation #5: Organization 78 Recommendation #6: Financing and investment 78 Recommendation #7: Usage monitoring 79 Recommendation #8: Product development, marketing and promotion plans  79 Recommendation #9: Improve access between Poloniny, Poland, and the Ukraine  79 Recommendation #10: Development of regional tourism initiatives 80 Nature school for children  80 Local food production and cuisine promotion 80 Mountain biking trails  81 ATV Excursions 81 Concluding Summary  81 ANNEX 1  Examples from other National Parks and Natural Areas across the Slovak Republic 83 ANNEX 2  List of National Cultural Monuments and Attractions in the Snina District 86 ANNEX 3  List of Shelters and Rest Areas in the Park 89 ANNEX 4  List of Improved Springs in Poloniny Park 90 ANNEX 5  Link to Online Map Indicating PPT Route Infrastructure Recommendations 91 ANNEX 6  Equestrian Travel Background 92 Notes 96 BOX BOX 1  Adventure Travel Defined 11 FIGURES FIGURE 1  The main map of Poloniny Trail 9 FIGURE 2  Typical Poloniny fields atop the numerous hills and peaks 11 FIGURE 3  Trail inspection from Prislop to Stakčínska Roztoka 14 FIGURE 4  The Map of the communities in the NP Poloniny area 19 FIGURE 5  Wooden church of St. Michael, the Archangel, from the mid-18th century, Topoľa 19 FIGURE 6  Historic park part of late Baroque manor grounds in Snina 20 FIGURE 7  Map of the key attractions in and around the park 21 FIGURE 8  Map indicating locations of the required infrastructure 26 FIGURE 9  Map of cycling circuit 1 from Stakčín 27 FIGURE 10  Map of cycling circuit 2 from Stakčín 27 FIGURE 11  Forestry road cycling trail: Runina — Ruský Potok — Uličské Krivé 29 FIGURE 12  Map of recreational cycling route: Nová Sedlica — Zboj — Uličské Krivé — Ulič 29 FIGURE 13  Ulič to Brezovec — connects the cyclist to the nearest border crossing with the Ukraine 30 FIGURE 14  Map of the Snina to Stakčín to Starina cycling route along the Cirocha River 30 FIGURE 15  Map of Ulič to Stakčín through various existing forestry roads. 30 FIGURE 16  Nová Sedlica — Uličske Krivé: a sport cycling route. 30 FIGURE 17  Map of Veľká Poľana to Ruské variation connecting with the path to Hodošik. 31 FIGURE 18  Veľká Poľana — Ruské: an equestrian path that could also serve as a cycling route. 31 FIGURE 19  Map of all marked cycling routes in Snina/Poloniny 31 FIGURE 20  Start of Porta Rusica leading up to Ruské Sedlo, the border between Poland and the Slovak Republic 31 FIGURE 21  Map of Runina — Ruský Potok — Uličské Krivé hiking circuit 33 FIGURE 22  Map of hike from Nová Sedlica North West 33 FIGURE 23  Current hiking trail network within the park (red, blue, and yellow marked trails). 34 FIGURE 24  Route from Ulič to Príslop 34 FIGURE 25  Route from Stakčín to Príslop 34 FIGURE 26  Stakčín to Jalová to Veľka Poľana off the paved road. 34 FIGURE 27  Map of equestrian route 1 — begins in Snina and finishes atop the Ruské sedlo, via Porta Rusica 35 FIGURE 28  Beautiful tree seen during equestrian trail inspection northeast of Snina 35 FIGURE 29  Map of route from Parihuzovce 36 FIGURE 30  Map of route from Pčoliné 36 FIGURE 31  Map of route from Diakov (Osadné) to Veľka Poľana 36 FIGURE 32  Map of route from Snina to Smolnik via Osadné 36 FIGURE 33  Circuit route 1 from Veľká Poľana via Hodošik 37 FIGURE 34  Circuit route 2 from Veľká Poľana via Hodošik and Ruské ski hill 37 FIGURE 35  Peter Sagan at the Tour de Suisse, June 20, 2019 39 FIGURE 36  Park protection levels map 44 FIGURE 37  Map of landownership in Poloniny 45 FIGURE 38  U.S. Forest Service trail management tools webpage 50 FIGURE 39  Official trail markings 51 FIGURE 40  A hiker in the Jarabá Skala nature reserve 52 FIGURE 41  U.S. Forest Service Design Parametersfor Hiking Trails 52 FIGURE 42  U.S. Forest Service Design Parameters for Bicycle Trails 55 FIGURE 43  Gaining experience in the field with an expert rider near Osadné 57 FIGURE 44  Design Parameters for Equestrian Trails 59 FIGURE 45  Parcel ownership along the route from Veľka Poľana to Hodošik. 73 FIGURE 46  Map showing trail access between Poloniny and Ukraine 80 FIGURE 47  Map showing ‘bikes to tajchs’ routes 83 FIGURE 48  Map showing hiking and cycling trails in NP Muránska Planina 85 TABLES TABLE 1  Number of infrastructure improvements needed 26 TABLE 2  Accommodation in and outside Poloniny Park 62 TABLE 3  Rest Areas and Water Access 63 TABLE 4  Driving distances and durations between Snina and other destinations 67 TABLE 5  Train travel times between Stakčín and other destinations 67 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To develop this report, a World Bank Group team conducted multiple missions, field visits, and workshops in the Slovak Republic, during which it collaborated with Slovak experts. Guidance in the process was effectively provided by Paul Kriss (World Bank Lead Urban Specialist). The team is indebted to the executive and administrative staff of the Prešov Self- Governing Region that generously offered its premises, support staff and endless hours of dynamic and ded- icated discussions in meetings. In this context, the World Bank Group team is particularly thank- ful to Dr. Rudolf Bauer and Ms. Maria Biľová. Furthermore, the team is thankful for the support provided by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office for Investments and Informatization of the Slovak Republic, Mayors and Council Members of Local Governments in the Snina District, Poloniny National Park Administration, Forestry Property Enterprise Ulič, and all other stakeholders consulted during the process, whose contributions have been essential. Last, but not least, special thanks go to all the Slovak and international experts who have directly contributed their expertise in shaping the following report and analytical findings. The report col-lates contributions from Dr. Guido Licciardi (World Bank Senior Urban Development Specialist), Scott Wayne (World Bank consultant), Dr. Jordanka Tomková (World Bank consult¬ant), and field experts working directly within the region comprising of Peter Bujňák, Viera Štupáková, Vladislav Juško and Mário Perinaj. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the World Bank Group, its Board of Directors, or the gov- ernments they represent. 7 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ATV All-terrain vehicle CuRI Catching-Up Regions Initiative DMO Destination Management Organization DMS Destination Management System EC European Commission EFA Ecological Functional Area GDP Gross Domestic Product ICT Information Communication Technologies KOCR Krajská Organizácie Cestovného Ruchu (Regional Destination Management Organisation) KST Klub slovenských turistov (Club of Slovak tourists) MTB Mountain Biking Trails NP National Park NR Nature Reserve NRR National Nature Reserve OOCR Oblastná Organizácia Cestovného Ruchu (Sub-Regional Destination Management Organisation) OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development PPT Poloniny Park Trail PSK Prešovský Samosprávny Kraj, Prešov Self-Governing Region R-DMO Regional Destination Management Organization(s) SME Small and Medium Enterprise(s) TDMIS Tourism Destination Management Information Systems TZT Turistické značkované trasy (standardized methodology for trail marking in SR and CZ) TIC Tourism Information Center UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNWTO UN World Tourism Organization WB World Bank WBG World Bank Group WTTC World Travel & Tourism Council 8 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail SYNOPSIS The following report focuses on what is needed to establish the Poloniny Park Trail  — one of the main recommendations of the Output 2 Report. The Trail is intended to connect communities in the park towards increased community engagement and economic empowerment by forming a single FIGURE 1  The main map of Poloniny Trail brandable, more marketable and cohesive tour- ism product. A team of trail experts conducted extensive field research, document reviews, and stakeholder meetings on, and related to, the trail. One of the main results is this initial full Poloniny Park Trail map (Figure 1). Additional maps have been developed for specific Poloniny Park Trail (PPT) sections and each of the key activity areas  — hiking, cycling, and horse- back riding. These maps are provided through- out this report to present the individual sec- tions, as well as off-shoot routes that connect to interesting natural or cultural landmarks. All route variations and individual sections are in relation to the above overall Poloniny Trail Distance: 120.7 km Altitude profile: 2,736 m 2,753 m map. To the extent possible, infrastructure 239 m.a.s.l. needs, such as water access and rest area facili- ties (toilets, tables, and so on), have been high- lighted and mapped (see below Existing Trail 30 km 60 km section and Annex 5). KEY FACTS ABOUT THE TRAIL The Poloniny Park Trail can comprise over 110-kilometer-long circuit with another over 100 kilo- meters with possibilities to connect to an existing network of trails, attractions, and communities: 1. 125 kilometers of marked hiking routes within and around the national park 2. 308 kilometers of cycling trails 3. 10 communities along the trails 4. 95+ national and local cultural monuments, shrines, and sites 5. 80+ notable natural attractions and viewpoints along or near the trails 6. 100 kilometers of planned equestrian trails 9 INTRODUCTION This Preliminary Due Diligence Report for the NP Poloniny builds on a key recommendation in the recent Output 2 report of the European Commission’s Catching-up Initiative (CuRI) for the Presov Self-governing Region (PSK). In that report, which focused on tourism, a World Bank team of experts, in coordination with PSK experts and local stakeholders, recommended that the NP Poloniny becomes a more developed adventure travel destination. To achieve this, the team recommended focusing on the development of a core NP Poloniny Trail with subsidiary trails suitable for activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Best practice examples, such as the Lebanon Mountain Trail, provide some useful elements for replication and adaptation in the NP Poloniny. This report provides an overview of key elements related to NP Poloniny, existing doc- umentation, and a preliminary mapping of trails that could be packaged, branded, and presented as ‘NP Poloniny Trails,’ as well as the initial trail condition reports. Achieving this overcomes the lack of cohesion in Poloniny as a destination. The NP Poloniny is one of three parks comprising the East Carpathian UNESCO Biosphere Reserves; the other two are adjacent to Poland and Ukraine. NP Poloniny is in the north eastern region of the Slovak Republic, one of the most remote areas in the country. It covers an area of 29,805 hectares, and has officially been declared a national park since 1997. The park is a home to 10 villages with a total population of around 2,600 people. The villages are Jalová, Príslop, Kolbasov, Ulič, Uličské Krivé, Ruský Potok, Zboj, Nová Sedlica, Topoľa, and Runina. The Park is characterized with dense primeval forests, unique flora and wildlife, such as, the European bison. It unites seven national natural reserves and 12 natural reserves, which cover an area of 10,973 hectares of strictly protected reserves. The park is also home to bison, wolves, over 200 species of birds, 24 species of fish, and 63 mammal species. The park also hosts numerous cultural landmarks, such as the wooden churches in the villages of Jalová, Topola, Ruský Potok, Uličské Krivé, and other neighboring villages just outside the park boundaries. Most of these churches, as well as the natural reservations, are also designated cul- tural and natural UNESCO sites. The region is also home to the traditionally Christian Orthodox Rusyn (Ruthenian) ethnic group, who have lived there for a thousand years. Both world wars also left their mark on this region, which has left behind unique relics and monuments of remem- brance for the lives lost during the battles throughout the region. Combination of natural splendor and cultural heritage in the region holds for the NP Poloniny a great opportunity to become a competitive adventure travel destination (see definition below). An adventure destination requires a central point of orientation merging its unique natural and cultural attractions with active recreation such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and/or other activities, thus creating an array of experiences appealing to adventure travelers. Hence, the idea of a Poloniny Trail is greatly positioned for such vision. In designing the Poloniny Trail, the team and stakeholders endeavored to meet the requirements of adventure travel families, as another dimension of tourism development within the region. Hence, family travel was kept in mind while analyzing alternate cycling routes, based on ease of terrain, available parking, recreational vehicle amenities, public amenities, and isolation from 10 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail road traffic. However, the park’s topography and FIGURE 2  Typical Poloniny fields atop the numerous hills terrain do limit potential cycling routes for the and peaks recreational cyclist and/or a family of cyclists. Hiking trail outlets on, or along the Poloniny Trail, are aimed at reducing some of the vast distances, by creating a network enabling the visitor to combine routes and create a circuit of desired length. This and other considerations are part of this report. The purpose of the PT project is to be part of the precedent for the future socio-economic devel- opment of the region, and to commence multi- dimensional cooperation among different lev- els of government and local enterprise:  1. Increase cooperation of stakeholders in the Poloniny region during trail plan- ning and design Source: Peter Bujňák 2. Develop a new entity, or improve existing organizations, to implement quality tour- ist infrastructure pertaining to the Polon- BOX 1  Adventure Travel Defined iny Trail and park as a travel destination Adventure travel is a form of travel that combines physical activity 3. Develop a travel destination product for with cultural experience. According to the Adventure Travel Trade the Poloniny region via the initiation and Association (ATTA), adventure travel requires three components to be present – physical activity, cultural immersion, and natural involvement of local and regional service environment. This type of travel is meant to connect the traveler to providers and stakeholders an area by experiencing nature and culture with physical activity. Activities such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, rafting, climbing, 4. Work with the Krajská Organizácia Ces- skiing, and others, are actively pursued while immersed in a new tovného Ruchu (KOCR/R-DMO) and sub-re- culture and landscape. gional DMOs — Oblastné Organizácie Ces- According to research from the ATTA, the adventure and na- tovného Ruchu (OOCR/S-DMO) to develop ture-based travel industry is now worth more than US$ 683 billion, sustainable promotion and management and since 2012 has been growing at approximately a 21% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Furthermore, in the 2017 ATTA Adven- strategies that help define the Poloniny ture Pulse, a survey of leading adventure tour operators, the most Trail and park, as well as the entire region, demanded outdoor activities were hiking and biking, a finding that as a unique and distinct travel destination bodes well for the Snina District and Poloniny Park. In addition, while the research found that experiential travel (both The Poloniny Park Trail (PPT) is intended to be- nature and culture-based) has a broad appeal, the highest level of come the main multiuse trail connecting exist- interest is especially among young people – Millennials or Generation ing cycling, hiking, and potentially equestrian Y (born between 1981 and 2000), and Generation Z (born between 2001 and 2019). If experiences are developed to appeal to these age trails (depending on the section of trail), with- groups, there might also be increased interest to pursue entrepre- in and around the park. The PPT passes through, neurial experience-based businesses and opportunities in the Snina or connects to, the most significant natural and District and Poloniny Park, thus reversing the depopulation trend. cultural landmarks within and near the park. The PPT could use existing forestry road infra- structure and minimize the construction of new roads. While not technically challenging, the terrain in the NP Poloniny is relatively steep, which must be considered when designing and map- ping the trail, especially for cyclists and horseback riders. Introduction 11 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT OF THE NATIONAL PARK The natural environment in Poloniny is spectacular and central to the Park’s offers, but the cul- tural and historical context are also important to developing positive and authentic experiences in the Poloniny Park Trail. For example, simply seeing the Starina water reservoir, without under- standing the political and social unrest that accompanied its construction, is an incomplete picture. The reservoir development, beginning in 1983, caused the destruction of seven Rusyn villages, and the displacement of 3,463 people from 769 homes. The villages of Dara, Ostrožnica, Ruské, Smolník, Starina, Veľká Poľana, and Zvala were depopulated and subsequently destroyed dur- ing the 1970’s to early 1980’s, with only a few remnants remaining today. The reservoir takes its name from Starina village, which was flooded by the reservoir. Remnants include mainly ceme- teries and religious monuments from the former villages, but all major objects, such as churches, were destroyed or removed. Today, areas such as Ruské are lined with recreational cottages, with Poloniny offering a picturesque backdrop. When first entering the park, a visitor is awe struck by the sheer expanse of the park’s forest can- opy. While much of the park is a relatively untouched natural environment with minimal human interference, the park is also home to communities and commercial forestry operations. The lat- ter comprises 65% of the total park land, with 27% under private ownership and eight percent des- ignated as protected reserves. The logging industry is an important economic activity of the park that dates back centuries and now supports over 200 families in the Snina District, thus making it the largest local employer, and an important dimension of local heritage. For tourism to be developed in the park, it must be, and from the team’s perspective can be, complementary with logging. Foresters play a key role in the health of the forests in the region. Historically, prior to the region being designated a national park, foresters were responsible for afforestation, expanding the for- est from 1947 onwards, when the first state forestry administration was established in Stakčin and Ulič. Given the history of the region, these two sectors cannot be treated as exclusive enti- ties, but should be combined effectively. For example, sustainable forestry management is essen- tial for the strengthening of adventure travel and ecotourism in the region. The forestry organi- zation can help ensure trail access throughout the park (see further details in Risks, Challenges, Obstacles and Opportunities). According to Peter Šiška, Director of the Forestry Organization, the organization can help ensure trail access throughout the park. He has commented that the forestry industry in the Slovak Republic is in transition. While logging and forestry have historically been critical to local liveli- hoods, society, and the economy, as panelists at the June 2019 Catching-up Regions Initiative con- ference in Prešov emphasized, the local population is aging, and young people are not choosing logging as a profession. To sustain and further develop the local economy, panelists agreed that other options were needed, such as sustainable tourism. The logging industry has also been ham- pered by aging technology that has constrained the competitiveness and efficiency of forestry man- agement. As Mr. Šiška emphasized, it is in the interest of the Forestry Organization to increase their management capacity and upgrade their technology, while simultaneously diversifying into other forestry-related areas, such as recreation, adventure travel, and ecotourism. The US Forest Service is a prime example where both tourism and commercial forestry can be compatible, and operate in mutually beneficial and sustainable ways. The trail is intended to be the ideal common ground for all stakeholders.  12 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail METHODOLOGY The main purpose of this report was to develop the initial Poloniny Park Trail map with GPS coor- dinates marking areas of needs, and points of interest for potential trail cyclists, hikers, and rid- ers. To determine this map, background research and extensive field work were conducted. For the latter, a field team led by adventure expert Peter Bujňák, and including Viera Štupáková (cycling expert), Vladislav Juško (equestrian expert), and Mario Perinaj (Director of Poloniny Park) pro- vided details as to possible trail routing, infrastructure, and service needs, as well as points of his- torical, cultural, and natural interest. Peter pursued the following intense itinerary: 1. June 6, 2019 — General inspection by car of accessible routes throughout the park, from Stakčín to Nová Sedlica, and from Stakčín to Ruská Volová via Kalná Roztoka 2. June 7 — Snina- Stakčín section inspected by bike 3. June 8 – 9 — Trail excursions began and included the marking of points of interest, poten- tial rest areas, sign improvement needs, as well as discussions with residents; 75 kilome- ters covered by bike 4. June 10 — Trail inspections by all-terrain vehicle (ATV), covering the southern part of the park, including the corridor between Nová Sedlica and Ulič 5. June 11 — Entire northwestern area of the park inspected by SUV, including from Pčoliné to Osadné area, including Udava. Emphasis on equestrian potential and bison viewing, with consideration of opportunities also for cyclists and hikers. This is an important stretch for possible connectivity to trails and villages in and around Starina 6. June 13 — Trail inspections by ATV, covering 120 kilometers along the southern slopes above Príslop to Kolbasov, and then from Ruský Potok to Zboj, and the forest road from Nová Sedlica to the intersection of the yellow route to Jarabá skala and the forest road, which paralleled the ridge line from Ďurkovec to just before Vel’ky Bukovec. The team explored part of this ridge by foot and inspected an old fire road along this ridge, and then returned to Nová Sedlica 7. June 22 — Trail inspections by ATV covering the northwestern boundary of Poloniny Park along the Snina to Osadné corridor (conducted by Vladislav Juško). Equestrian requirements were considered, although the multipurpose use of the route was also considered. This route be- gins at the mini zoo compound in Snina, and follows forest road networks and paths along the northern corridor. Main factors considered were elevation and minimal contact with motorized roads and traffic (only required for crossing from west to east of the main corri- dor). The route inspection passed through Pčoliné, Parihuzovce, and continued to the for- mer villages of Zvala and Smolník To conduct these inspections, factors such as slope incline, property boundaries, and zoning for environmentally sensitive areas were considered and reflected in the GPX files. Initial trail map- ping was conducted, using the online mapping application www.mapy.cz, which uses ‘open street 13 FIGURE 3  Trail inspection from Prislop to Stakčínska Roztoka maps’ (open source data) as their source, and indicates levels of slope inclination. The route followed was based on existing marked trails, as well as logging roads. However, sections were discovered that historically had a path running through it, yet were absent in all online mapping applications, including Google Earth. The ini- tial route was reviewed with the team and then mapped using online mapping applications and GARMIN’s Base Camp program. At the time of writing, the team was waiting on additional feedback from the locals and from the University of Prešov ArcGIS experts on road quality, slope, and terrain for more precise route inspections. Trail inspections resulted in the separation of cycling and equestrian paths from hiking paths, as hikers have different demands for trails compared with other users (see hik- ing section for details). Unsatisfactory sections of the route and possible route variations were determined. Multiple route options were con- sidered with special attention to trail or road incline and slope, and road condition quality. The resulting Poloniny Trail recommendations are based on what optimal slope and road condi- tions are for cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders. The field team was supported with reporting and research by World Bank official Guido Licciardi, and World Bank consultants Scott Wayne and Source: Peter Bujňák Jordanka Tomkova. 14 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail SITUATION ANALYSIS  OVERALL  The Snina District and Poloniny Park offer nature-based and cultural experiences and attrac- tions that, given international demand trends, could become genuinely competitive, if they are further developed. Both sets of activities are increasingly considered experiential travel — travel that is immersive, local, authentic, active and/or adventurous — t hat is, traveling to experience nature-based and cultural adventure. In fact, a 2018 study from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) referenced above found that “experiencing a new culture” is now often included in the definition of adventure travel. So, when considering adventure travel demand, it is often combined with cultural tourism as experiential travel, of which Poloniny Park offers great desti- nation potential. To develop these opportunities will require increased local coordination, infra- structure, and product improvements, as well as increased tourism and hospitality skills. KEY ACTIVITIES AND POINTS OF INTEREST IN NP POLONINY: SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL AND NATURAL LANDMARKS Despite having over 27,000 hectares of forests (in Poloniny Park), presently, there is only a lim- ited network of hiking, horseback riding, and cycling trails available. Improvements are needed to facilitate better access for more visitors and provide more variety of excursions. The area also hosts an internationally known ‘dark-sky park’ (at the edge of Poloniny), and multiple cultural monuments, sites, and institutions in local communities. Hiking tops the list of preferred activities in the Snina District. According to the Snina Action Plan, the most frequent reason for visiting the district is hiking in the National Park Poloniny and Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area (CHKO), which is especially popular among the most numerous visitors — Slovaks, Czechs, and Polish tourists — who comprise 90% of all visitors.  Existing Trail Network The Poloniny Park hiking and cycling trail infrastructure is in its infancy compared with other national parks and protected areas in the Slovak Republic (see Annexes). When considering the natural splendor offered by Poloniny, the current trail network is quite limited and does not accu- rately reveal the full natural value and potential of the region for the visitor. The park is still rel- atively undiscovered by tourists, in part due to the limited hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails that are marked in the park. The horseback riding potential is particularly untapped, since there is no mention of this activity on any of the park information boards or pamphlets. Communities  As the map (Figure 4) shows, the NP Poloniny and areas adjacent to the Park include the follow- ing communities: Jalová, Príslop, Kolbasov, Ulič, Uličské Krivé, Ruský Potok, Zboj, Nová Sedlica, Topoľa, and Runina. 18 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail Cultural Sights  FIGURE 4  The Map of the communities and Natural Attractions in the NP Poloniny area The Snina District and Poloniny Park offer more than 140 sites and attractions, many of which could be of interest for visitors to the Poloniny Park Trail. Several of these sites, such as the wooden churches, military cemeteries, the min- iature wooden church park, and Three Springs pilgrimage site, have been restored and are being well maintained. Many other sights, however, require improvements. Here is a summary of some of the key needs: 1. Approximately 39 of 140 sights are cur- rently inaccessible and require signage im- provements, better mapping, and/or phys- ical access. 2. Numerous lookout points throughout the park, including the Príslop radio tower, offer spectacular views, but lack required infrastructure and/or signage, and are sometimes not even indicated on maps, nor on near- by hiking trails. 3. The Slovak Republic’s highest elevation military cemetery at Hodošík, is accessible by road, but there is no marked path for visitors. 4. The wooden churches can all be visited and seen from outside. However, entering them re- quires assistance, and thus signage or other information indicating who to call for access.  5. Attractions, such as the outdoor chapel in Veľka Poľana and the NR Pod Ruským, are easy to miss, due to a lack of signage. Similar experiences were found during the trail inspections throughout the park that could be eas- ily improved, and thus packaged as Poloniny Park Trail experiences. These experiences could, in turn, enable Poloniny to compete with sim- ilar destinations in the region. FIGURE 5  Wooden church of St. Michael, the Archangel, from the mid-18th century, Topoľa The full list of cultural monuments and natural attractions in the Snina District can be found in Annex 2. Some of the most distinctive and historic attractions include: A. Distinctive 18th Century Wooden Churches The wooden churches of the region offer win- dows into 18th century, and with information and guides, offer incredible stories on history and culture. 1. Wooden church of St. Michael, the Archangel, from the early 1700’s, Ruský Potok  Source: Peter Bujňák Situation Analysis 19 2. Wooden church of St. Michael, the Archangel, from the mid-18th century, Topoľa 3. Outdoor miniature wooden church park, Ulič  4. Greek Catholic wooden church from 1718, Uličské Krivé  5. Greek Catholic wooden church of St. John the Baptist, Kalná Roztoka  6. Wooden church exposition, Topoľa 7. Greek Catholic wooden church of Saint Juraj (George) from 1772, Jalová B. WWI and WWII Cemeteries The many military cemeteries attached to nearly every community in and around Poloniny Park are important and somber reminders of the human toll paid by the Slovaks in the world wars of the 20th century. These cemeteries include: 1. Military cemeteries can be found in the following park communities: Kolbasov, Čišovatyj Runina, Topoľa, Ulič, Zboj, Dara*, Ostrožnica, Ruské, Starina, Smolník, Veľka Poľana, Predný Hodošík, and Zvala.  2. Military cemeteries can also be found in the following communities outside the park: Hostovice, Osadné, Snina, Giglovo, and Ubľa. C. Jewish Cemeteries and Memorials The Jewish population in the eastern Slovak Republic suffered, as well, in World War II. Several memorials and cemeteries can be found in Kolbasov, Runina, Topoľa, Snina, and Ubľa. D. Other Interesting Attractions and Sights Inside the park: 1. Nová Sedlica and vicinity — Honey Woman’s wooden sculpture, and a nearby waterfall 2. Kremenec — (highest peak and tri-border), and the outdoor Slovak – Rusyn dictionary  3. Runina — A n astronomical observation point 4. Topoľa — Paragliding take-off site on Bukovec peak 5. Ulič — Poloniny gallery of wooden statues FIGURE 6  Historic park part of late Baroque manor Outside the park: grounds in Snina 1. Snina — A late Baroque manor from the 18th century and historic park  2. Kolonica — A stronomical observatory 3. Osadné — Marked hiking trail railway station, Balnica (small gauge railway line), and mineral spring Udavy 4. Stakčín — Pathway of the small gauge forestry railway from Stakčín – Strihovec, and the town cultural heritage museum 5. Zemplínské Hamre — Outdoor mining exhibition The following map (Figure 7) indicates attrac- tions in and around each community in Polon- Source: Peter Bujňák iny. Annex 2 presents the list of these attractions. 20 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail FIGURE 7  Map of the key attractions in and around the park Natural Attractions Prešov Region is well endowed with multiple nature-based attractions and sites that draw both domestic and foreign visitors. These sites include five national parks1, 180 protected areas, nature reserves, UNESCO protected beech forests, geothermal springs, the astronomical observatory near Kolonica, and beekeeping operations. The NP Poloniny, along with the neighboring parks of, Bieszczadzki National Park in Poland and Uzhanian National Nature Park in Ukraine, offer opportunities for transnational park and tourism cooperation, particularly for extended hiking and biking trails, which can be a good selling point. The Snina District and the National Park Poloniny currently generate limited demand for adven- ture and nature-based travel. Some of the nature-based attractions include astronomical tourism, birdwatching, especially the twitching Ural owl, woodpecker and hazel grouse; wildlife viewing of bison; and occasionally — w ith luck and/or professional tracking — wolves and bears. Birdwatching offers opportunities for further development in the Snina District. With over 15,000 hectares of protected bird areas and 211 bird species2, the district could become an optimal area for birdwatching. According to the Poloniny National Park Management Plan, the park includes Situation Analysis 21 62% of the bird species in the Slovak Republic. The Starina reservoir construction helped create good conditions for the breeding of several rare bird species and aquatic birds; it also is located on a significant migratory route to the south and back, across the Eastern Carpathians between Poland and the Ukraine.3 The Poloniny National Park needs improved and new lookout points to enable visitors to fully appreciate the beautiful landscape, and to foster activities such as birdwatching and bison watching. Residents recommended installing a wooden bison statue at points where bison watching is the best. 22 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail EXISTING AND PROPOSED TRAIL NETWORK BY ACTIVITY In conducting the inspections for each trail section, and meeting with the stakeholders, the team identified at least 114 infrastructure improvements. The list of improvements is not exhaus- tive and may change as the route development TABLE 1  Number of infrastructure improvements needed progresses. Some improvements, such as vis- itor parking, public restrooms, and recrea- Infrastructure type: Number needed tional vehicle campsites, are recommended for Bridges 4 every village in the park. These infrastructure New Rest Areas 14 requirements should be understood as being Improved Rest Areas 3 phased in, starting with priority areas, as visi- Shelters 5 tor numbers increase. Infrastructure require- Lookout Towers 10 ments, such as bridges and rest areas, might also increase or decrease, depending on the Improved Signage 30 route and other factors, such as permits to build Improved Water Sources 3 in specific areas. New Equestrian Campsites 3 Self-serve Bike Service Stations 4 The following map (Figure 8) is a partial rep- New Recreational Areas 2 resentation of an interactive online map that RV Campsites 10 shows GPS coordinates and specific needs for each point. The improvements and their location Visitor Parking Areas 10 can be viewed in detail via the following link: Public Restrooms 11 https://en.mapy.cz/s/3uuzw. FIGURE 8  Map indicating locations of the required infrastructure 26 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail CYCLING The district hosts eight main cycling trails totaling about 309 kilometers, two of which connect the Slovak Republic with Poland and the Ukraine, and one that connects the Slovak Republic with the Ukraine. These include: the five-country Carpathian Cycling Route project, with 65 kilome- ters in the Snina District and along the edge of the park; and the Green Route, with 52 kilometers also in the district and park. In fact, as the team’s local cycling expert, Viera Štupáková, explained, the Green Route overlaps and connects with the Porta Rusica Trail, which has been approved for € 2.2 million in funding for trail improvements. Notably, the Slovak Republic’s most well-known hiking and outdoor web portal — hiking.sk — w ith their online mapping application — t uristick- amapa.sk — lacked all cycling routes, except for route 016 around Starina water reservoir and FIGURE 9  Map of cycling circuit 1 from Stakčín up to Ruské Sedlo. With trail improvements in Poloniny, the team recommends that these routes be added. A major attraction point for cyclists is the Porta Rusica at the northern edge of the park, an an- cient trade route built between 1861 – 1865 made of stone, that is due for restoration. The Por- ta Rusica, however, is an end point for visitors, meaning that if a cyclist were to continue, he or she would continue into Poland and leave the Poloniny Park. On the other hand, the planned restoration of Porta Rusica could see a rise in cy- clist visitors from the Polish side, who are inter- ested in seeing the restored historic trade route. Given the lack of monitoring of trail visitors, es- timates as to the total numbers of cyclists from Poland are uncertain. While the Park lacks circuits for cyclists, there are two existing possibilities to create circuits from the different marked trails: 1. Starting in Stakčín, south west of Starina, the route continues along Ruské to Topola, FIGURE 10  Map of cycling circuit 2 from Stakčín and returns to Stakčín, totaling just un- der 50 kilometers — a reasonable one- to two-day circuit. Roughly half the route shares the road with car traffic. 2. The route starts and ends in Stakčín, along the southern side of the park for just over 53 kilometers, passing through Príslop and Kolbasov, and then continues on to Ulič along a semi-paved forest road, con- necting to Ruská Volová, where it contin- ues alongside the road to Stakčín, pass- ing through Klenová and Kalná Roztoka. While the route provides decent scenery and connects multiple communities, it does not show the vast natural attractions of the park. The cyclist may be left wonder- ing what lies beyond the road within the UNESCO designated primeval forests. Over 80% of this route is shared with car traffic. Existing and Proposed Trail Network by Activity 27 In their present state, neither circuit is appropriate for family cyclists, nor for road cycling, due to the road traffic and the surface quality in certain areas. Overall, they are best for the recrea- tional sport cyclist who uses trekking bikes. Road cyclists would have to backtrack, and families with children would most likely want to avoid roads with car traffic. The construction of new trails along flatter sections of terrain could address the lack of family-oriented cycling routes, whereas the improvement to certain sections of marked routes, could significantly improve the appeal of the region for the road cyclist (see below for further details). Another notable cycling trail in the region is the IKON Cycling Path, a premier trail that starts in Nová Sedlica, continues along the main road to Stakčín and beyond the park boundaries via Kalná Roztoka, Ubľa, and ending in Inovce, for a total of 109kilometers. This trail passes by several impressive UNESCO heritage wooden churches. As with the other trails, it shares the road with car traffic, but can be considered one of the most effective means of covering many kilometers along relatively simple terrain. However, a cyclist must first travel to Nová Sedlica to reach this route. Currently, there are no buses equipped with bike racks, while driving to the village means that the cyclist must return to retrieve his or her car, unless they have organized transport. The marking and signposting of most cycling trails is provided by the nongovernmental organization (NGO) DO Fenix Snina; the Carpathian cycling trail was marked by the Prešov Bicycle Group Kostitras. Since most of these and other cycling trails in the park share paved roads with motor vehicles for most of their lengths, these are appropriate mainly for the sport cyclist or cycling tourers, rather than families. These trails, however, only skirt the edge of the park, and do not really offer the visitor the opportunity for the full appreciation of its natural beauties and breathtaking vastness. Furthermore, pertaining to cycling (as well as horseback riding), the natural topography of the park is a major determining factor, placing limits on the development of diverse cycling routes for all fitness levels within the national park. The cycling trail from Starina north to Porta Rusica, via the former village of Ruské, is an excep- tion that deviates from a paved road and then finishes on the main road between Topoľa and Runina, thus offering relatively easy access. While it does not pass through any areas with wooden churches, the route passes by, or provides access to, significant WW I military cemeteries, includ- ing Hodošik (the Slovak Republic’s highest elevated military cemetery), the remnants of the former villages Veľka Poľana and Ruské, and a ride up the Porta Rusica. Out of the current offer of marked cycling routes, the Porta Rusica offers by far the most in terms of immersion in nature, providing great views, and a sense of history, as the visitor cycles along the cobbled stone road (with scope for restoration). Car traffic along the Starina route to Ruské and beyond to the north of Topola is minimal (only by permit and limited to 60 personal cars per day). Therefore, the level of motor- ized traffic does not seem to be an issue along this portion of trail. During the trail inspections between June 7 – 9 , 2019, directional signs were found to be missing at numerous intersections along the route or were of poor quality and required repainting. Rest areas and shelters were also lacking along this route. The team found route possibilities away from road traffic throughout the park that utilized exist- ing forestry roads. Some of these routes also connect villages in the park area with potential new routes that follow more challenging terrain than the paved road trails, and are thus, more appro- priate for an active or sport cyclist. The section below describes trail requirements for cyclists. 28 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail Forestry Road Cycling Trail Profile: Runina — Ruský Potok — Uličské Krivé This trail (inspected on June 9 and 10) uses ex- FIGURE 11  Forestry road cycling trail: isting forestry road infrastructure consisting of Runina — Ruský Potok — Uličské Krivé numerous ascents and descents, making it phys- ically challenging. Numerous parts of the route require intensive trail improvements, but pro- vide some spectacular scenery, including rides through typical Poloniny fields. Some sections (just before entering Ruský Potok) were missing entire road sections. The section from Ruský Po- tok to Uličské Krivé offered nice scenery and an interesting winding route with diversity, but this currently serves as a logging road and was non- negotiable by bicycle in numerous sections. Of the 5.2 kilometer-route from Ruský Potok to Ul- ičské Krivé, roughly 80 % would require signifi- cant road improvements to turn this into a via- ble cycling or equestrian path. The other option is to seek an alternate route along this corridor, within the boundaries of environmental zoning Distance: 13.29 km Altitude profile: 396 m 644 m laws and landownership rights. However, giv- en the beautiful scenery offered on this route, a collaboration with the state forestry agen- cy for permanent improvements, would bene- fit both tourism development and sustainable logging activity. 3.3 km 6.6 km Recreational Route Option: Nová Sedlica — Zboj — Uličské Krivé — Ulič Regarding recreational routes, the construction FIGURE 12  Map of recreational cycling route: of whole new trail sections isolated from road Nová Sedlica — Zboj — Uličské Krivé — Ulič traffic, could be possible on the main corridor between Nová Sedlica and Ulič, which could serve as a recreational trail, due to its gentle inclines. There are minor trail deviations be- tween Uličské Krivé — Zboj — Nová Sedlica that are readily available due to existing forest- ry roads. The possibility of building new sec- tions of trail alongside the Zbojský River for the length of the corridor, would connect the vil- lages via nonmotorized modes of transporta- tion, such as cycling and horseback riding, and could also be used as a footpath. Some sections of this route exist, while in some areas, whole new trail construction would be required. This Distance: 13.05 km Altitude profile: 76 m 215 m route would increase the appeal of the park for families, by providing gentle terrain isolated 390 m.a.s.l. from road traffic, plus it could further serve as a multipurpose trail. Other individual trail segments and variations 3.3 km 6.5 km include the following (Figures 13 – 18). Existing and Proposed Trail Network by Activity 29 FIGURE 13  Ulič to Brezovec — connects the cyclist FIGURE 14  Map of the Snina to Stakčín to Starina to the nearest border crossing with the Ukraine cycling route along the Cirocha River Distance: 6.485 km Altitude profile: 196 m 243 m Distance: 11.55 km Altitude profile: 123 m 106 m 483 m.a.s.l. 225 m.a.s.l. 1.6 km 3.3 km 2.9 km 5.8 km Snina to Stakčín to Starina variation, isolating the cyclist from motorized traffic on a route along the Cirocha River (Figure 14). Ulič to Stakčín (Figure 15) through various existing forestry roads. Half of this route is part of the 2019 ‘1,000-Mile Adventure Race’ (Ulič to Kalná Roztoka). Nová Sedlica — Uličske Krivé (Figure 16): A sport cycling route with modest elevation inclines, offering scenery and immersion in forests. Veľká Poľana — Ruské (Figures 17 and 18): an equestrian path, could also serve as a cycling route for the sport cyclist seeking lookout points at higher elevations.4 FIGURE 15  Map of Ulič to Stakčín through various FIGURE 16  Nová Sedlica — Uličske Krivé: a sport existing forestry roads. cycling route. Distance: 28.17 km Altitude profile: 721 m 718 m Distance: 12.51 km Altitude profile: 537 m 647 m 240 m.a.s.l. 689 m.a.s.l. 7 km 14 km 3.1 km 6.3 km 30 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail FIGURE 17  Map of Veľká Poľana to Ruské variation FIGURE 18  Veľká Poľana — Ruské: an equestrian connecting with the path to Hodošik. path that could also serve as a cycling route. Distance: 8.316 km Altitude profile: 352 m 265 m Distance: 13.09 km Altitude profile: 446 m 349 m 393 m.a.s.l. 369 m.a.s.l. 2.1 km 4.2 km 3.3 km 6.5 km Map in Figure 19 illustrates the entire marked cycling routes in the Snina / Poloniny region. As stated, the vast majority share the road with motorized traffic, except for a few sections mentioned pre- viously. These routes are low traffic (generally accepted as less than 1,000 vehicles per day for the Prešov Region). An adventure travel destination seeks to provide experiences that require some physical input and are not readily accessible through common modes of transportation. The PPT could be an attractive destination for adventure travelers, such as bike-packers and classic cycle tourers, who would spend more than one day in the park with the implementation of appropri- ate infrastructure, such as overnight shelters, accommodations, food establishments, and other amenities. Furthermore, the PPT would only bolster the existing cycling network by providing var- ious outlets for themed excursions, such as the IKON trail. FIGURE 19  Map of all marked cycling routes FIGURE 20  Start of Porta Rusica leading up to in Snina/Poloniny Ruské Sedlo, the border between Poland and the Slovak Republic Source: Peter Bujňák Existing and Proposed Trail Network by Activity 31 HIKING The Snina Action Plan reports that the district offers 152.5 kilometers of marked hiking trails among 12 routes, which are maintained and marked by the Humenné branch of the 20,000-mem- ber nonprofit Club of Slovak tourists (KST). There are around 125 kilometers of marked hiking routes within and around the national park, with some routes leaving the park and ending in vil- lages near the park. The trails pass through and/or connect every village in Poloniny, as well as the towns of Snina, Stakčin, and other communities in the district. In addition, some of the trails could also be used for horseback riding.  One of the highlights of the marked hiking trails is that nearly 40 kilometers are along the ridge of the Poloniny mountains, where more than 50% of the marked trail passes through the primor- dial forests, or above them on the Poloniny fields. Some of the forests are designated UNESCO world heritage sites and biosphere sites. All of them are part of the Slovak Republic’s national natural reserves and natural reserves that have been accorded the fifth level of environmental protec- tion. However, there are certain areas such as Havešova or Kycera, which also have great appeal, as they are part of the natural reserves list, yet have no marked hiking trails nearing these areas. The recommended Poloniny trail seeks to incorporate a hiking route variation passing the bor- ders of these areas, but not running directly through them. Hiking trails are well marked on available paper maps from manufacturers such as, ShoCart and VKU Harmanec, as well as on mobile applications such as MAPY CZ. Hiking trail markings in the actual park can be problematic depending on the area. Trail markers on trails passing through areas with logging activity have been reported to be poorly marked, due to instances of trees being cut containing the marker or damaged signs, (in this case, the route to Giglovo military cemetery outside the park grounds within the Snina area near Sninské Rybníky was observed during trail inspections on June 7, 2019). The issue of trail marking and maintenance needs to be addressed with the stakeholders, such as the NP Poloniny, KST, LPM Ulič, and other regional entities. The hiking trail to Jarabá Skala, a nature reserve site, initially winds along a 7.7-kilometer for- est road where occasionally logging trucks pass by, but then the trail veers off the main logging road and into the forest for the remaining two kilometers, before reaching the top of the ridge. The only main areas of interest along the route (which is also a main logging road) are: 1. The Honey Woman’s wooden monument, with a traditional wooden hut housing 80 bee- hives. The monument is, in fact, a memorial to Žofia Maťašovská, who maintained the bee- hives with her daughters as her husband worked in the logging industry. 2. The forestry lodge and lake is roughly 500 meters further along the route. The lake has the potential to become a recreational area, if proper eco-remediation activity were implement- ed, and terms and conditions agreed with the owner (LPM Ulič). While these areas are major points of interest and could be more attractive, the route leading up to these is long and monotonous, and even longer, if one continues to the intersection lead- ing up to Jarabá Skala (after which, the visitor is finally immersed in the natural beauty of the park). A possible rerouting or an added trail in the vicinity could address this portion of the trail, by offering additional options. The current route (yellow marking) along the main logging road could become a cycling path, or even a through path for motorized vehicles, with parking pro- vided in the vicinity of the Honey Woman sculpture. Space is adequate, without extensive earth- works needed. Measures for traffic regulation, capacity, and fees need to be addressed to prevent any environmental damage or encroachment. Existing road infrastructure is of a sufficient qual- ity, with only minor improvements needed to create a visitors’ parking area, alongside a potential recreational outlet in the Honey Woman and lake vicinity. This option would enable more favora- ble excursions for tourists hiking up to Jarabá Skala and continuing along the ridge of Poloniny. 32 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail A suggested variation for a hiking trail runs along the main ridge from Zboj to Ďurkovec. In fact, during trail inspections on June 12, 2019, it was discovered that an old fire vehicle access road runs along the entirety of the ridge passing along nature reserve (NR) Borsučiny and peaks, such as Veľký Bukovec, Kýčera, and Minčol. This variation also provides options for approaches from Nová Sedlica or the Honey Women monument, though further inspection of possible route var- iations would be required. A route along this ridge would bring the existing trails closer together and enable one-day circuit hikes. With the possibility of improving the logging lodge and lake into a recreational area, the homeward journey would provide lakeside relaxation for the visitor. FIGURE 21  Map of Runina — Ruský Potok — Uličské FIGURE 22  Map of hike from Nová Sedlica Krivé hiking circuit North West Distance: 31.4 km Altitude profile: 1,564 m 1,560 m Distance: 16.08 km Altitude profile: 1,172 m 943 m 1,176 m.a.s.l. 390 m.a.s.l. 8 km 16 km 4 km 8 km Around eight kilometers of the red hiking trail from Nová Sedlica to Uličské Krivé share the road with car traffic. This trail runs along the main road corridor connecting Ulič to Nová Sedlica, the Slovak Republic’s most eastern settlement. Upon trail inspections on June 13, 2019, variations were found that might veer the tourist off the paved road shared with traffic, and follow instead, a route through the forest along the Zbojský River, with only minor trail improvements needed, such as clearing bushes and improving the sur- face (see map below for the exact section). Other variations that follow the Zbojský River along this corridor are possible physically but would require input from the municipalities as to the own- ership of the land, and other factors that may impede such a route. The landownership distribu- tion map reveals that most of the area along the corridor is state owned or lies within municipal boundaries. The proposed route variation for this corridor is the same as mentioned for cyclists, a multiuse recreational corridor along the river connecting the villages. The existing trail network (Figure 23) is not The logging activity can be shocking for visitors who are unaware well developed compared to the size of the park that the park has long been shared with commercial logging, espe- and to other national parks in the country. The cially considering that the park has UNESCO designated biospheres. ridgeline of the National Nature Reserve (NNR) Improved information about how the dual activities of logging and recreation can be managed sustainably is recommended, as well as Havešová, in the southern part of the park, can the gradual improvement of forestry road infrastructure, and other be easily reached from Príslop, where the pro- sustainable logging practices that minimize erosion. posed trail could be located. It would take the Existing and Proposed Trail Network by Activity 33 hiker across the entire ridge towards the NNR Havešová, and through the spectacular scenery of the region, including the distinctive locally created haystacks, a WW II battle trench, and beau- tiful lookout points of the entire region. Adequate trail marking, a lookout tower on the Príslop peak, and an overnight shelter on top of the ridge, would make this part of the park more acces- sible to multiday backpackers and day hikers. Variations of this route exist as well, providing the option of choosing an alternative circuit. FIGURE 23  Current hiking trail network within the FIGURE 24  Route from Ulič to Príslop park (red, blue, and yellow marked trails). Distance: 19.39 km Altitude profile: 883m 1,074m 5 km 10 km FIGURE 25  Route from Stakčín to Príslop FIGURE 26  Stakčín to Jalová to Veľka Poľana off the paved road. Distance: 11.3 km Altitude profile: 428 m 606 m Distance: 14.25 km Altitude profile: 674 m 550 m 782 m.a.s.l. 251 m.a.s.l. 538 m.a.s.l. 2.8 km 5.7km Stakčín to Jalová off the paved road uses the hilltops west of Starina, passing through Jalová with its historic wooden church, and offers views of the water reservoir atop of the fields (Figure 26). 34 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail HORSEBACK RIDING Poloniny Park has no officially marked equestrian trails, yet the potential for developing equestrian trails in the park was boosted by the approval in 2019 of an INTERREG project between the Slovak Republic and Poland to improve cross-border ‘horse tourism’ between the two countries. The region is home to several horse stables and a small enthusiastic equestrian community. Horseback riding routes in their present state are derived from local knowledge of the terrain, as well as first- hand riding experience in the region. According to Vladislav Juško, the local veterinarian, equestrian, and Poloniny Trail consultant, horseback riding in the region offers many opportunities for connecting routes between villages outside of the park, and former villages within the park, north of the Starina water reservoir. FIGURE 27  Map of equestrian route 1 — begins in Snina and He explained that most equestrian riding activ- finishes atop the Ruské sedlo, via Porta Rusica ity occurs in this area, due to the proximity of villages and decent infrastructure. Additional- ly, this area of the park is also home to the Eu- ropean bison, which is best viewed from horse- back. Furthermore, horseback riders are also attracted to the Porta Rusica for its history and natural setting. This area is the proposed start- ing point for developing an equestrian trail net- work within the region. In its present state, local knowledge and expe- rience of viable equestrian trails are essential, due to the lack of officially marked trails. Ex- pert horseback riders who would like to visit the park would still require a guide who knows the region and the forest road network. Mr. Juško states that, just as there are numerous possibil- Distance: 44.3 km Altitude profile: 1,562 m 984 m ities for routes, there are equally numerous pos- sibilities that lead to nowhere, or pose a signifi- 227 m.a.s.l. cant challenge for equestrian travel, due to the quality of the trail. The known ‘good’ trail net- 11 km 22 km works are mostly navigable, and can be marked as equestrian trails, with some sections requir- ing improvements to increase the appeal and FIGURE 28  Beautiful tree seen during equestrian trail accessibility. Since no marked trails exist for inspection northeast of Snina horseback riding, there is no tracking or mon- itoring of riders either, so the number of riders currently is unknown. The following routes are equestrian trail recom- mendations that require further development, due to the specific complexity and demands of equestrian travel. Equestrian Route 1 Route 1 starts in Snina and finishes atop the Ruské sedlo (Figure 27), via the Porta Rusica, totaling some 44 kilometers, plus another 35 kilometers back to Snina, along the shortest route possible, passing by Starina to Stakčín to Snina. This route offers diversity and rolling Source: Vladislav Juško Existing and Proposed Trail Network by Activity 35 terrain with beautiful scenery. The entire route is isolated from motorized traffic, except for one intersection crossing, and the return journey from Ruské, along the Starina reservoir (maximum daily limit set to 60 cars). A proposed cycling route from Stakčín to Snina could run along the banks of the Cirocha River. This section could serve the journey home to Snina, free of motor- ized traffic. At present, this variation is envisioned as a cycling route. Figures 29 – 34 show variations of equestrian trails in this corridor offering numerous possibili- ties and shorter distances. FIGURE 29  Map of route from Parihuzovce FIGURE 30  Map of route from Pčoliné Distance: 14.36 km Altitude profile: 384 m 435 m Distance: 15.05 km Altitude profile: 490 m 430 m 599 m.a.s.l. 310 m.a.s.l. 4 km 8 km 4 km 8 km FIGURE 31  Map of route from Diakov (Osadné) FIGURE 32  Map of route from Snina to Smolnik to Veľka Poľanaa via Osadné Distance: 12.72 km Altitude profile: 410 m 534 m Distance: 37.23 km Altitude profile: 1,326 m 1,120m 790 m.a.s.l. 227 m.a.s.l. 3.2 km 6.4 km 10 km 20 km a. Diakov is a potential equestrian campsite. 36 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail FIGURE 33  Circuit route 1 from Veľká Poľana FIGURE 34  Circuit route 2 from Veľká Poľana via Hodošik via Hodošik and Ruské ski hill Distance: 5.085 km Altitude profile: 459 m 442 m Distance: 11.93 km Altitude profile: 562 m 527 m 394 m.a.s.l. 394 m.a.s.l. 650 m.a.s.l. 1.3 km 2.5 km 3 km 6 km In Poloniny, the natural topography of the terrain makes the region more suitable for experienced riders than beginners. The terrain is generally rolling with numerous ascents and descents. For example, trail 5 from Snina to Osadné to Smolník has ascents totaling 1,326 meters, and descents totaling 1,120 meters, over a 37 kilometer route. The numbers are similar for the other routes, whether cycling or equestrian. Furthermore, the proposed routes as day trips are on the diffi- cult spectrum for distance, elevation profile, and lack of available infrastructure. Since there are no officially marked trails in the region, there is no equestrian infrastructure, such as rest areas, camps, or even water sources equipped with buckets for horses. There are water sources in Pčoliné and Smolník. The INTERREG horse tourism project that started in the region (see below) might address some of these needs. On the return journey, water sources are available in Ruské sedlo: two in Ruské and one in Veľká Poľana. Additional water sources would benefit the development of an equestrian trail network in this part of the park and expand it gradually to other areas. Trail improvements, rest areas, campsites, and other required amenities for equestrian travel, would need to be carefully consid- ered (the infrastructure map already suggests possible locations for such amenities). These listed routes have been ridden on horseback by locals in the region, however, that is not to say that these trails require only official markings to be completed. Trail improvements in cer- tain sections are necessary, if these routes are to meet globally accepted equestrian trail stand- ards. Additionally, some sections will need rerouting before the route is finalized, as parts of these routes encroach on farmland. As an unofficial trail, these pose no problems, but having these marked as official equestrian trails needs to take into consideration current land use activities, and then find a viable variation. With the development of infrastructure, equestrian travel can expand eastward and perhaps southward into the park. Various routes with certain variations, which are proposed for hiking or cycling, can also serve as equestrian trails, provided that the infrastructure gap is addressed. Horses require a certain level of care when on day trips and multiday trips. Existing and Proposed Trail Network by Activity 37 A possible idea is to select an optimal site or two within the national park that provides all the required amenities for equestrian travel, such as: sufficient space for grazing and feeding the horses, access to a water source, shelter for tourists, and so on (refer to the equestrian requirements sec- tion for more details). These sites can serve as a base camp for organized day trips throughout the park. Hence, the site should also be in a place that makes it easy to reach trails throughout the park, and then return after a day trip. The area around Ruské provides such possibilities, in terms of space and access to water. Other factors would still require further investigation, such as land- ownership titles, and others. Other areas in the park should also be further inspected to select such an equestrian base camp. Amenities such as parking sites with space for horse trailers, may also be a requirement if tours are to commence from within the park. Aside from Ruské, another location could be the Osadné-Udava area, which offers adequate space, access by car, fields for pasture, and a campground. The INTERREG Project: “Developing Horse Tourism in the Carpathians” The INTERREG project called “Developing Horse Tourism in the Carpathians” combines the pres- ervation of the cultural heritage with the sustainable use of the natural heritage in the areas of Bieszczady, Poloníny, and Vihorlat. The project is expected to connect the existing network of horse trails in Poland — in the territory of NP Bieszczady and Cisniansko-Wetlin Natural Landscape Park, with trails in Poloniny and nearby areas. The lead partner is the Municipality of Belá nad Cirochou, the Slovak Republic (SR) with addi- tional partners including: Caritas Diecezji Rzeszowskiej, Poland (PL); the animotherapeutic rid- ing center Snina (SR), of team member Vladislav Juško; and the State Nature Conservation of the Slovak Republic, which is implemented through a subordinate unit, the Poloniny National Park Administration (SR). An estimated 100 kilometers of equestrian trails are proposed on both sides of the border. Other activities include the construction of a ‘furmansky dvor’ in Bela nad Cirochou, which is a traditional establishment for horses and people working in the logging and agriculture industry. The project is in progress. Current plans, such as the abovementioned INTERREG project, are an indication of the interest in equestrian travel as a form of recreation and tourism development in the region. The proposed PPT can further bolster the current INTERREG project, as well as help the local equestrian organi- zations and municipalities to implement it. An equestrian center with stables in Snina (INTERREG partner) has the capacity to lead excursions, day trips and tours; the missing link is adequate equestrian infrastructure and marked trails within the park, to make the experience safe, enjoy- able, and viable. Furthermore, proper infrastructure, such as a marked trail network with eques- trian — specific campsites, could also lead to the development of camps, workshops, and activities around equestrian travel. ADDITIONAL TOURIST ACTIVITIES In addition to the principal activities of cycling, hiking, and horseback riding, the park can also be an appealing destination for all-terrain vehicle touring, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, river floating, and sport competitions, especially for running and biking. Dog sledding is currently pop- ular in the Tatra Mountains. Events and Competitions Sports competitions, such as the 1,000-Mile Adventure Race, offer a strong potential for boosting tourism to the Park. The 1,000-mile race, which is open to mountain bikers, runners, walkers, and even paragliders, starts in Nová Sedlica in Poloniny Park. It is the best-known adventure race in the Slovak and Czech Republics, spanning the far reaches of the two countries, taking the adventurer 38 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail from Poloniny — the most eastern point in the FIGURE 35  Peter Sagan at the Tour de Suisse, June 20, 2019 Slovak Republic — to the far west of the Czech Republic (or vice versa, alternating every other year). The race is limited to 150 participants. Race coverage has been gradually increasing, with TV NOVÁ (CZ) covering the event since 2016. The race could be an advantageous way to pro- mote the national park, as the race has a grow- ing international following among adventure travel bloggers. In addition, it would be helpful to involve Peter Sagan, the Slovak international cycling champion and sports ambassador, in the competitions and trail promotions. Other event possibilities include music festivals, such as the ‘Rock pod Kameňom’ in Snina, and locally themed food and dance festivals, such as ‘Mestské dni Snina’ (the city festival of Snina). Cross-country and back-country skiing could be winter activities, due to the long winters, diverse terrain, and route network. The average snow cover in the park is up to 140 days per year, which is adequate for a stable cross-country skiing destination. With the development of overnight shelters along the route and other infrastructure, Poloniny could promote itself as a cross- coun- try skiing location, as well as an adventure destination for back-country skiing. Briefly, back-country skiing is practically the same as cross-country skiing, except that the skis used are thicker, have metal edges, and use a more pronounced honeycomb pattern to prevent sliding on steeper, more varied terrain. They are also meant for traversing untouched snow, instead of following a groomed and maintained track, as is the case with cross-country skiing. Poloniny Park could gradually pro- vide both a maintained and marked network of trails, while also allowing the more adventurous visitors to make use of the vast proposed trail network and infrastructure, and promote hut-to- hut back-country ski tours. Alpine ski touring is one of the fastest growing sports in the Slovak Republic. As popular moun- tain ranges, such as the High Tatras, Low Tatras, and Fatra ranges, see more and more ski tourers on a yearly basis, ski tourers are looking for new areas to explore. Although Poloniny Park does not offer the same level of terrain as the other mountain ranges in the country, the region has been explored by ski tourers seeking adventure in the past few seasons. Ski touring usage of hut-to-hut routes, could be most appropriate for the north side of Poloniny, where the terrain is more inter- esting for the ski tourer. This form of skiing could perhaps lead to the development of more huts. Paragliding  The national park of Poloniny has three officially designated paragliding takeoff sites, and one landing site within the park boundaries. The takeoff sites are one at Ďurkovec, and two on Malý Bukovec. The landing site is on the fields north of Runina. There is another takeoff site just west of Magurka peak, between Snina and Stakčín. The two takeoff sites on Malý Bukovec, and one site just outside Snina, do not have any marked hiking trails leading to these takeoff sites. Adding marked trails to pass through these areas, has the potential to attract visitors as spectators, or to sim- ply enjoy the views from these ridges. Existing and Proposed Trail Network by Activity 39 Since Poloniny is characterized by their fields on top of ridges, it would be beneficial to explore the park grounds and the region for further possible opportunities for the development of para- gliding as an activity within the park. Mountain Bike Trails Mountain biking is one of the most popular summer sports in the Slovak Republic. Single-track moun- tain bike trails are being built on the outskirts of cities across the country, from Bratislava, Prešov, Kosice, Banská Bystrica, to Stará Ľubovňa and others. These projects are supported by the local municipalities, with civil society groups and informal volunteer organizations helping to build and maintain these mountain bike trails. Rural communities have also noticed the potential of single-track mountain biking trails to attract visitors to their regions. These trails are also an attraction on the outskirts of the Pieniny National Park, and in the recreational and thermal springs spa destination of Bardejovské Kúpele. Given the growing popularity of this sport in and around the region, mountain biking offers a strong potential for boosting and supporting small businesses, such as restaurants and bars, as well as accommodations within Poloniny Park. Areas such as Sninské Rybníky toward Vihorlat, or areas north of Snina that are not within the national park boundaries, could also offer ideal locations for the development of single-track mountain biking trails, thus adding to the attraction appeal and diversity of the Poloniny region.  40 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail ZONING LAWS IN THE PARK Official zoning in the park is divided into five levels of protection, with the fifth level being the highest. Development is strictly prohibited in level five zones, and access by visitors is limited to low impact activities, such as hiking in certain areas along marked hiking paths leading up to Kremenec or Jarabá Skala, which pass through the natural reserves of Stužica or Jarabá Skala. In fact, over half the ridge of the Poloniny peaks marking the border between Poland and the Slovak Republic passes through level five protected areas, and is accessible only to hikers. The Poloniny Park Management Plan includes the following map, which delineates each level of protection. FIGURE 36  Park protection levels map 44 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail LAND OWNERSHIP DISTRIBUTION IN THE PARK As the following map shows, land in Poloniny Park is divided between the state, landowner associa- tions, private property, and the Church. While it appears to complicate the establishment of a con- tinual Poloniny Park Trail, Peter Šiška, Director of the State Forestry and Agriculture Enterprise, and Mario Perinaj, Director of Poloniny Park, helped delineate a clear set of existing and poten- tial trails, which would ensure that the Poloniny Park Trail and forestry activities are complemen- tary and not in conflict. While landownership is a potential challenge, private property ownership is not necessarily an obsta- cle to establishing the trail. Instead, landownership titles and distribution are understood as indi- cators of the stakeholders involved in realizing the PPT and its accompanying infrastructure. While private property may pose a challenge in certain cases, obtaining permission on sections of trail that serve no direct benefit to the owner are a viable means of mapping the trail and realizing it. The PPT route has certain areas that require closer attention, due to the complexity of ownership rights. A next step is to evaluate the ownership titles, and address the stakeholders, for the possi- bility of using their land as part of the PPT. Most land in the park is owned by the state, and there are also a few landholder associations, as well as Church ownership in some areas. In areas out- side the park, the situation is more challenging — many more parcels that have individual own- ers. Obtaining permission for the trail to pass through their property is an option that should be pursued. In case of not reaching an agreement, certain sections of the route can be diverted. However, it is important to note, the most unique and attractive sections of the park which are not yet marked (Ďurkovec — Uličske Krivé, and Príslop — Havešová — Ulič, and others) have been verified with key stakeholders, and have been thus far approved. FIGURE 37  Map of landownership in Poloniny Zoning Laws in the Park 45 IDENTIFICATION OF STAKEHOLDERS A range of stakeholders are and could be involved with the development of the park and a Poloniny Park Trail. These include: 1. Poloniny National Park 2. LPM Ulič (Forestry Organization) 3. State Water Management Company 4. Prešovský samosprávny kraj (PSK) — the Prešov Self-governing Region 5. KOCR (R-DMO) 6. OOCR (S-DMO) 7. Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Culture 8. Mayors of Snina, Stakčín, and the park villages 9. Club of Slovak tourists (KST) 10. Local accommodation and restaurant owners 11. Private land owners 12. Park visitors and current trail users should also be considered stakeholders, especially cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders. Their feedback, perhaps through focus groups and surveys, would help develop the trails in ways that would appeal to other similar trail users. 46 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail REQUIREMENTS FOR HIKERS, CYCLISTS AND HORSEBACK RIDERS The ideal Poloniny Park Trail will be multiuse for as much of the trail as possible. Equestrian trails would not be compatible with cycling and hiking trails, although in parts they might be in par- allel. Based on European Cyclists’ Federation standards, width requirements for a multimodal tourist trail are: 1. Cycling trails: 30 – 180 centimeters 2. Equestrian trails: 60 – 240 centimeters 3. Walking and hiking: 45 – 240 centimeters Natural and cultural scenery require that the trails pass through a variety of significant landmarks and offer a degree of physically challenging activities, such as cycling, hiking, and/or horseback riding. The trails should also provide solitude, and quiet time away from crowds, road traffic, and urban noise. These are closely in line with the principles of the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) and the National Scenic Trail Organization (NST) who state that “National scenic trails are con- tinuous and provide access to outstanding scenery and natural landscapes, and link significant natural and cultural features by means of sim- FIGURE 38  U.S. Forest Service trail management ple pathways”. tools webpage According to the U.S. National Park Ser- vice’s guidelines, a network of trails should be closed to motorized access. They also em- phasize that: “The trail experience [should be] multi-faceted...[offering] stimulation of the senses, a place for learning, a feeling of safety, re-creation for the soul, exercise for the body, and overwhelming satisfaction.”5 The current network of cycling and hiking trails provides such an experience along limited sections, while some areas leave a negative impression, due to the route, and the limited information about the history of logging in the region, as well as the current lack of marked routes. For design requirements, the team has referenced the de- tailed requirements of the U.S. Forest Service, which provides multiple tools and references for optimal trail design. We recommend that their resources be consulted when designing the multimodal trail, as well as the individu- Source: https://www.fs.fed.us/managing-land/trails/trail-management-tools al activity trails. 50 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail HIKERS A good hiking trail, or any recreational trail for that matter, can be defined by a set of factors that need to be present. These factors are: 1. Natural and cultural scenery 2. Physical challenge 3. Solitude 4. Variety of experiences possible — culture, history, and nature Hiking trail construction standards are generally based on the internationally accepted standards of the U.S. National Park Service, which ensure environmentally sustainable and safe trail con- struction. These standards require certain criteria to be met, such as slope gradient, maximum sus- tain gradient, corridor clearance, access, and cross slope. These standards conform with the stand- ards of EU agencies and the State Protection Agency of the Slovak Republic (Slovak Environment Agency), as well as the Club of Slovak tourists — a ll of which will be used for the design of the hik- ing sections of the PPT. Based on the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Forestry Service standards, some specific trail requirements include: 1. Trail clearance should be at least 120 by 240 centimeters 2. Trail tread should be a minimum of 45 centimeters 3. Gradients above 10% should have steps, if possible 4. Sustained gradient should not exceed 10%, to prevent erosion 5. In flat sections, some gradient should be incorporated, to provide drainage of the tread 6. Marshy or wet areas should be avoided, or covered by a wooden foot path 7. Cross slopes should be used on steeper terrain, but should not impede the natural flow of water or hold water on the trail, nor exceed the sustained gradient Pertaining to the infrastructure, hiking and backpacking requires certain amenities standards along the trail, for the PPT to compete with other national parks in the Slovak Republic and Europe. 1. Roofed rest areas should be located every 8 – 10 kilometers along the trail. 2. Multi-day hikes should have shelters every 14 – 25 kilometers depending on the difficulty of terrain and the expected time for crossing each stretch of trail. 3. Overnight shelters should be near water sources. 4. Amenities, such as an outhouse, table and benches, and designated fire pit, should be standard features for overnight shelters. Trail markings in the Slovak and Czech Republics have existed since the mid-19th century, with some of the first hiking routes marked around the Štiavnické Vrchy near Banská Štiavnica in the 1860s. Turistické značkované trasy (TZT) is the standard method for marking trails and tourist infrastructure in the Slovak and Czech Republics. TZT markings are planned and systematically implemented in accordance with the Slovak Technical Standard — STN 01 8025 Tourist Marking. TZT also defines the exact parameters of movement through environmentally sensitive areas and high alpine terrain. The primary objective of TZT is to make interesting areas accessible and ena- ble orientation in the field. Hiking trail markings have a specific design, FIGURE 39  Official trail markings color pattern, and size, helping the tourist to navigate the terrain and be aware of their loca- tion at junctions. The standard marking of a hik- ing trail has four colors — red, blue, green, and yellow. Red represents long-distance trails, blue represents regional trails, green represents dis- trict trails, and yellow represents a connecting Requirements for Hikers, Cyclists and Horseback Riders 51 trail between other trails. The marking is a 10 by 10 centimeter square, with two horizontal lines on the outside, and one colored line in between the two white lines. Trail markings should be placed along all intersections of the trail for easy orientation. Existing forestry road infrastructure and other trails along the path could make it difficult for the tourist to orient himself or herself without adequate markings. All trail junctions should have informa- tion signs, such as location, and a directional sign with expected travel time and destination loca- tion. Significant landmarks such as peaks, saddles, monuments, and so on, should also have signs stating the name of the location and elevation. In the Slovak Republic, the KST is the main authority marking and maintaining hiking trails. For the development of the Poloniny Trail, they should be engaged as a key stakeholder for marking trails that will act as an extension of the Poloniny Trail. FIGURE 40  A hiker in the Jarabá Skala FIGURE 41  U.S. Forest Service Design Parameters nature reserve for Hiking Trails Source: Peter Bujňák Source: U.S. Forest Service Trail Design Parameters, October 2008 52 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail CYCLISTS Team member, Viera Štupáková, is a local cycling expert who has advised on the development, maintenance, and marketing of multiple cycling trails in the region. Her advice concerning cycling and cycle trail requirements is directly pertinent for Poloniny, especially in terms of the follow- ing sets of elements: 1. Route infrastructure 2. Services (accommodation, bike rental, restaurants, repair shops, and others) 3. Marketing and promotion to target segments (via websites, brochures, maps, bookable offers, and so on) 4. Organization and financing for development and maintenance (coordination, assembly of funding, monitoring, and so on) Route infrastructure National route infrastructure standards should be respected to the extent possible. These are: STN 736110 Design of urban roads, Technical guidelines TP 07/2014 Infrastructure for cyclists, and STN 018028 Signage and marking of cycle tourist trails. Route infrastructure includes con- sideration of surface conditions, gradients, maintenance needs, asphalt road use, route attrac- tiveness, and safety: A. Surface conditions 1. The surface should be suitable for use by cyclists with any type of trekking or touring bike (mandatory), and preferably road racing bikes, children’s bikes, and bikes with trail- ers (optional), in normal weather conditions during the local cycling season (mandatory). 2. The surface should be smooth and solid enough to ride, so it should either be asphalted or paved with another material, such as concrete, stone, or other. In exceptional circum- stances, such as in a protected nature reserve, loose material may be used but should be consolidated (mandatory). 3. The preferred option is a good quality asphalted surface. B. Gradients 1. High gradients (more than six percent on longer sections; more than 10% on shorter sec- tions) should be avoided wherever possible (optional). 2. For daily sections that include more than a 1,000-meter elevation, alternative solutions (public transport with bike carriage or alternative routes) should be provided. C. Maintenance needs 1. Clarify maintenance issues before investing in and developing routes. The responsibil- ity for maintenance of infrastructure depends on the type of infrastructure and national regulations. It may vary from one section to another. Maintenance plans should include surface maintenance, surface cleaning, and the control of vegetation encroachment. 2. Regular surveys of the route infrastructure conditions and the precise itinerary are necessary. 3. The maintenance of signing should be coordinated at the national, or at least the regional level. It should include the repair and replacement of missing or damaged signs and posts. D. Separation and/or inclusion with asphalt roads 1. Public roads: if the speed limit exceeds 30 kilometers/hour, the road should not carry more than 2,000 motor vehicles per day, preferably under 500 vehicles. 2. Shared lane marking, traffic reduction, calming measures, and speed reduction can all contribute to improving safety. In urban areas and roads with high levels of motorized traffic, 30 kilometers/hour speed limits are a good solution. Requirements for Hikers, Cyclists and Horseback Riders 53 3. Cycle lanes separated from traffic, asphalted shoulders: cycle lanes beside public roads should not be located alongside roads carrying more than 10,000 vehicles units per day. In exceptional circumstances, the shoulder could not be asphalted. 4. Segregated cycle paths 5. Shared use cycling and pedestrian paths 6. Bridges, subways, and tunnels for cyclists and/or pedestrians 7. ‘Cycle streets’ for intensive cycling traffic and low levels of motorized traffic 8. Agricultural / forestry / water management roads Attractiveness of the route Include and connect cultural, historical, and natural sights, culinary, and/or other attractions, while avoiding unpleasant areas. Coherence and directness: provide uninterrupted route infra- structure, but link to attractions connected with the theme of the route and provide signing. Avoid unnecessary detours. Safety Separate from public roads with large motor traffic volumes and high speeds. Signage and Marking of Cycle Tourist Trails Signage and marking of cycle tourist trails are defined in detail by the STN 01 8028 national regu- lation. The system consists of several elements and symbols, such as directional signs and infor- mation boards. The signage should be installed by a certified and licensed cyclo-tourist route mar- ket professional. Key elements include: 1. Painted signs are used in terrain to mark the route and are placed so that the route is always clearly indicated, even if damaged by vandalism. 2. Bi-directional signs are placed on places other than cycling signposts, for example, elec- tricity poles or trees. Cycling routes are classified by colored signs according to usage by road bicycles and mountain bicy- cles, length, and level of difficulty. For example, red signage represents long-distance cycling routes, of which about 30 are planned in the Slovak Republic, with the other colors representing regional routes. The Slovak Cycling Club Headquarters determines the classification and color coding. Road versus Mountain Cycling Road cyclo-tourism Routes are passable on all bicycle types (road, trekking, and mountain bikes). Usually, they lead along asphalt or penetration roads, and use the second and third class road network, and/or hardened access and specific-purpose roads. Mountain cyclo-tourism Routes are usually passable only on mountain or trekking bikes. Mostly, they lead along existing forest and unpaved roads with natural surfaces. These are the routes that require more advanced technical skills from cyclists. Signage Coding for Trail Length Red Long-distance cycling routes leading through different districts or even regions. Most often, they lead through river valleys or mountain passes, with the aim to lead cyclists to the most interesting places of the country 54 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail Blue Routes that are parallel to long-distance cycling routes through spaces away from the red routes Green Routes of local or regional level, sometimes thematic trails, usually used for short distances (up to 30 kilometers) Yellow Connecting lanes or routes between other cycling routes, or short diversions lead- ing to various natural, historical, and technical points of interest Signage coding for level of difficulty Less demanding routes and circuits designed for learning to cycle. These routes require basic cycling technique and physical skills More demanding sport circuits or cycling routes requiring good cycling skills and good physical condition Difficult routes for serious cyclists who devote a lot of time to the sport. They must have mastered the cycling techniques and be in an excellent physi- cal shape with lots of stamina. Routes of this type mostly lead along natu- ral roads in mountain settings and are usually meant for mountain bikes Design Parameters for Cycling Trails A useful tool for classifying the level of difficulty of cycling trails is the following table of design parameters from the U.S. Forest Service. FIGURE 42  U.S. Forest Service Design Parameters for Bicycle Trails Source: U.S. Forest Service Trail Design Parameters, October 2008 Requirements for Hikers, Cyclists and Horseback Riders 55 Services According to Viera Štupáková, optimal cycling trails include access to accommodation, bike rental shops, restaurants, groceries, and repair shops. Her recommendations for each of these service areas are as follows: Accommodation, food, drink, and attractions • At least basic accommodation should be available at the start and end of every daily trail section (every 30 – 90 kilometers) (mandatory) • Food and drink (at restaurants, cafes, and others) should be available in the middle of each daily trail section (every 15 – 45 kilometers) (optional) • Cyclist friendly facilities, such as for safe bike storage, bike repair kits, laundry, and so on (optional) • Training and awareness raising for service providers to become more cyclist friendly (optional) • Label and quality criteria systems for cyclist-friendly services should exist at the national or regional level (optional) • A range of standards available (for example, accommodation could range from campsites to hotels) (optional) • Attractions (for example, museums, visitor centers, pools, and so on) and information centers with cyclist-friendly facilities (optional) • Regularly updated database of services and attractions Rest areas • Necessary if food and drink services are not provided frequently enough • Can be provided by local enterprises or established locally • Should have protection against sun and rain, toilet facilities and drinking water free of charge • Can be combined with public art Bike repair, helpline, bike rental, ‘pedelec’ charging stations and bicycle centers • Bike repair stations can be provided by private companies or as self-service facilities. They are required at intervals no greater than 150 kilometers (mandatory) • Helpline: to help cyclists in emergency situations, telephone help lines, and technical res- cue services can be developed in remote areas (optional) • Bike and pedelec rental stations for holiday cyclists / remote areas (optional) • Pedelec charging stations can be provided as a premium service, as this is a growing market segment and can attract new target groups (optional) • Bicycle centers with a wide range of services (accommodation, bike rental and repair facili- ties, luggage transfer, and others) (optional). Marketing and promotion Information should be made available online, via mobile apps, and in print, for trip preparation and in-progress trips, via websites, brochures, and other means. Given that most visitors are, and will be, from Poland and the Czech Republic, it is important to include information about cycling opportunities in Poloniny in online portals, such as: www.mtbiker.sk, www.vitajtecyklisti.sk, 56 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail www.cyklopo.sk, and other sites for the Slovak Republic. In the Czech Republic, popular por- tals include: www.mtbs.cz, www.cyklistevitani.cz (directly linked to the Slovak version men- tioned above), www.cykloserver.cz, and others. Comparable portals exist in Poland and should be included for marketing. EQUESTRIAN VISITORS “The beautiful view of the world provided from atop a horse is paid for by hard work and effort….” According to the team’s equestrian expert, Dr. Vladislav Juško, horseback riding requires some effort, but it is well worth the experience: “Those who understand this,” Mr. Juško said, “know that cooperation with an intelligent and enthusiastic horse that provides a means of transport is one of life’s most joyous experiences. Equestrian travel leaves life-long memories with the traveler. Both exceptional and routine rides, positive and negative experiences atop a horse form such strong emotions that later all seem FIGURE 43  Gaining experience in the field with an expert positive. However, information and knowledge rider near Osadné are needed to minimize negative feelings and danger, ensure the safety of both the horse and rider, and make the most of the beautiful views from atop a horse.” The Poloniny Park offers great potential for equestrian travel for both the beginner and the expert, but establishing safe and memorable ex- periences also requires addressing infrastruc- ture gaps, such as: the availability of equestri- an specific services and facilities on or near the trails, equipment needs, trail riding consider- ations, and overnight camping considerations. All of this should be in accordance with inter- national equestrian standards. The following Source: Vladislav Juško sections elaborate on these areas. Background on equestrian travel and horse section can be found in Annex 5. Equestrian travel entails a certain risk for which one must account. Replacement horses, acci- dents, poor weather, and other unforeseen incidents, mean that a horse guide must ensure that all clients have proper insurance and a thorough contract outlining the terms and conditions of equestrian travel. Infrastructure: Equestrian Specific Services and Facilities Ideally, there are commercial or public equestrian establishments with expert staff, equipment, and facilities available near, or at the trailheads. The most common type is the horse stable or ranch, in which an owner keeps and maintains their horses for equestrian activities. These establish- ments usually include an indoor and outdoor riding hall, dressing rooms, and restrooms for the riders. Some establishments also offer restaurants and/or cafes, accommodation, and activities other than riding as part of a vacation package. However, the most common are establishments with stables for individually owned horses, as well as horses of the stable owners. Accommodations are then usually in nearby hotels or chalets, and daily excursions are planned from the stable site, or transportation is planned ahead of time. Requirements for Hikers, Cyclists and Horseback Riders 57 At the establishments, the following are recommended and/or required: 1. Stalls and boxes, plus their accompanying parts, such as: the saddle room, feed lot, and compost lot required for the proper care of horses 2. Dressing room, restrooms, and showers for clients 3. A riding lot of a minimum 20 x 40 meters in size 4. A certified guide, a veterinarian, and stable assistant for managing a facility of up to 20 horses 5. All required equipment for riding, and especially for safety, including the following: a. Helmet b. Riding whip c. Saddle d. Saddle accessories and its contents: raincoat, canopy and rope, waterproof blanket for horse, additional clothing e. Left front saddle bag: horse grooming kit, spare horseshoes, hammer, straps, wire, and sewing kit f. Right front saddle bag: toiletries, human and veterinary first aid kit, and personal needs g. Left rear saddle bag: cooking utensils and supplies, and food h. Right rear saddlebag: canvas or PVC water bucket, axe, and maps i. Rear saddle supplement: Reserve bridle, halter, binder, belt, sleeping bag, oat reserves, and girth. Trail Riding Considerations Juško also provided the following considerations for planning and choosing an equestrian route. Route planning and selection 1. When planning a route on a map, it is important to note the elevation profile, which can eas- ily be done with most online outdoor specific mapping applications on smartphones or via an outdoor paper map, by calculating the distance and elevation for each section of the trail. 2. The trail corridor must be considered when planning a route, especially the rider’s height. The trail corridor must be at least three meters in height and 1.6 meters in width. The height element is a safety precaution so that a rider or horse is not impeded by branches or other dangerous obstacles in the route corridor. 3. In selecting a route, it is important that the route parallels as closely as possible with the con- tour lines of the map. If the rider approaches the slope without constantly stepping down or up, then the horse is riding along the contour path. The closer the contour lines, the steep- er the terrain, and the more distant the contour lines, the gentler the slope is. 4. Most marked hiking trails are also appropriate for horse riders. Certain obstacles on hiking   eak bridges, ladders, stairs, and high alpine terrain. trails, however, are not navigable by horse —w 5. Bridge considerations are especially important, since bridges for equestrian use require cer- tain minimum standards not met by simple foot hiking bridges. The U.S. Forest Service has a concise guide on bridge requirements and other path requirements for the safe and se- cure design of equestrian trails, and should be referenced for designing equestrian-friend- ly features on trails. 6. Paved roads are also a consideration, since they can negatively impact horses’ hooves and joints. A viable option which is healthier for the horse is for the rider to walk the paved por- tion dismounted alongside the horse. 58 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail Classification of terrain difficulty and surface types Vertical and horizontal route profiles have six rating levels, from zero for flat surfaces to five for inaccessible terrain: 0 — Very light terrain: represents riding compounds, pastures, and other flat terrain 1 — Light terrain: slight sloping with minimum requirements for guiding the horse 2 — Moderate terrain: rolling terrain with occasional shorter ascents and descents requir- ing increased horse guidance 3 — Difficult terrain: long, steep ascents and descents, for good experienced riders 4 — Very heavy terrain: steep ascents and descents, drops, steep slopes that can only be nav- igated by walking the horse by hand 5 — Non-negotiable terrain: small foot bridges, stairs, ladders, and other elements that are impossible for horses to navigate Surface types are categorized from ‘A’ (good base) to ‘C’ (unsuitable): A — Good base: can be galloped without restriction. B — Medium ground: harder or deeper terrain, can be trotted without trouble or galloped, but only for short periods C — Bad ground: hard or marshy terrain, unsuitable for galloping, limited trotting, fre- quent horse guiding by hand. Overnight Camping Considerations Overnight camping trips by horseback are special experiences but they also have special require- ments. Horses require feed, litter, and safe shelter. Wild camping with horses is not suitable for beginners, and should only be carried out by mature riders with well-prepared and well-trained horses. Choosing a good camp location is no dif- ferent from other types of travel. Some factors FIGURE 44  Design Parameters for Equestrian Trails to consider are: 1. Place should be dry 2. Blocked from strong winds especially northern winds 3. Outside a forest preferably in an open field 4. Access to water 5. Barrier erected with adequate space for horses to move about, or at least ensure that they are tied properly 6. The stall halter should still have a cer- vical strap to keep it from slipping off the horse 7. If the horse is already used to camping, the rope can be tied from the wooden stake to the horse’s hind leg clip, so that they can roam and feed. In such a case, the rope should be rubber wrapped for a minimum length of 1.5 meters, to pre- vent injury to the horse from chaf- ing. The rope should be at least seven meters long 8. At least two hours are required to setup and disassemble a campsite dur- ing equestrian tours. The horse also requires this time to feed Source: U.S. Forest Service Trail Design Parameters, October 2008 Requirements for Hikers, Cyclists and Horseback Riders 59 GAPS IN THE PARK To become a stronger, more sustainable destination, this report proposes the establishment of the Poloniny Park Trail, which builds on the existing set of disconnected trails, connects communi- ties, and offers more cohesive visitor experiences that, in turn, would be more attractive to tour- ists and operators. However, to achieve this requires addressing several gaps, namely in infrastruc- ture, services, and human resources. INFRASTRUCTURE GAPS Infrastructure gaps cut across a range of needs. These include shortages of international standard accommodations, shelters and rest areas along the trails, amenities such as ATM access and pub- lic toilets, transportation access, water, parking, visitor services, such as: restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. Each of these gaps is described briefly below. ACCOMMODATION One of the biggest challenges to generating more tourism to the region is the lack of accommoda- tions — hotels, bed & breakfasts, and campsites with huts and shelters. Six websites were searched for available accommodations in the Poloniny region (within park boundaries and surrounding areas outside the park). Only one website — w ww.booking.com — was international, while the other five were popular Slovak booking websites (see legend). Feedback from residents in Runina and Ulič confirmed that the lack of accommodations — both in buildings and tents — in the park poses a challenge for tourism growth. At Runina, visitors often set up their tents on the village fields, or even in peo- TABLE 2  Accommodation in and outside Poloniny Park ple’s backyards. In Ulič, two residents noted that tourists arrive in recreational vehicles or cars, see # of accommoda- Website Total Bed tion providers access Capacity the local sights or go for a hike, and do not stay overnight, due to the lack of accommodation and Within Park Boundaries other amenities, such as restaurants and bars. Runina 2 3, 6 16 Nová Sedlica 2 2, 3 24 Within the boundaries of the park, there is no Ulič 4 1, 3, 5 60 official campsite to accommodate tents and rec- Park Boundaries Total 8 100 reational vehicles, only one makeshift site on the western side of the cadastral boundary of Ulič Outside Park Boundaries (coordinates 48.9823731N, 22.3965906E). Discus- Snina 8 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 300 sion with Jan Holinka, mayor of Ulič, confirmed Stakčin 2 3, 5 60 that this site is maintained by the municipality. Osadné 1 3 10 At present, it is a field with a roofed rest shelter Ubla 2 3 30 and a fire pit, where recreational vehicles and campers can stay overnight free of charge, as Outside Park Boundaries Total 400 there is no fee mechanism in place. Improved Total 500 campgrounds could be a source of income for the Legend: www.megaubytovanie.sk (1), www.ubytujsa.sk (2), www.lacneubytovanie.net village of Ulič. A possible option is to start with (3), www.ubytovanie.sk (4), www.1-2-3-ubytovanie.sk (5), www.booking.com (6). low-fee structures, due to the lack of available 62 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail amenities in the campsite. As amenities such as electricity, water, toilets, and so on are added, prices can be adjusted accordingly. Such an establishment could potentially start promoting lo- cal economic growth in the form of local services, such as: home cooking, souvenir sales, offering excursions, and other potential services. On the other hand, the municipality could potentially use the minor income generated to co-finance a campsite improvement project via potential pub- lic funding mechanisms from the EU or other programs. As the Poloniny Trail passes through and/or connects villages within the park, it would be ideal for each village to designate a campground area similar to what is currently available in Ulič. Zoning laws outside municipal boundaries mean that such campgrounds would be much easier to estab- lish within the municipal boundaries than outside of them. Provision of infrastructure in the form of utilities for campgrounds is more practical within the municipal boundaries, but is possible out- side of it as well. Local engagement and cooperation, between and with, the municipal authorities and residents is needed to designate available space, access, utilities, and to provide visitor services. Hypothetically speaking, if each municipality’s campground could accommodate five recreational vehicles, 10 tents, and then gradually add four to ten four-person huts, the accommodations capacity would increase substantially, and become a reasonable income source for the municipalities. With 10 villages in the national park, and another 11 villages just outside of the park boundaries, accommo- dations capacity could increase to a more attractive level, and thus be a catalyst for local initiatives. This type of approach could also expand on the Italian concept Albegro Diffuso (described and proposed in the Output 2 Report as an opportunity for Poloniny) and offer a variation of this con- cept in which camping and recreational vehicles stay overnight on municipal properties or private lands (with the owners’ approval). It can spur further initiatives, such as food establishments and other hospitality services for visitors. This concept could evolve into an actual Albegro Diffuso model as visits into the park increase. This concept facilitates cooperation among all stakeholders, especially local government and residents, and small business owners and the S-DMOs (OOCR), all of whom could participate in training workshops on how to maximize the benefits of this concept. Potentially, cooperation fostered among the S-DMOs (OOCR), or some other entity and organization in Italy where this concept is in operation, could be a potential approach to knowledge sharing. SHELTERS AND REST AREAS Shelters and rest areas, including restrooms, are important amenities for trail visitors. Currently, there are 22 rest areas in the park, five of which are overnight shelters. Setting up tents is also com- mon around the shelters, as their capacity is limited. There are three official places for pitching tents, all of which are near the overnight shelters. A full list of the shelters and rest areas, along with GPS coordinates and indications where water is accessible, can be found in Annex 3. TABLE 3  Rest Areas and Water Access The following rest areas could be improved with the addition of access to water: Location GPS Coordinates Type Access to water nearby? Starina reservoir 49.0426167N, 22.2615978E Rest area No Runina 49.0788997N, 22.4007444E Overnight hut No Runina 49.0733592N, 22.4053733E Rest area No Runina 49.0750422N, 22.4081528E Rest area No Runina 49.0709531N, 22.4065011E Rest area No Ulič 48.9823731N, 22.3965906E Rest area No Cisna (SK/PL) 49.1030000N, 22.4589333E Rest area no Runina 49.0660033N, 22.3945239E Rest area Yes* Ruská Volová 48.9640956N, 22.3758450E Rest area no *Yes, but requires improvement. Gaps in the Park 63 Mineral springs in the Slovak Republic are abundant, yet the challenge of adding water to these existing shelters is one of finding a source. The only open water sources in the park along the var- ious hiking and cycling trails are in the form of natural springs or wells. In Runina, open water sources are 600 – 800 meters away, depending on the shelter. In such cases, improved signage could be an alternative to finding a water source or digging a well. Within the national park, there are long distances without any shelters or rest areas. Many areas could use shelters and rest areas to add to the appeal of the park. Some areas that provide stun- ning scenery are at junctions requiring rest, yet lack rest areas. During trail inspections, the team found that along cycling route 016 following the Starina water reservoir towards Ruské, there were places that would benefit from a rest area or lookout tower. These are: 1. One specific location is at the junction of the main Starina reservoir and the sedimenta- tion collection pond (coordinates 49.0731425N, 22.2458797E). The area provides beautiful views of the Starina water reservoir and is a potential spot for bird watching. The construc- tion of a lookout tower, which would simultaneously bar access to the shores of the lake, would be a value-added feature for both the visitor and for the environmental protection of the reservoir (as visitors are known to jump the barrier to get a better view of the lake). 2. A rest area would also increase the appeal of the proposed route along the Cirocha river bank (coordinates 49.0322842N, 22.2517806E). 3. Yet another area that provides stunning views and is considered a natural attraction is the hill- top of the Príslop transmission tower (coordinates 49.0429961N, 22.3032467E). The suggested Poloniny Trail will pass through this area as a hiking path, traversing the southern part of the park along the ridge towards Havešová. A lookout tower with an integrated overnight shel- ter would be ideal at this location. Although there is no water in the area, the nearest water source and grocery store is in the village of Príslop roughly 1.5 kilometers away. There already is a fire pit in the area. Slight improvements would make this an ideal overnight stop for trav- elers, who can stargaze and enjoy the views of the Starina reservoir and the surrounding hills. Numerous such potential areas abound in the park. The following map outlines concise locations with potential rest areas or overnight shelters. These areas have been chosen for their aesthetic appeal and distances along the route, which meet the requirements of hikers, cyclists, and equestrian travelers. Overnight shelters typically have outhouses in the vicinity as a standard hygiene amenity. Proposed overnight shelters in remote areas along the PPT should also include an outhouse. This would include shelters, such as those suggested near Veľká Poľana, Príslop transmission tower, near Havešová, and at the equestrian-specific campsites. WATER Access to potable water is essential for trail visitors. According to Mario Perinaj, Director of Poloniny Park, there are 17 improved springs that provide potable water in the Park. Some of these are not yet marked on hiking or cycling trails, but could become part of the Poloniny Trail. For example, the spring above Nová Sedlica (49.0482067N, 22.5397897E) is along the proposed route, and could be added as a source of potable water. In addition, among the improved springs, five are not sur- rounded by shelters or rest areas in the vicinity (two at Plaša, and two at Kremenec). However, these specific springs are located within the natural reservations of Stužica and Plaša. Therefore, the construction of a shelter is not viable. Furthermore, the nearest shelter and water from Kremenec is around five kilometers westward along the Poloniny ridge. This overnight shelter with a water source is optimally positioned for backpackers doing a multiday hike. Hence, improved water sources mainly lie outside the current trail network, with a few sources (such as near Ruské Sedlo) along existing routes, that could use minor improvements. A list of the 17 improved springs and their GPS coordinates can be found in Annex 4. 64 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail RESTROOMS Public restrooms are a basic amenity provided in popular tourist destinations around the world. There are currently no public restrooms in the national park or municipalities in the park. A search on open street maps showed the nearest public restrooms are in Ladomirov and Kalná Roztoka, two villages outside the southern boundaries of the Poloniny Park. Restrooms are municipal mat- ters and could be addressed by the municipalities directly, given available financing. Restrooms should at least be provided in all the villages containing significant cultural landmarks, such as the wooden churches, or Jewish and military cemeteries, as well as at starting points for pop- ular hikes. Gradually, as tourism expands, public restrooms should be a feature of every village within the park or connected to the PPT6. PARKING Parking for cars, buses, and recreational vehicles is important for park visitors and has been a con- straint because the park lacks parking both within and outside the municipal boundaries of the villages, as well as at natural and cultural sites outside of the municipalities. Consequently, the municipalities are missing an opportunity for revenue. Visitor levels are still low enough that parking is not yet an issue, but with the development of the Poloniny Park Trail, this is expected to become a challenge. Local feedback confirmed that bus parking is a requirement for villages with significant cultural and historic landmarks, such as the Jewish cemetery and wooden church in Topoľa. The same is expected for other villages in the park, especially in areas that would attract cultural tourists. Viewpoints should receive special attention for parking, since these attract visitors. The viewpoint at Gazdoráň above the Starina water reservoir is one such popular attraction, since it attracts newlyweds for photographs, and busloads of tourists keen to see the beautiful view of the Starina water reservoir. Parking is also a consideration for equestrian travelers seeking to explore the park for a day or more. In such a case, visitor parking would also need to accommodate horse trailers. The recommended equestrian specific campsites should be in proximity (500 meters) to parking lots, as is specified by equestrian travel standards. Cyclists who plan on spending a day or more in the park would also benefit from organized visitor parking lots, especially if they plan on touring the park vis-à-vis the planned shelters along the routes. Visitor parking is a value-added service, as it provides conveni- ence and ease of access to different types of visitors and is a source of revenue for the municipalities. RESTAURANTS, FOOD AND BEVERAGES Food and drinks are lacking in the park in two main respects: 1. Lack of restaurants, bistros, cafés, and bars 2. Lack of grocery stores and local food vendors The ethnic Rusyn cuisine that is distinct to the eastern Slovak Republic is an attraction that deserves further development. ‘Tatarčane perogies’, for example, are a unique tradition and spe- cial treat made from buckwheat flour, and filled with ‘tvaroh,’ a type of cottage cheese. Other Rusyn specialties include: ‘mačanka’ soup made of mushrooms and sour cabbage juice, and ‘hol- ubky’ — cabbage leaves filled with minced meat, rice, and other traditional ingredients. Yet even these two dishes, as well as local products, such as honey, syrups, and baked goods, are not easy to find in the region’s restaurants. Gaps in the Park 65 Restaurants and cafes There is a disparity in the number of establishments providing food and beverage services between towns and villages; with the town of Snina offering more diverse options than the villages within and around the national park. Two of the highest quality restaurants are in hotels around the recreational area of Sninské Rybníky (where there are fishponds and a natural swimming pool). These restaurants receive relatively high ratings, both online and locally. Most other restaurants in the Snina area do not really cater to tourists, that is, opening from 11 am to 2 pm only during the weekday restricts business mostly to locals during lunch breaks. Many are also in Snina’s indus- trial or residential areas away from the city center, thus also catering more to the local workforce during lunch breaks.  Other establishments in the Snina area, however, received mixed reviews. While there are good reviews for some restaurants, local cuisine is lacking. Traditional Slovak restaurants, such as a ‘salaš’ or ‘koliba’, which serve traditional meals, attract tourists in the Slovak Republic, but are lacking in the park and surrounding areas. A ‘salaš’ is a traditional sheep herding pasture with a wooden and stone ranch. Today, a ‘salaš’ is considered a restaurant serving traditional foods made mainly of sheep cheese, as well as other traditional foods, such as cabbage soup, providing a traditional atmosphere inside a log house. Similarly, a ‘koliba’ is traditionally a simple wooden structure used to house shepherds watching over sheep that has come to represent a type of res- taurant in the Slovak Republic like a ‘salaš’. Locals in the area will occasionally travel to the Polish side of the border to visit such establishments. Within the national park boundaries, as well as in the villages just outside the park boundaries, restaurant, bar, and café establishments are lacking. One exception is the family-owned Penzion Kremenec in Nová Sedlica, which receives good reviews for its home-cooked meals and pleas- ant atmosphere. Several residents in Ulič, the park’s biggest municipality, confirmed that restau- rants are also lacking there, apart from the Restaurant Poloniny, which is part of the hotel with the same name. The challenge in Poloniny and the region is not with quality, but with the stability of the visitor flow, as well as the number of establishments. They are challenged by the remoteness of these regions, no through traffic, and economic considerations. Grocery stores and food vendors Grocery stores and other food vendors are also lacking. Grocery stores are abundant in Snina, with such internationally recognized chains as Tesco, Lidl, and Billa that offer common Slovak products as well as international products. Such establishments are ideal for the hiker planning a multi- day tour, or for a family travelling by recreational vehicle, and are convenient for residents as well. Within the park, a few small grocery stores can be found in select villages, such as: Ulič, Nová Sedlica, Zboj, Uličské Krivé, Kolbasov, and Runina, offering local products such as the previously mentioned ‘tatarčane perogies’. This presents both a challenge and opportunity — local products such as: ‘perogies’, juices and syr- ups, dried mushrooms, as well as other products — have enormous potential to promote the region and stimulate economic growth. Local foods are a key attraction for many travelers, especially adventure travelers, as they seek to immerse themselves in local cultures. According to a study con- ducted by the Institute for Rural and Regional Research (RURALIS), local products, especially food offered by an establishment or region, attract visitors to stay in destinations that otherwise might not be attractive.7 The S-DMO (OOCR) for the region, or some other entity, could help promote and sell locally pro- duced goods, both food and souvenirs. Providing a platform for sharing best practices, knowledge transfer and promotion could help address the lack of awareness of local products, and inspire new ventures in food production, as well as with non-food products representative of the region. 66 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail TRANSPORTATION Remoteness and access by car The Poloniny Park lies in the northeastern part of the Slovak Republic, the most remote region in the country. One of the social cohesion challenges faced in the country is proper road infra- structure connecting regions, such as the Snina District, to other regions. An often-cited argu- ment highlighting the disparities between the east and west parts of the Slovak Republic is the time it takes to complete the highway connecting the entire country. Poloniny faces such a chal- lenge — access to the region is not only challenging from within the country itself, but also from bor- dering countries such as Poland. The nearest highway connection is 95 kilometers away in Prešov and Košice, with no fast roads beyond Prešov connecting to the region. The average driving time from Prešov or Košice to Snina is over 1.5 hours. For tourists coming from Poland, the closest of- TABLE 4  Driving distances and durations between Snina ficial border crossing is in Palota near Medzi- and other destinations laborce. The distance and travel time from the Starting Location Distance Trip Duration Polish border to Snina is 59 kilometers, and one Bratislava, SK 505 km 5h 45m hour of driving along side roads. The following chart outlines the average distance and travel Žilina, SK 310 km 3h 48m time by car from selected cities across the Slo- Banská Bystrica, SK 285 km 3h 46m vak Republic, the Czech Republic, and Poland Prešov, SK 92 km 1h 35m to Snina. Košice, SK 98 km 1h 45m Prague, CZ 722 km 8h 09m Access to the region by car is a long-term chal- lenge impacted by multiple social and economic Brno, CZ 518 km 6h 18m factors. However, to improve access and traffic Ostrava, CZ 416 km 5h 16m into the area, a possible border crossing between Krakow, PL 277 km 4h 29m Poland and the Slovak Republic north of Osadné, Krosno, PL 118 km 2h 15m could help improve cross-border visits, especially Przemysl, PL 169 km 3h 12m for the neighboring national parks. According to residents, Porta Rusica is actually utilized Rzeszow, PL 171 km 3h 15m by tourists entering the Slovak Republic from Poland by car, in order to access the park. A border crossing between Poland and the Slovak Republic, within close vicinity of the national park, should be taken into consideration for the long-term development of the region; it would also eliminate illegal motorized border crossings via Porta Rusica. Such a proposed crossing could pose a challenge to the ecological sensitivity of the region, but this could be managed. Most of the ridge on the border of the national park is part of the nature reserves of Udava, Šipková, Plaša, and others, while the area north of Starina, between Balnica and Ruské sedlo, is also protected grounds due to the Starina water reservoir, and is closed to road traffic, except by permit. Access by train The Snina district is reachable via train, with Stakčín the end of the railway line. The following table shows the average travel times from the five biggest cities in Slovakia. TABLE 5  Train travel times between Stakčín and other destinations Starting Location Trip Duration Number of Transfers Bratislava 7h 17m to 9h 5m depending on train Minimum 3 Žilina 5h 26m to 6h 34m depending on train Minimum 2 Banská Bystrica 6h 27m to 7h 44m depending on train Minimum 4 Prešov 2h 34m to 3h 4m depending on train Minimum 2 Košice 2h 17m to 4h 17m depending on train Minimum 2 Gaps in the Park 67 Transfers and wait times could hinder increased travel by train, compared with car travel. Additionally, train station amenities in Stakčín are very limited, and may be challenging for tourists, particu- larly for ticket payments upon departure. At present, the traveler must have cash on hand to pay for train tickets departing Stakčín, as there is no card payment options available. The nearest bank machine is in Snina. This inconvenience is something that should be addressed in the future as tourism develops within the region. Access by bus Access from Stakčín railway station into the park requires bus service. From Stakčín to Nová Sedlica, for example, the distance is 37 kilometers. By bus, the travel time is 60 to 120 minutes depending on the bus, departing six times daily between 5:37 am and 7:43 pm. The challenge is that these buses are not equipped with bike racks, hence bikes are usually not allowed on board. However, bus coverage throughout the entire national park is good, as it covers every village, although not at the same frequency as the Stakčín to Nová Sedlica route. A bus service, like other regions, could be a better model. For example, in central Slovak Republic, in the districts of Žilina, Banská Bystrica, and Zvolen, local bus service providers (SAD Zvolen a.s. and SAD Žilina a.s.) offer bike transfer services during weekends and holidays, from May until September, and during the winter season a ski bus service is offered connecting local ski resorts. These buses are also often used by hiking tourists, as many of these destinations offer great hik- ing routes. These services are supported by the local self-governing regions and other regional organiza- tions. SAD Zvolen a.s. is supported by the regional tourism agency (OOCR Stredné Slovensko), the national travel agency of the Slovak Republic, the Ministry of Transportation SR, as well as by the city of Banská Bystrica and the Self-governing Region of Banská Bystrica. SAD Žilina a.s. is also supported by the regional tourism agency (OOCR Turiec-Kremnicko), as well as the Malá Fatra Region Initiative, which is supported by a host of regional and municipal organizations, as well as the Ministry of Transportation SR. A similar engagement of local stakeholders within the Snina District may help improve transportation services within the region. The stakeholder S-DMOs (OOCR) Horný Zemplín a Horný Šariš could play a similar role within this region, with the improvement of their capacity to take on such a role. For the Poloniny region, the local bus service provider, SAD Humenné a.s., also provides long-distance bus service. SAD Humenné a.s. could be a future stakeholder that serves as the premier bus ser- vice provider throughout Poloniny Park for transporting cyclists and hikers, similar to what is offered in the Žilina and Banská Bystrica regions. Additionally, their current long-distance routes do not cover the national park nor Snina. They offer one international route connecting Brno and Humenné via Košice, Zvolen, Nitra, and Bratislava. Its domestic long-distance national route connects Bratislava and Svidník, Humenné and Banská Bystrica, and Vranov nad Topľou, with various stops in between. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE PARK A mind-boggling assortment of strategies, plans, and reports related to tourism development for the PSK and its sub-jurisdictions can be taken as a positive sign that there is interest at all levels in ana- lyzing and planning for tourism development. There are also numerous challenges in attempting to take actions based on this assortment of documentation, which are listed in the next section below. This documentation includes: 1. Study of the Sustainable Development of Protected Areas in the NPP 2. Strategy for the Development of Tourism Products for Astronomy 68 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail 3. Snina Tourism Development Strategy for Astronomy Products in the Polish – Slovak Border Region; December 2010 4. Strategy for Destination Marketing of Tourism in the Prešov Self-governing Region 5. Regional Economic and Social Development Program of the Prešov Self-governing Region (2014 – 2020) 6. Rural Development Program for the Prešov Self-governing Region 7. The Economic Development and Social Development Program of the Municipality of Ruský Potok for 2016 – 2025 8. The 2017 – 2025 Economic and Social Development Program of the Municipality of Ulič 9. The 2017 – 2025 Agenda for the Economic Development and Social Development of the Municipality of Nová Sedlica 10. The Economic Development and Social Development Program of Snina City 2016 – 2022 11. Action Plan for the Development of the Snina District (2019 – 2023) 12. A Community Plan for the Municipality of Nová Sedlica 2011 – 2021 13. The Runina Economic Development and Social Development Program for 2016 – 2025 14. The Concept of Development of Tourism in the Upper Zemplín Region; 2012 15. Tourism Development Concept of Snina for the period 2012 – 2021 16. The Integrated Territorial Development Strategy for the Country Action Group 2009 – 2015 17. Tourism Action Plan for the Municipality of Zemplínske Hámre 18. Strategy for the Sustainable Tourism Development of the Carpathians 19. Poloniny National Park Management Plan for 2017 – 2026 In addition, the Tourism Support Act (2010), the Regional Destination Management Organization (R-DMO/KOCR), and the representative local offices (reporting to the R-DMO) in the PSK, can all be pos- itive stimulants for tourism demand and enablers for tourism development, investment, and busi- ness. The interest in tourism and leadership of the PSK Executive, the mayor of Snina, and the mayors of the municipalities in Poloniny, along with energizing entrepreneurialism, can be the catalysts for building the necessary consensus for tourism development. Gaps in the Park 69 RISKS, CHALLENGES, AND OBSTACLES Developing the Poloniny Park Trail is fraught with risks, challenges, and obstacles, but the team believes that these are outweighed by the overall opportunities for developing and leveraging the trail and the park into a significant adventure and experiential travel destination. The following sections summarize both sets of factors. Development of the Poloniny Park Trail is faced with several risks, challenges, and obstacles, espe- cially in terms of public and private sector administrative resources, financing of developments and projects, human resources, landownership, and infrastructure. The following section sum- marizes some of these factors. ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCES 1. Public sector: the Poloniny Park management office’s responsibilities could expand with the establishment of a formal Poloniny Park Trail. Coordination with the public authori- ties in Stakčín, Snina, and the PSK office, as well as with the local municipalities and asso- ciations, could help. 2. Private sector: stimulating the growth of microenterprises — such as homestays, restau- rants, cafes, bars, bicycle rental, and others — w ill require some training and capacity build- ing of business management skills, such as accounting and hospitality skills, especially for new microenterprises. FINANCING The current EU structural funds phase is due to expire in 2020, so a new phase will need to be allo- cated. This is both an opportunity and a potential challenge, but also timely for proposing new sustainable activities, such as expanded tourism, particularly the trail. Related to this is propos- ing, identifying, and/or responding to EU calls for proposals, which could result in financing devel- opments. Currently, the capacity to respond has generally been lagging or insufficiently organized among the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), municipalities, local and regional enterprises. HUMAN RESOURCES The main industry in the area is logging via the LPM Ulič Forestry Organization, where the average age of their 200 or so workers is above 50 years. This means many will be retiring over the next five to ten years. These workers are not being replaced. As Peter Šiška explained, forestry work is not attracting younger workers, so there is a growing need for workers, but the organization’s for- estry operations will become more difficult to continue, with an increasingly smaller workforce. As tourism grows, there is a strong potential for the organization to play an increasing role help- ing to manage and develop tourism, with the Poloniny Park Trail being a core component. This could help the organization survive, perhaps more as a destination steward. 72 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail LANDOWNERSHIP Landownership is not necessarily seen as a roadblock to the proposed route. Land titles indicate the stakeholders who should be involved in the design and implementation of the PPT and its accompanying infrastructure. Next steps require a close review of the cadastral database, so that a clearer ownership map can be developed. For now, it is enough to state that, as the map shows, there are several types of ownership throughout the park. The map (Figure 45) shows the multi- tude of parcels delineated (by green boundaries) for a five kilometer route. According to cycling infrastructure expert and FIGURE 45  Parcel ownership along the route from Veľka team consultant, Viera Štupaková, addressing Poľana to Hodošik. access for passage through parcels is common in the mapping, designing, and implemen- tation of cycling routes. In the next phase, it will be necessary to work with these numer- ous stakeholders, by presenting the trail route design and benefits for the region, where the trail crosses through their parcels. A database with all the individual parcels, ownership titles, and entity type, will be a valuable tool for stake- holder engagement. Risks, Challenges, and Obstacles 73 NEXT STEPS AND KEY RECOMMENDATIONS This preliminary analysis identified several gaps, especially regarding infrastructure. Addressing them would improve and better connect segments and, in turn, increase ways for the local com- munities to benefit from the trails. Our recommendations address the trails as a whole, as well as, for specific segments. While these are outlined in the order of importance, they should be viewed as complimentary and mutually reinforcing. RECOMMENDATION #1: IMPLEMENT ‘POLONINY PARK TRAIL PROJECT’ Poloniny Park offers enough trails today to be a system that could be designated as the Poloniny Park Trail Project, so that potential trail users, community hosts, and tour operators could begin thinking of Poloniny as a distinct destination for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Launching the project immediately could generate momentum and interest in the trail concept, and thus help launch a program to implement improvements and marketing. RECOMMENDATION #2: FINALIZE MAPPING  In conducting the mapping, the team built on the base of existing maps, especially from the Poloniny Park Management Plan. They identified multiple needs and opportunities, including many route variations beyond motorized roads. These variations offer possibilities to experience the many diverse cultural and natural attractions throughout the park, as well as help improve connections between the communities. To finalize the mapping, the following related activities are needed: 1. Work with stakeholders in providing more precise identification, and the prioritization of infrastructure needs along the most accessible sections of the trail 2. Define priority segments that are readily available to be promoted as the Poloniny Trail 3. Work with equestrian, hiking, and cycling experts to classify trails based on the levels of dif- ficulty for each activity and type of attraction, as well as the scenic possibilities. This clas- sification should be conducted according to accepted national and international standards and criteria 4. Work with the municipalities of Snina and Stakčín to complete the route along the Cirocha River into Poloniny Park, separating it completely from motorized traffic 76 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail RECOMMENDATION #3: CONSENSUS ON QUALITY TRAIL DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS  Standards and a set of criteria for meeting quality trail standards must be defined and agreed on by all stakeholders and entities involved in both the realization of the trail and its future main- tenance. Defining trail design, construction, and maintenance standards are a key component of the next phase of this project. Achieving a consensus among stakeholders on the quality trail standards is a critical starting point for developing a sustainable, high quality Poloniny Park Trail. Trail standards are dictated by the national Slovak technical norms, such as STN 018025 (hiking), and STN 018028 (cycling). These STN guidelines serve as a template for marking trails. The trail quality standards from organizations such as the U.S. National Park Service and the U.S. National Forest Service, and the European Ramblers Association, can also assist with the design, construction, and maintenance of high quality trails. RECOMMENDATION #4: STAKEHOLDER CAPACITY FOR TRAIL DEVELOPMENT  Identify stakeholders based on their capacity to implement infrastructure improvements on selected sections of the trail, and address the gaps in infrastructure. There are multiple levels of capac- ity, ranging from the SME and individual entrepreneur, such as accommodation and restaurant establishments, and local landowners, to the regional nonprofit organizations and NGOs, as well as reaching across to the other end of the spectrum comprised of regional agencies, municipali- ties, the state forestry agency, and the national park administration, among others. Defining the specific capacities of each stakeholder is necessary in order to identify the financing mechanisms available for the realization of the PPT, and to address the infrastructure gaps. Defining stake- holder capacity sets expectations of duties and responsibilities, and enabling strategic planning to realize the individual features of the proposed project. It also sets tasks and a realistic timeline for achieving the numerous aspects of the PPT and rectifying the infrastructure gaps. This activ- ity is vital, because it sets the volume of work that the various stakeholders can take on, as well as allows for strategies to help develop capacity in areas that are lacking it. As an example: trail construction and improvement are one aspect of capacity, while trail main- tenance and service to maintain quality standards, are a second aspect of capacity. Infrastructure gaps, such as a lack of accommodations and public restrooms, are a different set of priorities. Additionally, capacity is also defined by jurisdiction: the PPT is a network of trails, both within the park boundaries and outside them that crosses different lines of jurisdiction, such as state-owned lands, municipal boundaries, and areas with different levels of environmental protection. With this in mind, defining capacities helps create cooperation and establish partnerships for the pro- ject implementation, and demarcates the project into specific tasks and milestones, based on the stakeholder capacity. Defining stakeholder capacity sets the stage for the organization and coor- dination of individual tasks. Next Steps and Key Recommendations 77 RECOMMENDATION #5: ORGANIZATION Identify a local organization to coordinate development of the trail among stakeholders, or develop an action plan for the establishment of a new organization or association (like the association that was established for the Lebanon Mountain Trail). This organization would have the follow- ing functions, among others:  1. Coordination of trail improvements  2. Coordination with the local communities on the funding of trail improvements  3. Tendering / public procurement to find external capacities, if necessary  4. Implementation of every route component (infrastructure, services, marketing, and organization)  5. Coordination with the Forestry Organization and Park Administration on maintenance and operations  Poloniny Adventure Center, such as the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) described in the Output 2 Report, could serve the dual functions of an administrative center for the trail, as well as a capacity-building base for local people interested in expanding their nature-based tourism skills, and an international outdoor skills and leadership center. NOLS participants have included secondary and university age students, government agencies, including NASA, military, and firefighters. They have also become a course elective in several prom- inent MBA programs, such as the Columbia Business School, Haas School of Business, Wharton, and the Yale School of Management. Participation in NOLS centers around an educational adven- ture in the wilderness that can last anywhere from one week to several months. The adventure is led by expert instructors, who teach the participants outdoor skills, such as backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, and wilderness survival. The expeditions are conducted from 16 centers around the world, including: East Africa, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Patagonia, and Scandinavia. Aside from the center in northern Sweden, 140 miles above the Arctic Circle, no other NOLS centers exist in Europe. The shorter expeditions, such as the 14-day sailing program in New Zealand, or the 14-day Tanzania wilderness experience, also serve as educational tourism offers (‘Edu-tourism’). RECOMMENDATION #6: FINANCING AND INVESTMENT Assist local stakeholders with identifying and securing public- and private-sector financing and investment sources, especially among the European Union Structural Funds. This calls for mon- itoring the developments in financing and investment schemes available for the various stake- holders, and determining strategies for cooperation in project proposal design. Financing and investment opportunities that are tailored to the different components of the project will be iden- tified. For example, stakeholders such as LPM Ulič, could be the lead partner in trail improvement projects; and local NGOs or SMEs could seek microfinancing call opportunities to address certain gaps in the infrastructure, such as accommodation or equestrian campsites. The important step is to identify the various options available and the mandatory terms required to participate in the various available financing schemes. Effective communication is essential across different levels of government, such as: the municipali- ties within the Poloniny region, the PSK at the regional level, as well as the ministries or state agen- cies that issue structural funds for development projects at the national level. Communication sets expectations and helps to effectively determine the short-term and long-term impacts of invest- ments in the infrastructure gaps, and the tourism development of the region. Identifying financing and investment opportunities, while simultaneously working with the various levels of government 78 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail and the stakeholders, will also identify risks early on. Finding financing opportunities for build- ing the trail will not turn Poloniny into a fully viable travel destination, if the gaps in infrastruc- ture, such as basic amenities (public restrooms, parking, and so on), are not addressed simultane- ously or beforehand, due to a lack of funding in these areas. RECOMMENDATION #7: USAGE MONITORING Assist the Park Administration and Forestry Organization with establishing a system for moni- toring trail usage. This could include a visitors’ entrance, visitor registration, and technology for counting visitors at trail heads (like automatic counters), visitor surveys, road traffic volume, vis- itor parking data, and so on. The current expected annual visits, hovering between an estimated 15,000 – 40,000 visits, is too large a disparity for a proper analysis to develop strategies and track progress. The development of usage statistics will help determine the strengths and weaknesses of various marketing strategies and infrastructure developments, reveal areas of improvement, and help complete a comparative analysis with other travel destinations in the Slovak Republic. RECOMMENDATION #8: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, MARKETING AND PROMOTION PLANS  Develop and implement a Poloniny Park Trail Marketing Plan that includes product development, marketing, lobbying, and promotion in domestic and selected international markets. This rec- ommendation would result in improved park information online, in broadcasting, and in print, especially about the trails. This would also include the dissemination of information to key tar- get groups (such as residents, potential visitors, investors, and tour operators).  Marketing activities could include product development and improvements, sporting events, such as the ‘1,000-Mile Race,’, cultural events, such as the ‘Rock pod Kameňom’ concert, City Days of Snina, mountain bike competitions, the increasingly popular trail runs, mini-marathons, and ATV trails, and others.  During trail inspections and meeting with the locals, it was discovered that all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding is a popular activity in the region. Locating a viable designated area for ATV trails out- side the park boundaries could help raise the attraction of the region for niche groups, such as ATV or off-road motocross riders, as well as the local population. An ATV designated trail network could also be an attraction to visitors looking for specific activities during their vacation. As part of this overall recommendation, an evaluation of potential sites for ATV-only trails should be conducted in accordance with the zoning laws and private property rights, and the main entity and stakehold- ers that would be responsible for the implementation of this network of trails should be defined.  RECOMMENDATION #9: IMPROVE ACCESS BETWEEN POLONINY, POLAND, AND THE UKRAINE  Creating access from Poland could commence with a feasibility study that looks at the possibil- ity of extending the Balnica small-gauge rail network across the border into the Slovak Republic via Vyšná Jablonka, with the final destination in Parihuzovce, or some other nearby location. Next Steps and Key Recommendations 79 FIGURE 46  Map showing trail access between Poloniny and From the Ukraine side, there are a few options Ukraine that could increase tourist travel between the Ukraine and the Slovak Republic, as well as make the region attractive for long-distance cycle tour- ers. A possible and relatively simple connection could continue via Ulič into the Ukraine for cycling and foot traffic only. Road infrastruc- ture would only require slight adjustments. Additionally, this passage has been approved by the PSK and the regional municipalities. With the Poloniny Trail, this option should be renewed in order to join the two sides, especially since they share a common history. Another connec- tion point with the Ukraine is to connect the cycling route 8879 from Ulič to Ruská Volová with Brezovec. While it is possible to access the border crossing of Ubľa from Ruská Volová, the proposed connection would reduce the travel Distance: 5.846 km Altitude profile: 107 m 140 m time significantly and add Brezovec to the trail network of the region. 260 m.a.s.l. 1.5 km 2.9 km RECOMMENDATION #10:  DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL TOURISM INITIATIVES Nature school for children  In 2014, a local sports organization, VOUK, began a summer camp for youth focused on outdoor survival such as camping in the woods and teaching outdoor survival skills. Now entering its sixth year, over 280 children have enrolled in this year’s camp, including children from foster homes. The organization is looking to expand summer camps focused on various themes, such as a camp reliving the traditional life of the Poloniny region, adventure camps for families, a treetop adven- ture park, and other possible initiatives. The fact that interest in such activities is growing in the region is testament to the potential oppor- tunity to work with organizations such as VOUK, other similar organizations, and regional stake- holders in developing the capacity for a permanent establishment such as a nature school for chil- dren or an adventure center, as mentioned in recommendation #3. To further develop this initiative requires identifying all stakeholders and assessing the organizational requirements. Local food production and cuisine promotion A region and its culture are in part defined by its cuisine. There is a need to work with local food producers, the S-DMO (OOCR), and other relevant stakeholders to devise strategies to promote local food production and cuisine. Local cuisine has its own specialties, as mentioned in the infra- structure gaps section of this report. The region is home to some local food producers specializ- ing in items such as buckwheat ‘perogies’ and syrups. These opportunities could be further devel- oped to not only benefit tourism but also the local economy, and be a source of pride for the region. 80 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail Mountain biking trails  Develop MTB single track trails around the Sninské Rybníky area, or elsewhere around Snina. The number of these trails are growing rapidly throughout the Slovak Republic and they could help increase visits to the region. A possible location around Sninské Rybníky provides easy access to the natural swimming pool, campsite, and two hotels in the area. Ideal locations need to be evalu- ated for such a trail network. ATV Excursions During trail inspections and meeting with the locals, it was discovered that all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding is a popular activity in the region. Locating a viable designated area for ATV trails out- side the park boundaries could help raise the attraction of the region for niche groups, such as ATV or off-road motocross riders, as well as the local population. An ATV designated trail network could also be an attraction to visitors looking for specific activities during their vacation. As part of this overall recommendation, an evaluation of potential sites for ATV-only trails should be conducted in accordance with the zoning laws and private property rights, and the main entity and stakehold- ers that would be responsible for the implementation of this network of trails should be defined.  CONCLUDING SUMMARY  Based on the team’s activities in June 2019 — trail inspections, mapping, meetings with the stake- holders, and evaluating the gaps in infrastructure — the current modest network of Poloniny Park Trails with their multiple cultural and natural attractions are enough to package and market as a distinctive adventure travel destination that attracts more visitors from the targeted markets. Nonetheless, as described and mapped as extensively as possible above, the park trails as a net- work are analogous to a piece of Swiss cheese, with some holes here and there. These gaps or holes need to be filled for a complete ‘piece of cheese,’ a complete destination, to appear. Improvements that will fill in the gaps are certainly needed. Such improvements would make the Poloniny Trail an even more attractive and competitive destination, but these upgrades can be phased in as the capacity among the local stakeholders to help implement and maintain the advancements growth. The team found great interest across a wide spectrum of stakeholders and residents to make the necessary changes and further develop the Poloniny Trail. Some improvements are already underway, such as the restoration of selected cultural and his- torical attractions, including the 18th century wooden churches, military cemeteries, the Porta Rusica trade route connecting Poland and the Slovak Republic, and development of equestrian trails. These improvements are not yet enough to transform Poloniny into a destination which meets international standards. To make this destination meet the required standards, the fol- lowing needs to be addressed: 1. Provide basic public amenities such as parking, public restrooms, and ATMs 2. Provide adequate public transit equipped with bike carriers 3. Provide support for the establishment and/or improvement of restaurant, bars, and accommodations providers in the national park 4. Provide adequate rest areas on the trails 5. Improve the surface quality of trails, and repair or replace damaged trail markings 6. Expand knowledge of the history of the forestry industry 7. Increase targeted marketing and promotion 8. Equip the regional DMO to plan and conduct the marketing and promotion By addressing these and other gaps, the Poloniny Park Trail can become an internationally compet- itive high-quality adventure travel and cultural tourism destination. The Park’s unique culture and cuisine, history, natural splendor warrant a visit, regardless of its remoteness and underdevelopment. Next Steps and Key Recommendations 81 This uniqueness must be communicated as a unified local narrative, such as what is successfully presented in areas like the Malá Fatra and Banská Štiavnica regions described in the annexes. This narrative must be backed up by adequate infrastructure, if the region is interested in making the leap to the next level of tourism development. Hence, the Poloniny Trail can be regarded as a key initiative to address socio-economic issues targeted by the Catching-Up Regions Initiative. In its final vision, the PPT is not just a narrow tourism initiative, but an opportunity for the region to diver- sify its economic activities and engage its local inhabitants in the development of their region. Addressing these gaps also means developing and improving the product offers, such as the trail and related offers. These include the following: 1. Improvement of the existing hiking, cycling, and equestrian trails, as well as the develop- ment of new ones that are clearly mapped. 2. A Poloniny Park Adventure Center, which could include a nature school for children and an establishment similar to the National Outdoor Leadership School in the U.S. 3. Development of single-track mountain biking trails 4. Development of specials for all-terrain vehicles (outside the park boundaries) 5. Development of ski touring and cross-country skiing for the winter season 6. Development, marketing, and promotion of festivals and sporting events Addressing the gaps and achieving these product developments can only be achieved by working and cooperating with the numerous stakeholders in the region, and by identifying appropriate funding opportunities to implement the PT vision. In conclusion, the Poloniny Park Trail offers the opportunity to generate this cooperation, fill in the ‘holes’, literally and figuratively, and trans- form the park and the eastern Slovak Republic into an internationally competitive adventure and cultural destination of high quality. 82 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail ANNEX 1: EXAMPLES FROM OTHER NATIONAL PARKS AND NATURAL AREAS ACROSS THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC BANSKÁ ŠTIAVNICA — ŠTIAVNICKÉ VRCHY Key Strategy: The town and protected landscape attract visitors through combined sport and cultural activities. Banská Štiavnica is a historic mining town located in the central Slovak Republic in the designated protected natural landscape of Štiavnické Vrchy (77,630 hectares). The town is a UNESCO world her- itage site located in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills. There is a cavalry church over- looking the town, which has the world’s first and oldest mining school, as well as numerous other cultural attractions. The surrounding countryside of Banská Štiavnica is characterized by his- toric mining villages, mountainous landscapes, and a unique network of ‘tajchy’ — essentially, con- structed water bodies that served the deeply rooted mining heritage of the region. Today, mining has long ceased in Štiavnické Vrchy, and its new major source of income is tourism. One of the most successful strategies in the Štiavnické Vrchy region combines culture with sport. The project is known as ‘Bajkom k tajchom’, meaning by bikes to tajchs (mining water reservoirs). The area is already abundant in hiking trails. With this latest project, total marked cycling routes exceed 250 kilometers, with many of them designed as circuits or connecting routes to other trails. Additionally, very few new trails have been built, since the majority of the marked cycling trails make use of the existing forestry road network, as well as pass through the villages with cultural and historical significance, sharing the road with road traffic in certain sections. A civil society group maintains the trails, as well as proposes the design of new trails. The trails pass through numerous landmarks such as mining infrastructure, tajchs, natural landmarks, and FIGURE 47  Map showing ‘bikes to tajchs’ routes cultural landmarks. Hiking trails are well designed and marked. They also make use of some shared trails with cyclists and connect to significant cultural, his- torical, and natural landmarks, including Sit- no, the highest peak in the region with castle ruins on top. The town of Banská Štiavnica hosts many cul- tural festivals throughout the summer months, from film to music and art. In 2019, the town is a designated European City of Culture. The region has done a great job at merging cultur- al with natural attractions and is currently one of the premier tourist destinations in the entire country. The Štiavnické Vrchy region, with Ban- ská Štiavnica at its core, serves a wide array of travelers beyond the adventure traveler. Annex 1 83 NP VEĽKÁ FATRA AND MÁLA FATRA Key strategy: Leverage the legend — A local legendary Robin Hood-type figure has become the source of a range of cultural events, attractions, and activities in the backdrop of a national park characterized by grassy mountain tops with unique rock formations. The national parks of Veľká Fatra and Malá Fatra (23,262 hectares) are in the central and north central Slovak Republic. As far as tourism is concerned, Malá Fatra is far more developed than its counterpart to the south. Malá Fatra offers skiing in the Vrátna valley resort. It is also a popu- lar ski touring destination offering a vast variety of backcountry skiing terrain, from tree skiing to above tree line chutes and rolling hills. In the summer, hiking is by far the most popular activ- ity, as many hikers from the Slovak Republic and neighboring countries hike the entire Malá Fatra ridge totaling roughly 35 kilometers, starting in either Terchová or Zázrivá, and finishing by the river Vah in Strečno. The hiking trail network of the region is very well marked and diverse, offer- ing overnight hikes of multiple route options, with a popular mountain chalet ‘Chata pod Chlebom’ as a central destination, as well as one day hikes or nature trails. Janošíkove Diery, a deep gorge with a stream flowing through is the most popular route in the park. Furthermore, the peak Veľký Rozsutec is considered to be one of the most beautiful peaks in the country. Cycling and horseback riding are also becoming popular activities in the region. Zázrivá, a vil- lage well known for traditional cheese production, also offers agritourism and horseback riding in the region. According to monitoring activities by the park’s management office, the Vrátna val- ley receives around 3,000 visitors per day, while Janošíkove diery is the most common destination in the park, welcoming a total of over 100,000 visitors in a two-month period. The region has also done a great job at promoting its cultural heritage. This region is famous for the folk legend of Janošík, a sort of Slovak version of Robin Hood. Janošík was a bandit who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, and most often outwitted the law, until his eventual capture in the village of Valašská Dubová. The village of Terchová, Janošík’s birthplace, is also the center of Terchová. It uses this legend to its advantage to promote various festivals, events, and its over- all travel product. Terchová is home to music festivals, cooking festivals, Janošík days, and other activities. According to a 2016 study conducted by the NP administration, visits to the park have been continuously rising. A key contributor has been improved access to the ridge of the moun- tain, due to the construction of a new cabin lift. Accomodation, restaurants, and bars are abun- dant in the region, making the Mala Fatra National Park one of the most popular adventure travel destinations in the country. NP NÍZKE TATRY Key strategy: A renowned 95-kilometer four-to-five day hike in the Low Tatras attracts international tourists. The national park of Nízke Tatry (72,842 hectares) is a well-known tourist destination, provid- ing a host of activities throughout both the winter and summer seasons. The park hosts the most famous multiday hike in the Slovak Republic, attracting tourists from abroad. The ridge of the Low Tatras spans 95 kilometers and takes an average of four to five days to complete. The starting point is usually in Telgart, and the finish line is in the ski resort of Donovaly. There are trails pass- ing through the ridge between the north and south of the range, allowing a tourist to add variation to the route, or shorten it. Many of the villages along the mountain range, on both the north and south side, have accommodation, restaurants, and other amenities. The hike traditionally con- cludes in Donovaly, which is one of the country’s major tourist destination for skiing in the win- ter, and hiking and cycling in the summer. Additionally, the hiking trail also passes through the Slovak Republic’s largest and most popular ski resort, Jasna — Chopok, which provides numerous tourist amenities, such as restaurants, luxury hotels with spas, chalets, sport stores, and souvenir 84 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail shops, on both sides of the mountain. Both Jasna and Donovaly cater to families with various themed attractions, such as ‘The Dragon’s Path to Chopok’, which is a sort of adventure trail for families centered around a legend of a dragon inhabiting the mountains and guarding its treasures. Donovaly has a well-known tree runner park, as well as a theme village known as Donovalkovo, which consists of a miniature town full of ‘grown-up’ toys, where children can play as grown-ups. Nízke Tatry is one of the top winter and summer destinations within the country, catering to a large array of travelers, from adventurers to families that provides a variety of amenities, from stand- ard to luxury, depending on the area within the park. NP MURÁNSKA PLANINA Key strategy: Leveraging unique geological and cultural attributes to attract visitors. The national park of Muránska Planina is the Slovak Republic’s youngest park and is remote in terms of access. Its uniqueness lies in its geology — it is the only plateau in the country. The ruins of Muráň Castle, situated above the village of Muráň at an elevation of 935 meters, are a gateway into the park. The uniqueness and main attraction of the park, other than the dense and diverse forests, fauna, and abundant wildlife on the plateau, are the semi-wild horses running free throughout the park. The horse breed is unique to this region, and is called the Norik Muran type. The horses are akin to the bisons of Poloniny, a unique feature not found in other areas of the Slovak Republic. The park has a strong network of marked hiking and cycling trails, connecting the north side of the park with the south, and the east side with the west. The multiple route variations allow for a cir- cuit route in various directions. However, there are also areas that need improvement. The lack of accommodation, restaurants, outdoor sport- ing stores, and a central starting point are gaps FIGURE 48  Map showing hiking and cycling trails in NP in the infrastructure that need to be addressed Muránska Planina for the destination to improve its tourism appeal. The park’s central location, although remote, still makes it an accessible place from the bigger cities and towns around the country. A well-known attraction of Muránska Planina is the local brewery and resort, known as ‘Pred- ná Hora’, which, ironically, is adjacent to an al- coholic treatment facility. Muránska Zdychava is also an attractive destination, as it has locals living in ‘na lazoch’, which are usually tradition- al homes built high up in the hills remote from the villages and town. As a comparison, Muráns- ka Planina’s infrastructure development is simi- lar to Poloniny’s; its key advantage being its cen- tral location in the Slovak Republic. Annex 1 85 ANNEX 2: LIST OF NATIONAL CULTURAL MONUMENTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN THE SNINA DISTRICT #  Location  Attraction  Within National Park Boundaries  1  Jalová Greek Catholic church of Saint Juraj (George) from 1772  2  Kolbasov  NR Ulička  NR Bzaná  Greek Catholic Church  Saw mill  Memorial to the Jews murdered in 1945  Military cemetery from WW I  3  Nová Sedlica  NNR Stužica  Most massive fir tree (518 centimeters in diameter) in the NP Poloniny, located in Stužica  Kremenec (highest peak and tri-border) Wooden log house  Memorial to the fallen Russian soldier, A. Gladyš  Honey Woman  Information center, NP Poloniny Outdoor Slovak — Rusyn dictionary  Miniature replica of a former wooden church in Nová Sedlica  Fish pond of the count’s maid  Waterfall below the Honey Woman  Hlboký stream  Čierťaž (peak)  4  Príslop  Radio tower Príslop — 630 meters — Karcaba saddle  5  Runina  Ulička stream Oreničov rock — Oreničov waterfall (5 meters) Jewish cemetery  Three Springs pilgrimage site  Stone memorial — monolith Military cemetery from WW I — Čišovatyj  Panoramic map with local attractions  Astronomical observation spot  6  Ruský Potok  Wooden church of St. Michael the Archangel, from the early 1700s  Lány — slopes above village flushed with rare flowers from May to June  NR Borsučiny  Mineral spring  Wayside shrine  Military cemetery from WW I — Pod Príslopcom  7  Topoľa Wooden church of St. Michael the Archangel, from the mid-18th century  Replica of fragments of ancient Cyrilic text from Ostroznica  Wooden church exposition  Military cemetery of WW I  Jewish cemetery Alexander Duchnovič Park Outdoor Slovak — Rusyn dictionary  Paragliding takeoff site  86 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail #  Location  Attraction  8  Ulič  Doorway to Poloniny  Outdoor Slovak — Rusyn dictionary  Outdoor miniature wooden church park  Defense fortification Arpádová línia  Manor park  Mergancov stone  Oak Marsh  Military cemetery of WW I  Greek Catholic church  NR Uličská Ostrá  Poloniny gallery of wooden statues  Panoramic viewpoint, Holic (360°)  Grave of famous person (Alexander Chira jr. (1856 – 1928))  Building of the former district notary office from 1933  9  Uličské Krivé  Greek Catholic wooden church from 1718  Hiding place of Orthodox monk Ihnatij Čokyn (1889 – 1976)  Oblazy — split point of two streams, and memorial to fallen soldier  Location ‘Tava’ — a sample of the cistern layers of the flysch zone  Oil drill  Tufa source — initial stage of the travertine building process  Diľovanka — representative example of submenilite layers  49 th parallel NNR Rožok  Kováčová field  10  Zboj  NR Bahno  Riaba skala lookout point  Ďurkovec peak  Kvasná voda — thermal mineral spring  Pseudo-karst caves  Bystriansky stream and waterfall  NNR Stinská — Májková lúka  Carpathian Cichlid source  NR Stinská slatina  Three-dimensional model of meteorite Kňahyňa in the ratio 1: 2  Military cemetery of WW I Wayside shrine from 1896    Stakčín*  *Former villages destroyed during the construction of the Starina water reservoir — within the municipal district of Stakčín  11  Dara*  Geological information site Military cemetery of WW I 12  Ostrožnica*  Military cemetery of WW I — pod Jalovím  13  Ruské*  Porta Rusica — old trade route  Ruské Sedlo — border crossing  Mineral spring Cirochy  War memorial to liberators  Ivankov Čertež — lookout point  PR Šípková Dlhá lúka — lookout point  Pseudo-karst cave Rupa  Former monastery — Monastyr Ruské  Small Riaba skala  NR Ruské  NNR Pod Ruským Military cemetery of WW I —  pri cerkvi  Military cemetery of WW I — Ruské  NNR Pľaša  14  Starina*  Water reservoir Starina  Lookout point above water reservoir Starina  Beskyd Pantheon NR Gazdoráň  Orthodox church of Mother Mary the Protector  Late Baroque manor from the 18th century  Manor’s historic park  Barankov bridge for small gauge railway Military cemetery of WW I #1  Military cemetery of WW I #2  NR Grúnik  15  Smolník*  Military cemetery of WW I  16  Veľka Poľana*  Military cemetery from WW I with rotunda  Military cemetery from WW I — Predný Hodošík  Orest Dubay Spring Well  Annex 2 87 #  Location  Attraction  17  Zvala*  NR Stružnická dolina  Military cemetery of WW I  Outside National Park Boundaries  18  Čukalovce  Oldest stone Greek Catholic church in the Slovak Republic 19  Dúbrava  Winter oak, tulip tree and smooth pine — three protected trees  20  Belá nad Cirochou  Church of St. Anna Water mill Manor-house 21  Hostovice  Hostovický Kremenec — former tri border between Germany, Hungary, and the Slovak Republic  Military cemetery of WW I Bell tower  22  Hrabová Roztoka  Wooden Greek Catholic church of St. Basil the Great, from the 18th century  NR Roztoky  23  Kalná Roztoka  Greek Catholic wooden church of St. John the Baptist  NPR Havešová  24  Kolonica  Astronomical observation site at Kolonica saddle    Sponarna stone gorge  25  Ladomírov  Significant mineral deposits site  Greek Catholic church of the Virgin Mary the Protector, from 1890  26  Osadné  NR Hlboké  NR Udava  Crypt and military cemetery of WW I Balnica — hiking route and border crossing  Railway station Balnica — small gauge railway line Mineral spring Udavy  Balnica — cemetery  Beaver dams on SR / PL border  Astronomical observation site  27  Parihuzovce  Greek Catholic church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary from 1801  28  Ruská Volová  Orthodox church of St. John the Baptist  29  Snina  Rollovský Manor  Historic park  Fountain with Hercules sculpture  Jewish cemetery  Memorial to the fallen soldiers of WWI  Chapel of Mary, Mother of Jesus, Seven Sorrows  Military cemetery of WW I — Giglovo  30  Stakčín  Stone silo  Archeological site Valal  Relics of traditional glass manufacturing sites in the Chotinka valley  Pathway of the small gauge forestry railway from Stakčín — Strihovec  Border patrol building  Elementary school ‘Ovoda’ Defense fortification system ‘Arpádova línia’  Rolling mill  Graves of famous persons (Anca Jaburova [1898 – 1984], Juraj Kolynčak [1909 – 1984], and Jeno Banffy de Lossonczi [1894 – 1914])  Memorials (A. Duchnovič, fallen soldiers from WW I, fallen soldiers from WW II, relocated inhabitants of fallen villages resulting from the construction of the Starina water reservoir)  Plaques of famous historic figures (Anca Jaburová and Juraj Kolynčák)  31  Šmigovec  Greek Catholic wooden church of the Ascension of the Lord  32  Ubľa  Military cemetery of WW I Location of former wooden church with wayside shrine from 1907  Building from the former district notary office from the 19 th century  Jewish cemetery  Cellar of Áron Mermenstein  Lacanyčova school  House of former butcher Jutku  Traditional folk architecture (houses, cellars)  Memorials (10 th anniversary of the establishment of Czechoslovakia, fallen soldiers of WW II, Jewish inhabitants of Ubla who fell during WW II)  33  Zemplínské Hamre  Traditional folk houses  Outdoor mining exhibition  Hiking route to Morske Oko  88 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail ANNEX 3: LIST OF SHELTERS AND REST AREAS IN THE PARK Location GPS Coordinates Type Access to water nearby? Starina reservoir 49.0426167N, 22.2615978E Rest area No Ruské 49.1079831N, 22.3473708E Rest area Yes Ruské 49.1077800N, 22.3617525E Rest Area Yes Ruské sedlo 49.1438303N, 22.3334603E Overnight hut Yes Runina 49.0788997N, 22.4007444E Overnight hut No Runina 49.0733592N, 22.4053733E Rest area No Runina 49.0750422N, 22.4081528E Rest area No Runina 49.0709531N, 22.4065011E Rest area No Runina 49.0660033N, 22.3945239E Rest area Yes* Topoľa 49.0469669N, 22.3553581E Rest area Yes** Topoľa 49.0271494N, 22.3536725E Rest area Yes Príslop 49.0377219N, 22.3317022E Rest area Yes** Príslop 49.0400553N, 22.3230433E Rest area Yes** Ulič 48.9823731N, 22.3965906E Rest area No Cisna (SK/PL) 49.1030000N, 22.4589333E Rest area no Sedlo pod Čieťažou 49.0876928N, 22.5014222E Overnight hut Yes Nová Sedlica 49.0559147N, 22.5094486E Overnight hut Yes Nová Sedlica 49.0464378N, 22.5148400E Rest area Yes Nová Sedlica 49.0425458N, 22.5129544E Rest area Yes Zboj 49.0231553N, 22.4780728E Overnight hut Yes Ruská Volova 48.9640956N, 22.3758450E Rest area no Stakčínska Roztoka 49.0026183N, 22.2842431E Rest area Yes** *Yes, but requires improvement. **Only available for purchase at local grocery store. 89 ANNEX 4: LIST OF IMPROVED SPRINGS IN POLONINY PARK Location GPS Coordinates Pčoliné 49.0730333N, 22.1729994E Cirochy — Ruské sedlo 49.1440967N, 22.3348989E Cirochy — Ruské sedlo 49.1439500N, 22.3338833E Ruské 49.1063939N, 22.3505558E Porta Rusica 49.1383711N, 22.3302981E Runina — pilgrimage site (3 springs next to each other) 49.0827556N, 22.4184731E Plaša 49.1150936N, 22.3974939E Plaša 49.1096794N, 22.4046064E Rabia Skala 49.1006600N, 22.4481500E Sedlo pod Čierťažou 49.0872833N, 22.5020833E Kremenec 49.0876247N, 22.5651739E Kremenec 49.0853500N, 22.5640667E Nová Sedlica 49.0482067N, 22.5397897E Nová Sedica 49.0516639N, 22.5126528E Zboj 49.0229269N, 22.4778728E Príslop 49.0400453N, 22.3230850E Topoľa 49.0271394N, 22.3536200E 90 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail ANNEX 5: LINK TO ONLINE MAP INDICATING PPT ROUTE INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS https://en.mapy.cz/s/3utxH There are over 80 recommended infrastructure improvements in the form of signs, shelters, look- out towers, bike repair stations, bridges, and other amenities that are easier to view via online mapping applications than by being listed as GPS coordinates. Please use the above link to access the online map with the recommended infrastructure improvement areas. 91 ANNEX 6: EQUESTRIAN TRAVEL BACKGROUND TYPES OF EQUESTRIAN TRAVEL 1. Horseback excursions: These are the foundation of equestrian travel — rides in nature lasting one to four hours in which 7 – 30 kilometers are covered that offer a physical, technical, and immersive experience elements. Riders gain greater confidence in the saddle, and learn the ropes of horseback riding in a natural setting, while simultaneously providing a form of re- habilitation for the horses. Excursions do not demand any special equipment for the horse, as long as a break is planned. In such cases, a halter and a bridle are sufficient. 2. Tours: These are generally excursions into nature lasting an entire day during which 30 – 70 kilometers are covered, comprised of the same elements as excursions — a physical, techni- cal, and immersive experience. Equipment for the horse and rider must include a first-aid kit, raincoat, bridle, and restraining rope. 3. Trips: Trips consists of multiday tours combined into a whole. Trips can be categorized in a ‘star’ type or ‘chain’ type. A chain is more complicated, it requires the transportation of required equipment for the duration of the trip, as the end destination is different every night. A star trip consists of one base camp with daily tours taking place along different routes, where the riders return to the base camp at the end of the day. Both types of tours are considered demanding forms of equestrian travel. HORSE SELECTION FOR EQUESTRIAN TRAVEL Equestrian travel and recreational horseback riding are one of the few opportunities to use horses that are not suited for work or equestrian sports. Therefore, equestrian travel and recreational riding are a means of saving horse breeds from extinction that are not suitable for labor or eques- trian sports. The determining factor is the horse’s temperament which must be calm and balanced. The horse cannot be jittery, kicking, or aggressive. Equestrian travel is characterized by movement through nature. Therefore, the horse should be agile, with healthy legs and strong hooves. It should be well fed, and not have a discerning taste for food. Given these considerations for equestrian travel, it is not recommended to use noble horse breeds because of their high care demands. Also, horses should not be too tall, because during equestrian travel there is plenty of mounting and dismounting of the horse, hence a small horse is advanta- geous. Geldings, mares and stallions are not ideal equestrian travel horses. Ideal breeds for travel tourism in the Poloniny region are Hucul pony, and the Arabian horse. These breeds excel in tough- ness, are not demanding, and easily adapt to worsening and changing conditions. These breeds are characterized by endurance. 92 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail CONSIDERATIONS FOR RIDING IN OPEN TERRAIN 1. Riding in a group: Size of the group needs to be taken into consideration, as the larger the group, the slower the movement. The optimal group size is three to five riders per group. 2. Marching formations: Row, twofold, and troop. Riders should not be in close quarters; care must be taken to ensure safe spacing; riders should be led by an experienced rider; and a more experienced rider should also trail the group. Safe separation means that the rider sees be- tween his horse’s ears, the end of the tail, or the heel of the horse, in front of him or her. 3. Lead rider’s instructions: Raised right hand indicates alert, a hand pointing directly for- ward indicates to move in that direction, a drawn hand to the right indicates direction change to the right, a bend in the right arm indicates a turn to the left. A raised hand with a clenched fist repeatedly brought down to the chest and back up means to crouch. A few right-handed circles overhead mean a command to shuffle. Swinging back with the right is a command to stop. Obstacles on the trail are pointed out with the index finger. If a rid- er loses his or her horse, the group must stop. Road traffic rules apply when riding on roads. CONSIDERATIONS FOR TRAVEL IN OPEN TERRAIN 1. Short distance travel in open terrain: Short distance is 5 – 30 kilometers. Trotting and gal- loping are acceptable, but not sprints — these do not belong in open terrain. On plains, the rider alternates between trot and step (5 – 10 minutes trot, 10 – 15 minutes step). Galloping for two to three minutes at a time in a suitable place. Galloping should not be carried out in the same location settings repeatedly, as a horse quickly forms associations, which may result in challenges for a less-experienced rider in controlling the horse. Dense forests and agricultural crops should be avoided. 2. Trip preparation: One kilometer takes 10 minutes in step, five minutes in trot, and 2.5 – 3 minutes in gallop. In mildly rolling terrain, 7 – 7.5 kilometers can be covered per hour. The daily total distance covered in such a setting can range from 30 – 65 kilometers, depending on the complexity of the terrain and obstacles. 3. Easy route: Total daily trip duration lasts around eight hours, with an average speed of seven kilometers per hour. Twenty-four hours of rest period are required by the horses every six days. 4. Intermediate route: Total daily trip duration lasts about six hours, with an average speed of five kilometers per hour. Twenty-four hours of rest period are required by the horses every five days. 5. Difficult route: Total daily trip duration lasts five hours with an average speed of four kilom- eters per hour. Twenty-four hours of rest period are required by the horses every three days. Annex 6 93 TEN RULES OF RIDER ETIQUETTE AND SAFETY 1. It is important to realize that once you get on the horse you are a new being. Your weight and height will increase considerably, and your speed will surpass your current abilities. 2. Never risk challenging terrain and situations, as you are not alone in the situation, but have a powerful animal to take into consideration. 3. Keep in mind the ethological characteristics of your horse — shyness and herd instinct. Peace and balance are important. We don’t have a chance to overpower the horse. 4. Don’t ask of the horse for more than he is capable. 5. When you take care of the horse, the horse will take care of you. 6. You should remain alert at all times. Do not drink alcoholic beverages before or during the journey. 7. Before riding, check your equipment, saddle stuff, legs, hooves, and horseshoes. Carefully avoid high voltage electrical columns. Currents from voltage overload from the fuse may leak into the earth. Horses are extremely sensitive to electric voltage and can be harmed by a current which a person may not even feel through their shoes. 8. Maintain safe distance between the horses in the group, even while resting. Avoid passing each other during gallop. 9. Use every opportunity for learning. There is always something new to learn, we are all equestrian adepts, no matter how experienced. Unless we are able to humbly accept this fact, we are lost. 10. Try to be completely self-sufficient, but on the other hand, be ready and willing to help others in trouble. Increase your physical fitness. SAFE HITCHING OF HORSES It is the rider’s duty to know certain knots, such as the farmer’s knot and the quick release knot. The rider should be versed with standard equestrian knots in all weather conditions and terrain. Other common knots are the dragon knot, and the Cossack and Kuman knots. Knots should be used in conjunction with a bridle, as a rope around a horse’s neck poses the risk of choking. SAMPLE ITINERARIES OF EQUESTRIAN TRAVEL Often, a client envisions an equestrian vacation where he or she can learn to ride, as well as com- plete a multiday tour in the matter of days or a week. A proper equestrian travel guide will reject such demands, as it is neither safe nor possible for beginner riders. Realistic expectations of an itinerary include: 1. Group 1 clientele: Clients who have experience in equestrian travel and seek a vacation on horseback where they will participate in organized day trips and excursions. This type of group does not pose a challenge of ability or know-how — it is a matter of organization and logistics. Such a group is demanding with regard to the preparation of horses, as well as the physical demands that it places on them. With such a group, the quality of the equip- ment and the organization determine the availability of options for equestrian travel. 2. Group 2 clientele: Novice riders looking to improve their riding skills by participating in ex- cursions and day trips. With this group, a few days are catered to improving riding skills and habits in a controlled environment, before venturing out into open terrain. An exam- ple of a one-week itinerary would consist of the following: –– Day 1: Grouping of clients based on skills and experience. Reviewing saddle mount- ing, bridging, grooming, loading, and packing saddle bags, and so on. The first day also consists of getting to know your fellow riders and horses. 94 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail –– Day 2: Practicing horse lunging –– Day 3: Theory and practice of horse riding, basic riding positions, and methods –– Day 4: Trip/excursion preparation –– Day 5: Forty to fifty kilometer circuit at seven kilometers per hour; evening sitting by the fire reminiscing over the trip, preparation for the next day’s trip –– Day 6: Thirty to forty kilometer-circuit at six kilometers per hour; after returning, preparation for the next day –– Day 7: Circuit 20 – 30 kilometers at a speed of five kilometers per hour 3. Group 3 clientele: Clients who have never ridden but want to learn. A professional equestri- an guide is able to set realistic expectations with this type of clientele, and will set up an in- teresting itinerary with limited riding. This type of clientele does not make any excursions into open terrain. This type of group is the most challenging, in terms of patience and the required coaching time. The typical program for such a group consists of the first three days learning to sit on the horse, theory and practice, etiquette and safety, and other basics. The next days are spent learning to control the horse walking alongside it. The remaining two days consist of step walks with possible trot sections. 4. Group 4 clientele: experienced or professional riders who have their own horses. The cer- tified guide provides interesting routes in a region and takes on the role as a tour guide. Annex 6 95 NOTES 1. These include the High Tatras NP (TANAP), Low Tatras 7. This was based on research conducted on the Scan- NP (NAPANT), Pieniny NP (PIENAP), Poloniny NP, and Sloven- dic Nidelven Hotel in Trondheim, Norway which has won ský Raj (Slovak Paradise) NP. the best hotel breakfast award 11 years in a row and attracts 2. Poloniny National Park Management Plan for 2017 – 2026, visitor from the world over mainly because of its local foods. State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic, Banská The hotel receives its products from local suppliers whose Bystrica, Poloniny NP Administration, Stakčín, p. 13. products cannot be easily found in other regions through- out the country. Food became a major added value compo- 3. Ibid. nent of the hotel experience and has had a positive impact 4. Most cycling routes are also ideal for equestrian travel, on the local economy by setting standards for logistics and especially in the northern parts from Ruské to Osadné. production streamlining the delivery process between sup- 5. North County National Scenic Trail, A Handbook for Trail plier and hotel to the end customer. This eventually enabled Design, Construction, and Maintenance, U.S. National the local suppliers to expand their sales to other specialty Park Service, August 1996, p.5. vendors (reference — https://ruralis.no/en/2016/12/07/local- 6. Note: One relatively low cost and quick solution is the use food-as-a-tourist-attraction/). of prefabricated public restrooms. 96 Due Diligence Report on the Establishment of a Poloniny National Park Trail