ITALIAN TRANSLATIONNATIONAL PARK OF THE SILA
The creation of a National Park in La Sila, envisioned as early as 1923 , was encouraged by a special law submitted to the National Cabinet for the establishment of a protected area comprising the Silan plateau. This special law was not taken up at that time and the project remained dormant until 1960-1963 when a new special law was introduced. In 1968 a new decree no. 503 allowed the formation of the National Park of Calabria which covered three distinct geographical areas: The Sila Grande [prov. Of Cosenza], Sila Piccola [CZ], Aspromonte [RC]. The boundaries of the park were modified in 1994 with the creation of the National Park of Aspromonte and the National Park of La Sila.
The National parks contain:,
***Areas of nature reserves where the ecology is protected and preserved in its natural state.
***Areas of replenishment,production and breeding of wild game and fish farms.
***Areas of parks and forests to facilitate the growth of arboreal species of lasting potential.
***Non forested areas.
The areas of the park, although concentrated in the Silan plateau, are differentiated by the number of mountains in their territory and, consequently, by the phytoclimactic zones and prevailing vegetation. The park in the province of Cosenza is located in the heart of the Sila Grande and it covers an orographic system which ends at Mount Altare [1653 m] in the north, the top of Mt Principe [1626 m] and the Sierra Cipollata [1682m] in the west, mt Spina [1643m] in the south, mt Pettinascura [1968m] and mt Sordello [1551m] in the east. The park in the province of Catanzaro extends to the northern borders of la Sila Piccola. Two small dorsal elevations face each other in the north, mt Cariglione [1716m] and mt Scorciavuoi [1745m].From a geological perspective, the territory of the park shows similar petrographic characteristics to other areas of the calabrian territory which emerges from a large granite massif of Calabro-Peloritan age.
The typical fauna of the Apennine is also found in the national Park of La Sila with the notable presence of large predators such as the wolf and the bobcat.Today, there are at least 20 wolves roaming the territory. In order to assure the survival of this species, since the end of the 1970's, the park management introduced in the Sila Grande a number of roebuck. Since the results were more than satisfactory, the same was done with the introduction of deer. Other species found in the park are the fox, hare, yew, marten,skunk,weasel,dormouse, and black swirrel. I the estern part of La Sila Piccola, there are significant concentrations of wild boar. Also significant is the presence of all the bird species of the mountain region of the Apennine. The birds of prey, nocturnal and diurnal,are present in large numbers: Buzzards,kestrel,hawk and sparrowhawk. Other important species inhabiting the forest are: woodpeckers,owls, jays,crossbill and others. Additionally there are species of dippers, mallards, egrets,cormorants and coot.
In the interior of the park, there are many nature reserves, 10 of which are biogenetic nature reserves whose role is fundamental in safeguarding some of the more interesting areas of ecological and scenic importance; The Nature reserve of the giant trees of La Sila surrounded by forests of larch [endemic to the Calabrian region],and other multicentenary trees[ the giants of Fallistro] and young growth of maple, beech and white poplar.The park thus represents a great nature laboratory, completely unspoiled since,throughout the years, it has not suffered the effects of human interference. The climate prevailing in the silan plateau is temperate-cold, with cold-snowy winters and warm dry summers. Precipitations are abundant,but not evenly distributed during the year. The interior of the park is free of human habitation and therefore has not experienced abusive housing developments, nor has the ecosystem been disturbed. In the territory of the park there are activities of two distinct types:
1] Preservation and defense of the ecosystem:
***Scientific research by local universities engaged in the study of the local flora and fauna.
2]Productivity and exploitation of local resources:
***Special educational classes on the environment involving students and teachers of middle and high school.
***Conferences and exhibitions dealing with environmental subjects
***Guided tours for students and other groups.
Also taking place in the park are many sporting events such as "mountain races" valid for the league championship of FIDAL [ Italian Athletic Federation], provincial, regional and national in scope, and cross country races. The park has visitors centers in the Sila Grande in the locality of Cupone complete of botanical gardens, geolocical areas, nature trails and areas of fauna populated by deer and roebuck. The Sila Piccola, whose visitors center is in Monaco, boasts nature trails, library, picnic areas with tables and barbecue, potable water, garbage collection stations, and car parking facilities all posted on directories at the entrance to the park.
The Sila Grande can be reached from the NS autostrada by exiting at Cosenza nord or Cosenza sud and taking the ss 107 direction Sila-Crotone. The Sila Piccola may be reached by exiting at Lamezia Terme from the autostrada and proceeding on the ss 280 direction Catanzaro and taking roadways 109 & 179 to Villaggio Mancuso, or by exiting from the autostrada at Altilia Grimaldi. Fom the Ionian side, off roadway 106, take the ss107 to Cotronei-Lago Ampollino.