Notecka Forest

The Notecka Forest, established as a Forest Promotion Complex in 2004, spans an area of approximately 1,372 km², encompassing forest districts from three regional directorates of the State Forests: Piła, Poznań, and Szczecin. This impressive forest complex is located in the Gorzów Basin, featuring sand dunes and valleys that create a diverse landscape. The dunes reach an average height of 20 meters, with the tallest being Wielka Sowa, standing at 42 meters. The central part of the area lacks water, while the regions near the Warta and Noteć rivers are dotted with ribbon lakes, adding variety to the forested terrain. The tree stands in the Notecka Forest are predominantly artificially planted, mainly consisting of pine trees that have been growing since the aftermath of the pine moth infestation in 1922–1924. The region also features older forest fragments, including the Cegliniec Nature Reserve, and the Józef Oak, considered the oldest tree in the forest. On August 10, 1992, a catastrophic fire burned 57.7 km² of the forest. The Notecka Forest is also a site of nature conservation, with 16 nature reserves highlighting the region's rich ecosystem and biodiversity. Due to its monumental landscape and ecological significance, the Notecka Forest is not only a tourist attraction but also a valuable area for the protection of natural heritage.