Breathing new life into an abandoned forest: KKL-JNF begins earthworks in the Nahal Yatir region
Hatzvi
7.12.17
KKL-JNF recently announced that work has begun in the Nahal Yatir region, at a site called Masos Forest. The area, which had been severely damaged and currently serves as an illegal garbage dump and quarry, will become a vibrant forest within three years.
Masos Forest, which is located in the area next to Nahal Yatir, between the communities of Omer and Meitar, is an abandoned 3,000 acre large area. In the past, the region was used by hikers and 4X4 vehicles, but over the past few years it became an illegal garbage dump and quarry, in addition to a home for squatters.
KKL-JNF just announced that Southern Region work teams entered the region and began working on land improvement and reclamation. Work includes regularization of the land, planting indigenous trees and bushes, clearing the area of dirt and sewage, and creating a place for hiking and tourism. At KKL-JNF it is estimated that work will be completed in about three years, after which visitors will be able to return to this unique site.
KKL-JNF Southern Region Director Ami Uliel: “Our work in the field is entirely coordinated with the Israel Land Authority, and all planning and land limitations are dependent on that connection. After receiving permission from all the planning bodies, security and the National Parks and Nature Authority, we entered the area and are working energetically under the direction of the KKL-JNF Southern Region Forest Department, thanks to the dedicated work of Motti Shariki, Shimon Dahan and Itzik Amsalem. KKL-JNF teams are improving the area while getting rid of all the obstacles with decisiveness and determination, and soon it will be possible to see a real improvement.”
