Regulation No. 1657 on protection of Vågsdalsliane natural reserve, Birkenes municipality, Aust-Agder.

The purpose of this Regulation is to preserve an old forest with rare intact deciduous forest dominated by oak. The natural reserve extends approximatelly to 4 407 hectares and has particular importance for biodiversity in terms of a high quantity of dead wood of various dimensions and qualities and many standing old and rough, partly hollow, woodland. Important natural values linked to the structures formed in old, coarse grown oak make the area a well graded district and is characterized by long, steep east-facing hillsides with transverse rift valleys down at an inland fjord. The forest holds large species variation and variable richness. Vågsdalsliane has touches of rich and regionally rare vegetation types, while the heigh areas find poor, barren coniferous forests. Grove, old oaks are scattered throughout this zone and is rich in dead wood, especially aspen. The objective of this Regulation is to maintain conservation values in the most untouched state, and possibly developing them.
The natural reserve protection shall include the following safety regulations: vegetation, including dead trees and bushes, are protected against damage and destruction – it is therefore forbidden to remove plants and fungi or parts thereof from the reserve. Planting or seeding of trees and other vegetation is prohibited. b) Wildlife, including nesting sites are protected against damage, destruction and unnecessary disturbance. The release of animals is prohibited. c) No measures that could change the natural environment may be implemented (construction of buildings, equipment, fences or other permanent or temporary facilities, parking of caravans, barracks, overhead lines, underground cables or sewers, construction of roads, drainage or other form of reclamation, removal, filling or storage mass, discharge of sewage or other concentrated contaminant, dropping of waste, fertilizing, liming or use of chemical pesticides). Littering is prohibited. d) Use of the natural reserve to major events is prohibited.