title: Genko Forest Belt
text: # Genko Forest Belt
  
  Genko's Forest Belt (Russian: Лесополоса Генко) is a system of historic forest belts in Russia's Ulyanovsk Oblast. Planted over a century ago, it is now considered a "natural monument", and is legally protected as one of the protected areas of Ulyanovsk Oblast.
  
  ## History
  
  In 1886-1903, watershed protection forest belt planting was carried out in this area. The project was initiated by the well-known Russian forester, Nestor Karlovich Genko (1839-1904). The windbreak forest strips planted under his plan are still considered both to be beneficial for the local agriculture and to be of interest for researchers.
  
  ## Current state
  
  The plantings are in a good condition, and naturally regenerate. In some areas, they are already composed of the second generation of trees. The most common tree species occurring in the forest strips are: oak, maple, pine, birch, linden, elm.
  
  The forest strips' total area is 16.25 $km^2$ (1,625 ha).
  
  Construction work, agricultural activity, felling of trees (except for removal of dead trees, etc. for the forest maintenance purposes) are prohibited in the forest strip.
  
  