Our third-year students participated in a technical field trip to the Büyükorcuk Erosion Control Model Site within the jurisdiction of the Oltu Forest Enterprise Directorate as part of the Soil Conservation course, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Mustafa TÜFEKÇİOĞLU and Research Assistant Ahmet Mete ÇAKMAK.

During the field trip, the ecological, economic, and social characteristics of the Çoruh Basin, as well as the sustainable use of its natural resources, were examined on site. Our students had the opportunity to observe the effects of land use, climate, and topographical conditions on erosion processes, along with the fundamental characteristics of lake, wetland, and river ecosystems. In addition, the basin’s existing water resources and their significance for production sectors such as hydropower generation and cage aquaculture were evaluated. Particular attention was given to Tortum Lake and the wetland ecosystems formed in its upstream areas.

Ecological and economic assessments of the dams and reservoirs located along the Çoruh River were conducted, highlighting the importance of erosion control projects implemented throughout the basin for the sustainable management of soil and water resources. Within this context, the Büyükorcuk Model Site, which includes various erosion and flood control structures within the boundaries of the Oltu Forest Enterprise Directorate, was visited, and students received valuable information from field experts regarding the operation and effectiveness of these facilities.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Serkan KARAKURT, Regional Director of Erzurum Regional Directorate of Forestry, and Ms. Sultan DEMİR, Deputy Regional Director, for their support of this valuable field application. We also extend our thanks to Mr. Atakan AKALAN, Director of the Oltu Forest Enterprise Directorate, who accompanied and guided our students in the field, and to Mr. Ünsal ALTUN, Chief Engineer of the Survey and Project Department of the Regional Directorate, for sharing his expertise and contributing to the success of the visit.