Lower Saxony intervenes: 270 square kilometers New forests in the Harz!

Lower Saxony intervenes: 270 square kilometers New forests in the Harz!

Harz, Deutschland - The Harz experiences a profound change that reacts to the urgent challenges of climate change. Lower Saxony sets ambitious goals in the reduction and plans to reduce traditional spruce stocks in favor of mixed forests on a proud 270 square kilometers. This was recently decided by the Board of Directors of the State Forests and is imperative, since many trees have been severely damaged in recent years by drought and pests such as the bark beetle, not to mention the almost 30% died spruce in the resin within just three years. The [NDR] (https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/info/wie-kriegen-wir-den-harz-fit-fuer-klimawandel-, Klimawald144.html) reports that forester such as Michael Rudolph must observe the alarming effects of the past five years.

With a budget of over 100 million euros, the state government shows commitment to the relapse that affects more than half of the Lower Saxony state forest in the Harz - an area larger than the Deister. The main focus is on a diverse tree species structure, with the beech becoming the central tree species in the mountain forests. This decision is welcomed by the nature conservation association (NABU), which considers the upcoming start of the program to be important to strengthen the biological diversity and to improve the adaptability of the forest to climate change, as well as haz.de note.

restructuring for the future

Referee goes beyond the mere plants of trees. It will not only be the spruce, which is preserved in 28% of the high layers as a coniferous forest, but also pioneer tree species such as the rowan berry, the birch, the salt pasture and the Espe will find their places. Furthermore, mixed tree species such as the mountain maple and the grape oak are encouraged. It is noteworthy that a fifth of the area of natural succession is left to enable natural renewal of the ecosystem. This creates areas that can offer new habitats, while collapsing spruce structure and dead wood donate that are important for many species.

The conversion of the forest must be done quickly and effectively, because the current challenges are varied. Dryness and bark beetle infestation have led to a dramatic forest death. The bark beetles damage the spruces by eating their bark and blocking the trees of the trees. Alexander Frese, forestry champion, leads the necessary measures to plant domestic tree species as well as proven non-local species and to protect nature. Different tree species are located in quarters to promote diversity.

A look into the future

mixed forests are not only an evolution of forestry, they are also a necessity for the future. According to a study by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), mixed forests are better prepared for extreme climate change -related extreme events, including due to their higher biodiversity and stability. The potential, such as for beech fir mixes, is perceived as particularly promising, since they are more robust due to their different root systems. Half of the experts surveyed consider mixed forests to be better choice with regard to the ecosystem performance and also with regard to the wood yield, which is important for the wood industry.

The employees of the Lower Saxony State Foresters invest over 20 million euros in the renovation and relapse year after year. But the success of this reforestation remains uncertain and is also aimed at the coming generations. Marcus Lindner from the European Forest Institute emphasizes the need for sustainable farm forests that both deliver raw materials and can contribute to climate protection. It is up to us to set the right course and make the forests fit for the future.