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

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

The Harz is experiencing profound change in response to the urgent challenges of climate change. Lower Saxony has set ambitious goals for reforestation and plans to reduce traditional spruce stands in favor of mixed forests on an impressive 270 square kilometers. This was recently decided by the administrative board of the state forests and is absolutely necessary, as many trees have been severely damaged in recent years by drought and pests such as the bark beetle, not to mention the almost 30% dead spruce trees in the Harz within just three years. The NDR reports that foresters like Michael Rudolph have to observe the alarming effects of these past five to six years.

With a budget of over 100 million euros, the state government is showing commitment to reforestation, which affects more than half of Lower Saxony's state forest in the Harz Mountains - 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 in order to strengthen biological diversity and improve the forest's ability to adapt to climate change haz.de notes.

Restructuring for the future

Reforestation goes beyond just planting trees. Not only will the spruce, which remains as coniferous forest in 28% of the high altitudes, but also pioneer tree species such as the rowan, birch, willow and aspen will find their place. Mixed tree species such as sycamore maple and sessile oak are also promoted. It is noteworthy that over a fifth of the area is left to natural succession to allow natural renewal of the ecosystem. This creates areas that can provide new habitats, while collapsing spruce trees provide structure and dead wood that is important for many species.

The conversion of the forest must be done quickly and effectively because the current challenges are diverse. Drought and bark beetle infestation have led to dramatic forest dieback. The bark beetles damage the spruce trees by eating away their bark and blocking the trees' transport routes. Alexander Frese, master forester, leads the necessary measures to plant native tree species as well as proven non-native species and to protect nature. Different tree species are found in neighborhoods to promote diversity.

A look into the future

Mixed forests are not only an evolution of forestry operations, 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 events caused by climate change, due, among other things, to their higher biodiversity and stability. The potential, as for beech-fir mixtures, is perceived as particularly promising as they are more robust due to their different root systems. Half of the experts surveyed consider mixed forests to be a better choice in terms of ecosystem service and also in terms of wood yield, which is important for the wood industry.

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