Discover the Wald War: Free Excursion on July 22nd!

Discover the Wald War: Free Excursion on July 22nd!

In the beautiful Wald, forest owners and interested parties on July 22 have the opportunity to learn everything worth knowing about the current state of the forests with an exciting excursion. Organized by the Saxony Forest forest district, district forester Karsten Preussner leads the event. From 4.30 p.m. it starts at the parking lot at the Waldbad Fraureuth, where no admission is due and no prior registration is required. These informative excursions are an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and opportunities in the forest.

A central topic will be the ongoing and planned forest conversion, which is becoming increasingly important in view of the growing challenges, such as bark beetle attack. The bark beetle, which has been favored by strong storms and extreme drought in recent years, has caused massive damage, especially on spruce forests. But deciduous trees such as beeches and oaks are also affected, which requires necessary adjustments in forest management. The funding from the state and federal government is becoming increasingly important.

funding and support

The current situation in forestry makes it clear how immensely the funding measures gain in importance. At the federal and state levels, there are measures for both approved and new applications that run by 2026. By increasing the funding rate for forest conversions, the incentive to actively manage the forest is created. From August 16, 2024, the funding for renovation measures outside of protected areas will be increased from 70 % to 75 % and even from 70 % to 85 % for protected areas. At a time at which ecological responsibility is required, attention is also paid to biodegradable materials when using the growth shells.

In order to adapt the forests in Germany to climate change, the Federal Ministry of Wald in cooperation with the federal states has taken various measures in the past. An aid package of 478 million euros at the federal level secured the financing for private and municipal forest owners between 2020 and 2023. For 2024, up to 125 million euros for forest conversion and reforestation are provided in budgetary plans.

The question of wood harvesting and sustainable management

The average raw wood potential in Germany is currently 80.6 million m³ per year, but there is already a declining potential for spruce and pine, while it increases in deciduous trees. This should encourage forest owners to plant climate -friendly tree species and adapt to the current circumstances. For the coming year, a clear focus will be on economically sustainable and climate-adapted management as part of the "Climate adjustment culture" funding program.

The measures taken, some of which also include forest protection measures such as monitoring and combating harmful organisms, show how crucial a proactive and common approach is in forestry. In order for the forests to be preserved for future generations, all actors are required to actively work and find innovative solutions. For many, this excursion to the Wald, for many, could be the opportunity to do exactly that and take a step towards sustainable forest management.