New mixed forest in the Eifel: the latest reforestation against the climate crisis!

New mixed forest in the Eifel: the latest reforestation against the climate crisis!

In the Nordkreis Kusel, the sensitive topic of afforestation is again placed. Hundreds of white plastic covers are in the forest between Lauterecken and Cronenberg, which hide young trees. Forstwirt-Azubis are busy planting a new mixed forest in this region. This commitment comes after numerous spruces of the bark beetle plague fell victim after two years ago. District forester Kai-Sophie Nöcker is active in the area and has to deal with the challenges of future-oriented forest management. The previous vegetation was partly covered by proliferating blackberries, which made it difficult to locate new tree species.

In a similar situation, the Bavarian State Forests are faced with. Fabian Mainardy, head of a 90-person team, observes a bald area of ​​500 hectares on the Rennsteig in the Kronach district, which is largely privately owned. Around 50 percent of the spruces are damaged by bark beetles, while the bald area in the state forest remains below 10 percent. Due to the impending climate crisis and the pioneering problem in the afforestation, Mainardy is under immense pressure to act. High grass stocks and an increased mouse population hinder the planting of new trees.

challenges of afforestation

In order to counter the challenge, the Bavarian State Forests rely on proactive measures. Christian Goldammer, a local district manager, has already achieved success with Lebanon Zeders who were planted five years ago. With around 300 euros per solid meter, this tree species brings a higher price than conventional spruces. In the past three years, 1.5 million tree winches have been set, all of which come from secure origin. In particular, small firs from the state plant garden in Bindlach are the focus of the reforestation strategy.

In addition, it was found that some bald areas on which acorns were sown out of the Spessart thrive. These successes encourage the decision to proactively plant tree species in the future before crises become visible. A colorful mixed forest of beeches, mountain haorn, firs and larches is created, which grows under the healthy spruces.

future of punitive mixed forests

The long -term effects of climate change on the tree species must remain in focus. The specialist Jürgen Gauer from the Waldecology and Forestry Research Institute Rhineland-Palatinate analyzes the soil in bald areas, which consists of clay and sound and is unsuitable for flat-rooting spruces. The storm in March, which has torn down numerous conifers, also tightened the situation. As a result, the head of Bernhard Frauenberger expects a pioneer tree like the birch in these areas, while the grape oak also has good chances.

The forester plan to increase biodiversity through targeted plantings. Future mixed forests are said to consist of different tree species, including stem areas, noble chestnut, food chestnut and winter linden to minimize the risk of tree species losses. Up to twelve tree species per area are the target. Ulrike Höfken, the Rhineland-Palatinate Minister of Forestry, emphasizes the importance of mixed forests for the future. Features are more and more missing the perspectives, which is also evident in the still healthy spruce forest, where it is now made.

The forest functions, such as the regulation of the water balance and the protection of the soil from erosion, are essential for the ecosystem. It is therefore crucial that the governments create incentives for sustainable forest management. Höfken calls for greater fees of these forest functions from the climate fund and effective measures to reduce emission. Cooperation with the “Forest Stewardship Council” is emphasized to certify natural forest management.

Current reforestation measures in the region show that it is important not only to react to the existing challenges, but also to develop future -oriented strategies in order to give the forests a sustainable future. This is more necessary than ever to obtain the invaluable ecological services of the forests.