The interim manager was requested by a family business with its own forest. The project brief: to develop a sustainable concept, initiate the first steps and implement the first measures to make the forests owned by the client future-proof in the face of looming climate change.
Ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change
The client's forests have a very high proportion of spruce trees. These are very susceptible to pests during dry periods or are uprooted by storms in winter. This results in low market prices, which in turn have an extremely negative impact on earnings over several years.
The interim manager developed a concept for the ecosystem-based adaptation of the forest to climate change. The aim was to maintain the performance of the forest in the long term. The concept therefore aimed to cushion the consequences of unfavorable climate-related developments such as heavier rainfall, more frequent flooding, heat waves and periods of drought. In addition to ensuring sustainable management, the concept also took into account the need for a sustainable yield. The yield should be as independent as possible from the sometimes immense market fluctuations.
Conversion to sustainable plenter forest driven forward
The plenter forest is a special form of high forest. It is characterized by the fact that all strength classes, from seedling to strong wood, are represented in close proximity to each other. For sawmills or as firewood, only individual, ready-to-harvest logs are taken - and in small numbers. Plenterwald is therefore a constantly rejuvenating permanent forest with an excellent CO₂ balance. On the cost side, expensive planting is saved as the trees grow back free of charge through natural regeneration. In addition, this form of mixed forest is relatively well protected against attacks from wind, snow and pests due to its heterogeneous structure.
Controlling interventions enable natural development into a mixed forest
Plenter forests do not develop by themselves. Rather, interventions must be made in the stand to enable natural development into a mixed forest. The interim manager therefore had thick and diseased trees removed to promote young growth. Light control was achieved by cutting out thick wood. Beech, oak and alder were specifically promoted on femel areas. In order to achieve a better mix of new tree species, fluttering elms, Douglas firs, red alders and sycamore maples were planted.
First successes of the sustainable forest change visible after just a few months
"Forest takes time": However, the first successes were clearly visible after just a short time. Beech, oak, pine and fir trees multiplied very strongly through natural regeneration, while the specifically promoted tree species dominated the femel areas. The main project was successfully completed after six months. The follow-up project will now focus on regular monitoring and ensuring sustainable development.
