Wood plays a special role in our society. It is almost indispensable for furniture production and house construction. This renewable raw material is also available regionally. The task of the foresters is the holistic care of the forest. This also includes the sustainable use of wood.
Now in the fall, timber harvesting begins again in the local forests and continues into the spring. This includes both the maintenance of young to middle-aged stands and the preparation of the forest for the next forest generation. During maintenance, known as thinning, only individual trees are felled. The remaining trees can use the space thus created and expand their crown. When stands are rejuvenated, larger gaps are created. This gives new young trees the opportunity to grow. Where trees do not regenerate naturally, climate-resilient trees are planted.
Climate change has an impact on timber harvesting
However, climate damage is changing the dynamics of timber harvesting. In forests where no maintenance measures would be necessary, individual trees or entire forest stands are dying. This requires a flexible response and crisis management. Maintenance interventions that are not absolutely necessary are postponed. Climate change affects the forest directly. Foresters use their options to minimize the impact of climate change on the forest. The aim is to create climate-stable forests for the future. In doing so, foresters benefit from the scientific findings of the Forest Research Institute.
Forests in particular play an important role in climate protection. Scientists differentiate the climate protection contribution of forests into the so-called "forest reservoir", the "wood reservoir" and the "substitution effect". Climate-damaging carbon is sequestered in the forest and wood reservoirs. The former is caused by the growth of trees in the forest, the latter by the use of wood in durable wood products. The substitution effect, on the other hand, refers to the saving of greenhouse gases by not using other materials with a poorer carbon footprint, such as concrete, metal and plastic. The substitution effect in particular makes a major contribution to climate protection.
Attention, timber harvesting: visitors to the forest are asked to keep to the barriers
The sustainable provision of the renewable raw material wood requires careful planning and organization in advance as well as appropriate consideration on the part of all forest visitors when carrying out the timber harvesting measures: for safety reasons, the relevant forest areas are cordoned off and the danger situation is pointed out. The Forestry Department urges you to observe the relevant barriers. If necessary, detour will be signposted. The work may result in soiling of the forest paths. The contamination will be removed promptly after the work has been completed.
