Forest conversion in climate change: Offenburg city forest as a role model!

Forest conversion in climate change: Offenburg city forest as a role model!

An important visit was scheduled for September 2, 2025 in the Offenburg city forest. State Secretary Volker Schebesta and CDU politician Sarah Schweizer visited the region to find out about forest conversion in the context of climate change. Together with leading representatives of the Technical Operations Offenburg (TBO), they researched the challenges that forest conversion entails and the possibilities that hunting can support. This initiative is all about adapting the forests to the changed climatic conditions, which have become noticeable since summer 2018, especially as a result of the bark beetle and other harmful influences.

“Forest conversion and hunting can go hand in hand,” said State Secretary Schebesta during his tour. On this occasion it became clear that an adapted game density is crucial for the forest of the future. Sarah Schweizer highlighted the long-term need for tree species such as English oak, which can contribute to the survival of the forest in a changing environment. This is in line with calls for a wider range of tree species to be sustainable for the next 100 to 200 years, as pure spruce could soon become a thing of the past.

The change in silviculture

The urge for change in silviculture has long since arrived in society. The switch to natural management, which has become increasingly important in the last 25 years, is taking place, among other things, in the planning of mixed forests. Mixed forests, which include a variety of tree species and age classes, not only provide stability against storms, but also promote root formation. This diversity helps to compensate for losses caused by biotic influences such as pests, a fact that is repeatedly emphasized by experts. Natural regeneration must therefore take changes in climate change into account, because plants need sufficient time to develop.

“Smart wildlife management measures are the basis for healthy wild populations,” explains Maximilian Lang, the TBO’s wildlife officer. The hunting model in the urban forest was highlighted as exemplary and could be groundbreaking for other municipalities. The responsible foresters show how a harmonious interaction between hunting and silviculture can work in an exemplary manner. The successful implementation of the model in the urban forest could serve as a guide for other cities.

The future of tree species

A broad discussion about the tree species of the future is in full swing. Researchers recommend planting so-called “exotics” such as serviceberries, tree hazel, black walnut and sweet chestnuts in small areas in order to test their ability to adapt to the coming climate conditions. The aim is to spread suitable seed trees, which will serve as a basis for natural rejuvenation. An interdisciplinary project known as “MultiRiskSuit” is currently underway to identify and evaluate suitable tree species that are best suited to changing climatic conditions.

“A constructive dialogue between hunting and forestry is essential so that both sides can benefit from each other’s expertise,” emphasizes Hans-Georg Pfüller, head of the Forestry Office. There was agreement in the discussion: the Offenburg city forest is a model and role model for the challenges that climate change poses to forestry.