Sturm damage in Haigerloch: Avoid forest areas and quickly remove storm wood

Sturm damage in Haigerloch: Avoid forest areas and quickly remove storm wood

heavy thunderstormal front causes considerable damage in the forests of the Zollernalb district

The thunderstorm from 11th to July 12, 2023 has caused great damage in the forests of the Zollernalb district. In particular, the forest areas around Haigerloch on the districts hard, Heldorf and Gruol as well as the adjacent forests around the Kirchberg monastery on the Sulz-Renfrizhausen district are severely affected.

The gusts of storms were uprooted and paths in the forest areas affected were made impassable. In addition, many trees have partially broken down and represent an acute danger. Christian Beck, head of the Zollernalbkreis forestry, warns against entering these forest areas. There is a risk of being hit by falling branches. In the next few days, the forestry office will work to clear the forest paths and to eliminate the storm wood in the assisted corporate forest companies as quickly as possible.

private forest owners are asked to check their forests on storm damage as soon as possible. Especially in softwood stocks, broken tree tops, fallen trees and tree stumps offer optimal breeding conditions for the bark beetle. The current warm temperatures also favor a rapid development of the pests. In order to minimize an infestation and the spread of the beetles, it is important to process the storm wood as soon as possible and remove them from the forest.

The processing of storm wood carries a considerable risk for people who work in the forest. The forestry office recommends private forest owners who do not have the required expertise and the necessary equipment to use professional forestry entrepreneurs. For experienced forest administrators who have the right technical support, it is recommended to find out about the necessary working procedures in advance. The agricultural professional association offers corresponding handouts online.

It is important to note that the sole work in the forest is prohibited according to the accident prevention regulations. People who work in the forest should also find out about the official rescue points in order to receive quick help in an emergency. The rescue points in the Zollernalbkreis can be found online on the website www.zollernalbkreis.de/forst.

For forest owners who want to market their wood through the district office, it is advisable to contact the forestry area or the wood sales point responsible for them in advance. There it can be clarified which wooden range can be processed and can be sold. If you have any questions about the forest, owners can contact the forestry office at any time.