Berchtesgaden: Forestry calls for rescue from climate change!

Berchtesgaden: Forestry calls for rescue from climate change!

Not only trees were recently removed at the Berchtesgaden forestry company, but also works of art. Forest manager Daniel Müller presented an impressive sculpture that symbolizes the change and challenges facing the forests. The forestry operation, which extends over three quarters of challenging Limestone Alpine terrain and includes nine areas, is currently in a state of upheaval. A generational change among foresters is imminent, which means that the future foresters will have the responsibility to pass the forest to the next generation in a better condition than they found it.

In recent years, climate change has had a massive impact on the forests both in Bavaria and throughout Germany. Deutschlandfunk reports that in many regions such as the Sauerland and Harz, large areas of dead spruce trees can be seen. The condition of German forests is alarming, as four out of five trees are now diseased. Spruce and beech trees are particularly affected, as their existence is threatened by drought, higher temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events. This makes it all the more important that the Berchtesgaden Forestry Company takes measures to make the forests more resilient.

The path to climate-fit forests

Various tree species are already being actively planted in Berchtesgadener Land in order to make the forest future-proof. BGland24 reports that around 30 tree species are cultivated, including serviceberry, white elm, black walnut, stone pine and yew. Oak trees are particularly important because they lose their leaves in winter and allow snow to pass through, which reduces the snow load on the trees. Mixed forests are promoted to increase diversity and ensure the survival of different tree species.

The challenges arising from climate change should not be underestimated. Extreme weather events, such as the snowfall in September 2024, have already caused extensive damage that had to be repaired using helicopters. Bark beetle control is also carried out preventatively by quickly removing and debarking fallen trees, all without the use of insecticides. In addition, there is fungal infestation, which also leads to the removal of infected trees.

The importance of the Forest Strategy 2050

The Federal Ministry's Forest Strategy 2050 sets the tone for how the care and protection of German forests will continue. The strategy aims to not only preserve forests in times of climate change, but also to continuously develop them. BMLEH describes that around 11.5 million hectares of forest in Germany play an important role and that the focus is on the challenges posed by climate change, such as adapting to weather-related changes.

It is becoming increasingly clear that a rethink is necessary in forestry. Mixed forests with higher biodiversity offer the best chance of creating resilient stands against drought and storm events. However, this change takes time. Deciduous trees such as oaks and beeches require 100 to 180 years to reach the maturity required for cutting.

Forest restructuring will be required in the long term and over several generations. Despite the partly declining financial situation in the forestry business, with a loss of 1.14 million euros in 2025, the foresters are determined to take the future of our forests into their own hands and fight to ensure that nature not only survives, but thrives.