KLIMWALD – Successful Climate Adaptation in the Communal Forests | Umweltbundesamt

Object of investigation:

• Silvicultural concept for climate adaptation in forests of the participating municipalities
• Wildlife management

The expected changes in temperature and precipitation distribution vary regionally. As part of the KLIMWALD project, projected climate changes for the period 2041-2070 were projected for the project area in northern Hesse. The scenario RCP8.5 was used for this. This assumes that fossil energy continues to be used unrestrainedly and no effective technology for airborne CO2 fixation is used.

• Reference period 1961-1990
• 1987-2016
• 1991-2050
• Projections for 2041-2070

Climate change poses major challenges for the forest ecosystem. In the Northern Hesse region, scientists expect warmer and wetter winters, as well as warmer and drier summers. In addition, it can be assumed that extreme events such as storms, droughts or heavy rain increasingly negatively impact the forest. It is foreseeable that pure spruce stands at many locations in North Hesse are no longer sustainable. As of today, the negative consequences of increasing drought in the summer can be seen. One reason why alternative tree species have to replace the spruce increasingly is caused by the susceptibility to windfall. The prevailing Beech in Northern Hesse can better deal with the expected changes in annual temperature and precipitation. Occasionally occurring dry phases during the growing season may compensate for the beech. However, it would be critical if extensive dry phases occur during the growing season and in successive years. There would be a risk that diseases and pests significantly affect the health of the book. Climate change can be a serious threat to the forests in Northern Hesse. Due to the slow growth of the trees, effective measures to safeguard the future of the forest are already required today.

• Climate change is affecting the forest system. Temperature and water availability are essential for forest growth and health.
• Stress occurs in the forest mainly due to insufficient water supply during the growing season; As a result, susceptibility to harmful events increases.
• Damage caused by climate change can cause significant economic losses.
• To permanently secure the forest resources for prevention measures are needed today.

• The goal of climate adaptation in the forest is the stabilization of existing forest resources and the reduction and distribution of risks.
• The aim is to create vital, stable, diverse and adaptable forests.
• The increase of the individual tree and stand stability, the site-specific choice of tree species, the participation of suitable hybrid tree species and the preservation of genetic diversity are essential components of the future-oriented silvicultural strategies.

Wildlife Management:

• Multi-territorial organization beyond field forests borders is necessary.
• Hunting strategy also takes into account habitat requirements and biology of wild animals in addition to economic interests.
• The design of calmed grasslands allows steering pf the red deer and thus a reduction of peeling and biting damage in the forest.
• The increase in roe deer resulting from the improved food supply must be skimmed off in order to avoid an increase in population and game damage.
• Hunting strategies must be adapted to wild species. In red deer areas special attention must be paid to the sensitive red deer. Therefore: No night hunting in the forest allowed