by: Ulla Vänttinen
Reif, A., Brucker, U., Kratzer, R., Schmiedinger, A., Bauhus, J., 2010. Forest management in times of climate change - Synergies and potential conflicts between forestry and nature conservation | [Waldbewirtschaftung in Zeiten des Klimawandels - Synergien und Konfliktpotenziale zwischen Forstwirtschaft und Naturschutz]. Naturschutz und Landschaftsplanung 42 (9), pp. 261-266.
Abstract
The survey of representatives from six federal states in Germany and a literature review identified synergies as well as potential conflicts between foresters and nature conservationists. Focal points were the selection of tree species and adaptive strategies of forest management to climate change. The adaptive capabilities of the native tree species were assessed similarly by both groups. Spruce trees (Picea abies) were labelled as labile whilst the prominence of others species such as beech (Fagus sylvatica), oak (Quercus spec.), fir (Abies alba), and valuable broadleaf trees is supposed to increase. It has been noted that the douglas-fir seems to be reasonably adapted to a drier and warmer climate. Concerning the choice of adaptive strategies for forest management there is consensus on the following points: local native tree species will principally be suitable; there will be shifts in the proportions of tree species; mixed, structured and stabile forests will reduce and pool risks. Different opinions were encountered in respect to the cultivation or usage of exotic tree species, shorter rotation periods, and the amount of deadwood in managed forests. Both groups have different opinions on how to solve the current situation: Forest experts have promoted a proactive forest conversion which should be adopted immediately. Nature conservationists seem to be split into camps. Partly they have supported faster-paced proactive forest conversions; others have favoured a slow-paced forest conversion steering natural successional processes; and again others have tended to accept a complete breakdown of current tree stands.
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