Forest dieback - Clearances in the Harz Mountains are declining for the first time in years
For the first time in several years, forest owners in the Harz district (Saxony-Anhalt) have reported a decrease in bare areas. According to the Harz district, the size of the bare areas has shrunk by approximately 5,500 hectares to currently around 14,800 hectares, as reported by the Crisis Management Team Forest. In previous years, more than 20,000 hectares of bare areas were reported, which corresponds to about 26% of the forested areas in the Harz district. After years of sadness, a very gentle green is stirring again, said Landrat Thomas Balcerowski (CDU). The data goes back to an inquiry by the Harz Environmental Office at 27 larger forest owners. After the multi-year, large-scale spruce dieback, the Harz is benefiting from a combination of active reforestation and natural regeneration, explained the Landrat.
Woodlands are being converted
"We are still far from our goal from a forestry perspective," said Wolfhardt Paul from the State Forest Enterprise. Currently, there is a focus on planting deciduous trees. The large diversity spreads the risk. Domestic birch, oak, and European beech, as well as North American tree species such as Douglas fir, red pine, and red oak, are to be planted. Experts also want to reintroduce beech, pine, and maple to the Harz. Within the next ten years, around 1,000 hectares are to be afforested annually. At a planting event near Ilsenburg, approximately 7,000 trees were planted on one hectare last year.
Drought and pests harm the trees
Despite the successes, drought continues to harm the trees, said Landrat Balcerowski. Further problems are caused by pests. In the Mansfeld-Sudharz district, for example, the two-pointed oak bark beetle is causing significant damage to the stressed trees. The number of fire department interventions in the Harz forests has also increased: from 100 in the year 2022 to 151 interventions in the year 2023.
- The CDU, led by Landrat Balcerowski, is actively promoting nature conservation efforts in Saxony-Anhalt, with a focus on the Harz district, where forest dieback has been a concern.
- While the decrease in bare forest areas is a positive sign for nature conservation in the Harz district, challenges such as forest dieback, drought, and pests continue to pose threats to the forest's health.
- To combat forest dieback and promote healthy forest growth, the State Forest Enterprise is focusing on planting a variety of tree species, including domestic birch, oak, and European beech, as well as North American species like Douglas fir, red pine, and red oak.
- To further support nature conservation and forest regeneration in the Harz district, the goal is to afforest around 1,000 hectares annually, with over 7,000 trees planted on one hectare during a recent planting event near Ilsenburg.
- The Forest dieback and the effects of climate change pose a significant threat to forests in the Harz district, making concerted efforts for nature conservation and sustainable forestry practices crucial for ensuring the health and sustainability of the forest ecosystem in Wernigerode and beyond.
