State forestry office warns of snow and wind breakage
Thuringia's State Forestry Office has warned of increased wind and snow breakage when winter storms hit the weakened Thuringian forests. Hikers and winter sports enthusiasts should be careful during storms, as there is also a risk of crown breakage, the state forestry office announced in Erfurt on Thursday. Due to the drought of recent years, there is damage to the root system and crown area of many trees.
Forests should be left when gusts of wind become stronger. Even branches that are not so strong pose a considerable risk of injury if they fall from a great height. Caution should also be exercised after storms, as broken branches could get caught in the crowns and fall. Forests should only be visited two to three days after a storm.
Forest owners are not liable for damage caused by falling parts of the crown or falling trees. In legal terms, this is a typical forest hazard that is part of the general risk of life.
Given the current state of Thuringian forests, due to the damage caused by drought, it's crucial for forestry to be approached with caution. Hikers and skiers should avoid forests when gusts of wind become strong, as weakened branches and possible crown breakage pose a risk of injury.
Source: www.dpa.com
