Trees Planted in the '80s Harz Forest are Flourishing with Planned Diversification
Established Woodland in Harz Region, Originated in the 1980s - Harz Forest Undergoing Positive Growth Process
Straight from the past of the 1980s, a forest in Harz is blooming. This forest, mixed in nature, was a response to the earlier air pollution crisis, often referred to as the first 'forest dieback'. The Lower Saxony State Forests, the company responsible for managing the state's forests, acknowledged this issue. The state forest accounts for approximately one-third of the total forest area in the state.
The eldest of these planted trees now stand tall, some reaching heights that could surpass the 200-year mark, according to district forester Mathias Weikert from Altenau. Maintenance work has commenced for the very first time, with selected trees being felled to create additional space. These felled trees will be taken away using horses and sold on the local market. The extra space will help the remaining trees to develop sturdy trunks, promoting growth.
Goodbye to monoculture Spruce
In place of the monoculture Spruce trees growing on the affected areas, around 12 million Beeches and two million other Deciduous trees like Mountain Ash, Ash, and Red Maple were planted between 1987 and 1996. These plantings covered around 6,200 hectares at a cost of 45 million D-Marks to the state.
While the remaining Spruce trees initially benefited from cleaner air and protected the young forest, they eventually succumbed to the second forest dieback caused by drought and bark beetle infestation. As a result, the Harz forest conversion is being continued, with plans for 90% of all forests to be mixed forests by 2050, as part of the Löwe+ program by the state government.
- Forest dieback
- 1980s
The reforestation efforts in the 1980s were motivated by the need to establish more resilient mixed forests rather than monocultures. Native tree species, including Spruce, Beech, Pine, Fir, and various broadleaf species, were planted to enhance biodiversity and resilience in the Harz region's forests. These forests have generally helped stabilize the ecosystem better than the earlier monocultures of Spruce.
- The Community policy should emphasize the importance of investing in scientific advancements, particularly in the field of environmental science, to combat climate change and protect our forests, as shown by the success of the '80s reforestation efforts in the Harz Forest.
- Employment opportunities can be created within the health-and-wellness sector by implementing policies that encourage the establishment and maintenance of healthier forests, like the mixed forests in the Harz Forest, which have proven to be more resilient to disease and environmental conditions.
- In the spirit of promoting diversity and reducing the risk of future air pollution crises, employment policies should advocate for the inclusion of medical-conditions related to air pollution in workplace wellness programs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment.
