New President of the Bavarian Forest Owner Association: Breitsameter in an interview

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On August 24, 2024, Bernhard Breitsameter from Unterschweinbach was introduced to his office as President of the Bavarian Forest Owner Association (WBV). In his new role, the graduate forestry has taken on the responsible task of representing the interests of around 700,000 forest owners. In an interview, Breitsameter described the challenges that arise for forest owners in the face of climate change and the increasing demands on the forests.

In a hot morning, protected in the shadow of his sustainably managed forest, Breitsameter illuminates the connection between the recreation function of the forest and the need to use it economically. For many people, the forest is a retreat for relaxation and an important part of their quality of life. At the same time, he is an economic factor for forest owners to discard yields. "With the spruce stocks that are threatened by various factors, it makes sense to harvest wood," he explains, referring to the need to convert these stocks into more climate -stable mixed forests.

The forest as a habitat and business center

Breitameters clearly express the different views of the forest: "While the forest is important for the public as a recreation room, forest owners must not be pushed into a loss situation." This duality often leads to misunderstandings. His predecessor Josef Ziegler got this to the point: "Anyone who demands the decommissioning of a forest in the morning and buying a wooden cabinet in the afternoon does not understand the connections." It is all the more important to sensitize the public for the actual relationships between forestry, climate protection and recreational space.

A central concern of wide -ammeters is the changeover to a mixed forest climatic. The conventional approach with spruce, beech and fir is out of date, he explains. Tree species such as Douglasia, coastal firs and various leafy wood should be considered, since they can be attributed to a higher tolerance compared to the changing climatic conditions. The variety of varieties is of crucial importance: "It is not just about which trees we plant, but also which root systems and light requirements you have," continues broadly.

economic challenges and game management

The WBV represents a variety of interests, including private forest owners, parishes, municipal forests and even state forest. The networking of these different groups is essential for broad -pages: "The cooperation of all actors is crucial to successfully manage forest areas." He is aware that a healthy forestry is closely linked to game management. "There is no forest without game," he emphasizes, referring to the challenges that can be caused by wild verb. A balanced relationship between hunting and forest care is necessary here to minimize damage and to promote biodiversity.

Another aspect is the responsibility of the public offices in tree species advice. These institutions are required to support the forest owners in the selection of suitable tree species and at the same time provide support. Breitsameter also brings its multiplier role in various committees to represent the interests of forest owners at the political level.

A look into the future of forest management

The demands on the forests are becoming increasingly complex. While society insists on the forest as a place of relaxation, it must withstand economic pressure at the same time. Dealing with the ecological challenges of climate change is one of the key competencies that forest owners have to develop. Breitameter sums it up: "We have to act responsibly in order to protect our ecosystem and at the same time to be able to operate sustainably." The forest not only has a clear ecological value, but will also play an increasingly important role in the production of renewable resources. As a platform for exchange and cooperation, the WBV will continue to play a leading role for the Bavarian forest owners in the future.

The challenges that forest owners stand today are diverse and at the same time complex. It is not only the question of the trees and the yields, but also the handling of the climate and biological diversity. In Bavaria's forests, the effects of climate change are manifested, which are shown in the form of drought -related tree deaths and an increase in pests. These changes require an adapted forestry and a stronger interdisciplinary cooperation between the forest owners and the responsible institutions.

The influence of climate change on forestry

Forestry in Germany, especially in Bavaria, is significantly affected by climate change. According to a study by the Thünen Institute, dry periods and heat waves have led to a decline in spruce stocks, which traditionally represent one of the most common tree species in German forests. The increase in mild winter also favors the spread of pests such as the bark beetle, which further endangers the resistance of the forests. The Bavarian State Institute for Forest and Forestry (LWF) documents that the number of damages has increased significantly in recent years, which has increased the economic losses for forest owners.

In this regard, the advice from experts and the adaptation of forest use is becoming increasingly important. The integration of climate silicians tree species and mixed forests plays a central role in order to keep the forests stable in the long term and to ensure ecological, economic and social functions.

Significance of biodiversity and care of the ecosystems

Another important aspect is the biodiversity of the forests. The promotion of a diverse flora and fauna can help keep the ecosystem stable. Studies have shown that diverse mixed forests are more resistant to pests and climatic changes. Therefore, reforestation with different tree species and the maintenance of existing stocks is recommended as a key strategy.

The Bavarian biodiversity strategy aims to promote biodiversity in the forests and at the same time secure the social and economic functions of the forests. A large number of initiatives, including local projects to restore habitats, illustrates the commitment of forest owners and associations to promote sustainable forestry and to protect the ecosystems.