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Experts in the woods: (from left) Robert Krebs, Andreas Neuner, Martin Echter and Thomas Gugler in the Mittenwald forest district. © TSCH
The Bavarian State Forests manage over 750,000 hectares of forest. They want to bring animals and nature into harmony. In doing so, they find themselves caught between two fronts.
“We are on the right track,” says Robert Krebs. And points to a silver fir. It is not big. It measures just one meter. For outsiders, it is an unspectacular sight. But the head of the Bad-Tölz forestry company is pleased. He feels confirmed that “we are not doing everything wrong.” In the Mittenwald forest district too. Firs have deep roots. They are very robust. A popular tree species. Because they are also less susceptible to bark beetles or dry periods. The latter are becoming more common in times of climate change. It cannot be taken for granted that the young specimen will grow undisturbed there.
A small silver fir makes the head of the forestry office very happy
Red and roe deer like to stay in this area. Especially in winter – when the green plants on the ground are covered in snow – buds and tree bark are a valued meal. Andreas Neuner wants to offer an even better meal. From December, the professional hunter lures the animals to the game feeder a little further down. Among other things, with hay and straw. Up to 100 animals come between December and May. In spring, there is also corn silage. “As a little treat,” says the Mittenwalder. This stops the animals from damaging young trees.
And the example of the fir tree shows that this works. At least with red deer. The deer, which are mainly after the buds, do not get to the feeding area. Mainly because they would not tolerate their larger relatives there. A large research project has now shown that there are relatively few deer in the Karwendel region. The wild animal population was examined on 5200 hectares. One key finding: there are still relatively large numbers of chamois there. (we reported).
Krebs wants more objectivity in emotional discussions
A satisfaction for Krebs. “There were many voices saying that we should eradicate the chamois.” He wants to bring more objectivity to the discussions. His employer is constantly being criticized. He often finds himself caught between the fronts of various associations. “We are in the middle,” says the Franconian. You can’t please everyone. Public debates, especially when it comes to killing animals, are emotionally charged. The research results could make an important contribution here. They also showed that the gender ratio of chamois is relatively balanced. What the researchers also found out: around 70 percent of chamois are found in the higher mountains. “We only hunt them very sporadically there,” explains Krebs. Because there are no more trees growing there, the animals cannot cause any damage.
How intensive the hunting is depends on the condition of the young trees. Krebs speaks of zones. The Mittenwald district, which Martin Echter is responsible for as a forester, can also be divided in this way. In some places – for example in steeper terrain – the forest has special functions. In winter it protects paths, roads and settlements from avalanches. In summer it protects against mudslides. To ensure that the forest can do this, the authorities allow more intensive hunting.
Spruce trees dominate a forest area: “We want to get away from that”
Krebs’ eyes often wander out the car window. He gets out of the vehicle with his deputy Thomas Gugler. If you look up the hill, spruce trees dominate. “We want to get away from that,” explains Gugler. The goal is a mixed forest. A combination of larch, fir, Bergarhorn and beech would be ideal at the foot of the Fischbachalm. “We want to be broadly positioned,” emphasizes Echter. Because with nature you never know what will happen next. Whether all tree species will survive. Especially in times of climate change. This is visible in the area. For example, in the beech trees that are growing at ever higher altitudes. The landscape is changing.
A piece of forest at an altitude of around 1200 metres will also have a different look in the future. Young trees: not really a sign. Overall, it is still relatively light there. Krebs deliberately stops his car at this point. “There is still a lot to do here,” he emphasises. That is where we need to intervene. For example, with increased hunting. “That is what we are here for,” says Neuner.
(By the way: Everything from the region is now also available in our regular GAP newsletter.)
As they head back into the valley, Krebs presses the brake pedal again. Rolls down the window. And looks into the forest next to the forest road. As far as he can. The many trees make it difficult. In the 90s you could still see several hundred meters through, says the 64-year-old. Still a pleasant sight. Even if the new visibility makes hunting more difficult for colleague Neuner. (tsch)
