Basic Document Brandenburg 1.1 Description of the Region

Basic document Brandenburg 1.1 Description of the region

Brandenburg is a federal state in the north-east of Germany, with Potsdam as its capital. Brandenburg borders Poland in the east, Sachsen in the south, Sachsen-Anhalt in the west, with Niedersachsen being its westernmost neighbour (a short stretch on the Elbe River) and Mecklenburg-Western-Pomerania being its neighbour in the north. Berlin, the federal capital situated in the centre, which constitutes a federal state in itself, is also encompassed in its entirety by Brandenburg. With its total area of 29,476 km², its maximum length of 291 km from north to south and a width of 244 km from east to west, Brandenburg is the fifth-largest federal state in Germany in terms of its surface area.

The forest in the state of Brandenburg covers an area of 1.1 million ha, in which around 37% of its surface area has been afforested. Brandenburg is one of the most densely-wooded federal states of Germany. In reference to its population, statistically this signifies that 0.42 ha of forest is at the disposal of each inhabitant of Brandenburg.

When examining the distribution of forests based on property ownership, it must be ascertained that Brandenburg is characterised by a very high portion (around 60%) of private forests, and this percentage will have a tendency to rise. Currently, these forests are divided roughly among 99,000 forest owners; in turn this distribution amounts to an average area of 6.18 ha per forest owner. The second largest portion of around 25 % belongs to the state of Brandenburg itself. The remaining forest areas are allocated as the property of the Federation (military training areas), residual areas of the BVVG (Bodenverwertungs- und -verwaltungs GmbH), corporation forest (Körperschaftswald) and related real estate of the Brandenburg state. The state of Berlin owns a portion of around 1% of the Brandenburg forest area.

Brandenburg is situated in a transitional zone between the Atlantic and Continental climates. The annual average temperature varies little. For this reason, the amount of precipitation proves fundamental for forest growth. Annual rainfall amounts to between 450 mm and 660 mm. The allocation of land area in climate areas corresponds to average precipitation values. In turn, the large-scale distribution of forest communities adheres to these climate areas. The North German Lowlands were shaped significantly through the repeated advances of the Scandinavian inland ice during the glacial epoch. Therefore, sediments that are almost exclusively glacial and post glacial are present on the Earth’s surface there. Glacial drifts and snowmelt sands are most widespread. Nutrient-poor sandy soils cover large areas of the Brandenburg region, particularly in central and southern Brandenburg, which provide the state with its characteristic imprint.

At 76%, Brandenburg is dominated by the pine (Pinus sylvestris) forest species. However, the vast pine forests at numerous locations do not correspond to the potentially natural vegetation. This imbalance is achieved through historical development of the forest in the region.

The age distribution of the forests as well as their local conditions have a significant influence on the amount and structure of wood stock. Effective from the 1st October 2002, 238 million solid cubic meters (Vfm) of wood

2 supply were determined. Thereby, Brandenburg has the lowest average wood supply in Germany. A considerable part (75%) of pine wood stocks are found in forests which are not older than 80 years of age.

1.2 Functions of forest to Brandenburg’s society

The forest is one of the most valuable natural resources which humans have the responsibility to protect, maintain and develop. Forest properties, its versatile effects on people, its ability to regenerate as well as its ability to produce renewable raw materials – all of these characteristics allow for it to be recognized as one of the most diversified ways of land use.

The versatile effects of the forest on man and environment are reflected in the forest functions.

Forest functions illustrate the properties of the forest which serve the function of providing existential security for human society. These are subdivided into protective, recreational and utility functions. Forest functions provide evidence of the current knowledge level available for establishing a framework for sustainability criteria in forest development and management.

Forest authorities in Brandenburg are responsible for these forest functions. Within the framework of forest function mapping, forest areas are thus recorded, mapped and continually updated.

The mapping process proves, among other things, to be an important condition for the qualification of the forests’ spatial patterns and for the evaluation of forest-related measures and planning by third parties. Furthermore, it serves as a basis for regional and land use planning of the Brandenburg state.

The objective of the above is to preserve the forest along with its manifold significance. What is therefore required is to be aware of the forest functions in order to be able to work towards forest development that is fitting to its functions.

Several Results of Forest Functions Mapping in Brandenburg (effective date 01 January 2006):

Forests in Brandenburg exhibit a high multi-functionality, which means that more than three protective, utility and/or recreational functions overlap on approximately 33% of the forest area. With an overlap parameter of 2.1, almost every surface area of the forest carries at least one implication reaching beyond that of wood production for the community. 60% of Brandenburg’s forest area displays at least one protective function. The forest plays a particular role in nature conservation and water pollution control. The percentage of forest area which bears the nature conservation function has increased over the last few years in particular due to the implementation of the NATURA 2000 programme. The significance of the forest for recreational purposes is continually rising. Currently, an increased usage of the forest for the purposes of hiking, walking, horse riding, and dog walking is observed on 32% of the forest area in Brandenburg.

3 It is possible to develop almost all forest areas. An overlap of various functions, such as for example nature conservation and water pollution control, may lead to management obligations or limitations.

1.2.1 Impact of Climate Change on Forest Functions The potential vulnerability of particularly important forest functions as affected by climate change in the North German Lowlands is displayed in Table 1. Vulnerability arises, as commonly defined, from climate change sensitivity and adaptability. Table 1: Important forest functions, their vulnerability in view of climate change in North German Lowlands and potential conflicts of objectives. Directions of arrows denote the degree of vulnerability (or sensitivity and adaptability), while colours refer to values (red denotes particularly problematic areas).

Strong responses have ensued from nature conservation and drinking water conservation on the local level when it comes to forest protective functions. Nature conservation is affected by emerging migration movements of species requiring protection and the change in the community associated with this migration; this in turn could partly call local protection concepts into question. Furthermore, there are additional complex direct and indirect climate change effects such as, for example, the development of immigrating or introduced invasive species, where viruses and parasites could be found. Effective adaptation options affect, if applicable, the changes in objective frameworks and the selection of protected commodities. Strategies adjusted accordingly will, however, not be acceptable to all respective nature conservation players and, therefore, certainly will require a vote from both the sector and the community as a whole. The influences on the utility function of the forest will be discussed separately in chapter 5.4. The impact on the recreational function cannot be determined with certainty. However, essentially greater adaptability of a majority of recreational seekers to diverse forest landscapes should be assumed.

4 2.1 Organisational Structure (National, Regional, Organigram chart)

On the national administration level, forestry is assigned to the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. Directorate- General 5, namely that of “Rural Areas, Agricultural Products and Forest- based Industries”, is subdivided into three sections. Under Subdivision 53 “Forestry, Forest-Based Industries, and Hunting”, four departments deal with the subject matter of Forestry Policy and Hunting (Department 531); Wood Market and Wood Utilization (Department 532); Silviculture, Silvicultural Protection, damage to forests and Forest stock-taking (Department 533), as well as with questions to sustainability, and international forest conservation (Department 534). The goal of the Federal Ministry is to create an optimal framework of reference for modern, multifunctional, innovative and sustainable forestry in Germany. The Federal Forests Act provides a framework for the federal states. By introducing the Charter for Wood, the Federal Ministry advocates a diversification of utilization of timber from native forests.

On the administrative level, forestry is assigned to the Ministry of Rural Development, Environment and Consumer Protection in the state of Brandenburg. Being one of 10 ministries, it forms one part of the Brandenburg Land Government. The minister presides over the ministry. The State Secretary is the ministry’s administrative head. The ministry encompasses a total of 6 departments. Under subdivision 2, namely that of “Rural Development, Agriculture and Forestry“, department 21 deals with forest policy whereas department 27 is concerned with silviculture, forest protection and forest planning. Since the 1st of January 2009, the Forestry Office State Brandenburg has been outsourced to the “Brandenburg Forest” Office. Aside from employees at the ministerial management level, the entire personnel (around 2,400 employees) have been transferred to this enterprise. The tasks of this office encompass the management of state-owned forest (around 270,000 ha), as well as consultancy and supervision of forests of other ownership, financial management and controlling, exercise of forest sovereignty and support of the common welfare benefits as well as the allocation of subsidies.

2.2 Goals of Forest Policy and Forest Management

State Brandenburg forest policy is based on the Brandenburg Forest Programme. A fundamental target course was developed in 2004 during a comprehensively participative process which included the representatives of all forest property ownerships and NGOs. It was approved in 2005. What is more, it is in compliance with the EU Forest Action Plan. The Brandenburg Forest programme is prefaced with a Brandenburg State Forestry mission statement which emphasises the particular significance of the role forests play in climate protection. Solely through forest conversion can the forest do justice to its significant role. Furthermore, the Forest Programme makes statements on:

Forest and Properties Development of rural areas Forestry planning Forest and nature Conservation Forest management

5 Certification Forest-friendly wildlife management Tourism and recreation Forestry development Wood as raw and energy source material Forestry Commission of the Federal State Dues and encumbrances Public Relations and Forest Pedagogy, and Forestry Research and Education/Training.

Based on the Brandenburg Forest Programme, the Forestry Office has compiled a Sustainable Balanced Score Card (SBSC) listing 24 objectives (these objectives include 20 economic, 6 ecological and 8 social). These goals have been put into operation via fact sheets. Sub-ordinate aims which are of particular importance are being supervised with the support of objective agreements between the ministry and the subordinated area. This includes the goal of forest conversion as a measure of prevention against climate change. Regrettably, the pursuance of objectives has not been consistently observed in all cases due to drastic organizational changes.

The Brandenburg State Forests Act clearly defines proper forest management. In 14 points it outlines what it constitutes as sustainable, careful and correct forest management. This provision demonstrates what type of forest management is expected by the legislator. However, it is largely an appeal to forest owners as legally it cannot be enforced on an individual basis. The rules for forest management of the forests which belong to the state are outlined in the form of directives. This so-called “Green Folder” regulates: Goals and principles Forest regeneration Treatment of the following tree species: pine, oak, beech, Douglas fir, and alder Principles of nature conservation in the forest Construction and treatment of forest edges.

These strict ecologically-oriented guidelines will also be applied during the allocation of subsidies. Private and community forest owners will be supported annually with 10 million Euros for the implementation of forest policy objectives.

3.1 Climate change in Brandenburg (What is forecast for our region? In general and directly relevant to forests?) The weather pattern of recent years in Brandenburg serves as an indicator for the prognosticated climate change in our region. The accumulation of the “summers of the century” phenomenon with ever new temperature records, very mild winters, a change in aridity, torrential rains as well as storms is clearly noticeable. Due to its geographic position (sub-Atlantic and sub-Continental climate border) and its otherwise natural conditions (for example sandy soils), Brandenburg is most likely to be affected by the consequences of climate change!

6 Relative Deviation of Teperature and Precipitation in the growth period from the longstanding average

for the 1971-2000 period at Level II-locations in Brandenburg

The effects on the Brandenburg forest are demonstrated and expressed in numbers. The forest fire area rose during the 2006 drought year to 269 ha (56 ha in the year 2005). Losses of crops and young stands resulting from drought rose in the same period (2000 ha in the year 2006). Furthermore, extreme weather conditions lead to negative effects on tree growth and ultimately on the acquisition of raw timber.

3.2 Dangers to native species (with reference to soil, water, biodiversity, wood, air quality and risks) Nature conservation is affected by emerging migration movements of species requiring protection and the change in the community associated with this migration which in turn could partly call local protection concepts into question. Furthermore, there are additional complex direct and indirect climate change effects such as, for example, the development of immigrating or introduced invasive species, wherein viruses and parasites could be found. Climate change will alter the north-German forests in their appearance, their constitution as well as their species configuration. These potential changes will have an influence on the entire spectrum of forest functions as well as on the productivity of forests for the community. The exploitation of forest functions through assorted interest groups (such as forest owners, nature conservationists, and the public) is often competitive and, therefore, creates conflicts. What is typical for Brandenburg is the occurrence of harmful insects which appear in mass gradations and necessitate the use of pesticides on thousands of hectares annually. In the process, particularly the accumulation of mild winters leads to a change and an overlap in the conventional gradation curve of insects. New, as yet unknown needle, leaf- eating, and wood pests are gaining in magnitude.

7 3.3 Prospects (positive effects of climate change)

In addition to the numerous negative effects of climate change on the forest ecosystem in Brandenburg, there are a few positive factors. Over the past 30 years, the average growing season in Germany has become extended by about 10 days. This leads to an intensification of photosynthesis and, thus, to an increase in the production of biomass. This is predominantly beneficial to agriculture. Thus, for instance, in some areas in Germany (for example in Hessen) in a few years it will become possible to obtain two harvests on the same acreage. However, an increase of dendromass (wood) in forests has already been documented as well, for instance, through Federal forest stocktaking II. One of the reasons for the aforementioned also includes the extension of the growth period resulting from the increase in annual average temperatures.

While this trend of an average 800 millimetre annual precipitation amount may display positive effects in the western parts of Germany, it needs to be perceived differently in the east of Germany, and in particular in Brandenburg, where annual precipitation amounts to less than 600 millimetres. Here, water shortage works against the positive trend of an increase in wood growth resulting from rising temperatures. Some areas exhibit a traceable water deficit. Targeted forest conversion measures, which will positively influence the storage and regeneration of groundwater, can partially compensate for this occurrence.

Water balance of pine and beech stands at different growth stages and of an oak stand in its timber-tree stage (Anders et al. 1999)

8 Furthermore, due to a shift in the animal and plant species areas resulting from climate change, species hitherto non-occurring in Brandenburg can reach us and have quite positive effects on the productivity and stability of the forest ecosystem.

3.4 Means to adjustment (existing programmes, practical approaches) Organization of species-rich forests with a diverse structure raises the stand stability and presents an important strategy for risk minimization against the uncertain future climate conditions. Mixed species-rich forests can potentially compensate for the loss of prospectively little adjusted tree species with others which are better adapted. A conversion of pure stands into mixed stands proves therefore an essential component part within the strategies for long-term safeguarding of sustainable multi-functional forest management and should be maintained on its hitherto existing scale. Private forests in particular should be activated to promote forest conversion. In addition to oak and beech trees, other so-called auxiliary and mixed tree species will gain in importance within the tree species spectrum. Impending nature regeneration needs to be observed in the early and middle stages of stand development and should be administered consciously. Also, an active non-natural introduction of a wider tree species palette (for instance on forest edges and in stand openings) should be promoted. Room for potential conflict exists when natural mixing of auxiliary and mixed tree species occurs in areas protected by the Habitats Directive and, thus, leads to a change in habitat type. In this case, priority is clearly to be given to natural forest development over the preservation of habitat type. Introduction and mixing of drought-tolerant, non-native tree species such as Douglas fir and locust as well as of native tree species of foreign origin can make a valuable contribution to adaptation/adjustment and risk minimization which in this form cannot be expected from native species. Harmonious wildlife management is crucial in whether an adaptable new forest can develop. From a wildlife biological point of view, animal populations will profit from warm winters and, thus, grow in numbers. However, in order to support the adjustment process of wood populations to the changing climatic conditions, additional stress factors need to be reduced which these populations are susceptible to (such as air pollutants, soil acidification, and damage caused by game animals). Widely established measures of reducing all types of damage caused by game animals should be implemented instantaneously. Forest management which allows for climate change must be recognized as a concern that affects the entire community. Hence, it encompasses wildlife management and consequently also hunting. An examination of developmental policies for the adaptation of agriculture and forestry to climate change is to be perceived as urgently requisite. Relinquishing specific ways of exploitation due to measures undertaken in view of climate protection or for the adjustment of silviculture to climate change means to some extent that losses will be encountered yet will not be reimbursed as it is the case in agriculture. Additionally, forest exploitation for carbon sequestration as well as for the supply of drinking water should also be honoured. However, suitable models for the evaluation of this productivity are required.

9 Measures for forest conversion are to be supported through promotional measures especially if the former are also being undertaken by private forest owners. Through targeted endorsement of associations, policies should influence smaller and medium private forest owners and improve their capacity to act. Subsidy schemes for the adjustment of forestry to climate change should not run contrary to the objectives of nature conservation. In the future, short rotation forestry (SRF) and agroforestry on farmlands should be promoted instead of afforestations in silviculture in order to pilot the cultivation of energy timber. The possibilities of saving rain water in the forest, which in most cases falls at times when it is not required by the vegetation, need to be enhanced. The following measures are valid for this purpose: x Preservation of the reservoir function in continental raised bogs x Revitalization of drainage channels x Construction of reservoirs (small water bodies) x Preservation and development of the forest soil function as water reservoir (careful manipulation with respect to logging measures)

4. Communication (external: What instruments should be used to sensitise target groups to the challenges to date?; internal)

External Communication: The palette of instruments for external communication is extensive and will be subdivided by target group. The general public will be informed through press conferences, press releases, the Internet and appropriate leaflets and brochures. This takes place, for instance, by distributing information at information booths at village festivals and larger regional events. Those with specialist interest, in addition to the aforementioned, will be addressed at fairs and exhibitions, as well as on walking-tours lead by a forest ranger and at “open house” events. Between 2005 and 2008, a campaign, “Forest Management – but Naturally”, was launched for both of the target groups mentioned. It employed a manifold of elements, such as web presence including screen savers, flyers, contests for children, children’s books, a promotional spot, a walking-tour exhibition, t-shirts, stickers, etc. A large offer on forest educational materials is already at the disposal of the most important target groups. Particularly highly regarded is the target group of forest owners. They are provided with a book, subject-oriented flyers, and are offered participation in special interest groups, but predominantly they are approached in direct communication.

Internal Communication: Internal communication employs predominantly the Internet and the in- house magazine “BRAFONA“ (Brandenburgische Forstnachrichten, Engl. Brandenburg Forest News).

10 Subject-specific events such as symposia and excursions also serve the purpose of internal communication. These are in part open to NGOs as well and are promoted by forest management.

5. Levels of Collaboration:

5.1 Effects of climate change on water management and water cycle in the forest. (Effects and approved strategies with reference to the Water Framework Directive).

The forest plays a significant role in the storing, purification and supply of water. The water (pollution control) function of the forest is therefore of substantial significance for everyone involved. Forest species constitution, forest structure as well as objectives and ways of planning and development have a great influence on water balance in the forest ecosystems. This in turn has an impact on water storage and supply in terms of their quantity and quality. The area of North German Lowlands, which while rich in bodies of water is arid at the same time, should be perceived, in view of the emerging climate changes, as the most vulnerable of regions. Brandenburg and parts of Sachsen-Anhalt are particularly susceptible to the increasingly long-lasting dry spells projected in regional climate models. This is due to low annual precipitation in these regions and the predominantly sandy soils characterised by low retention capacity. In the future, a long-lasting negative water balance should be assumed during growth periods, and thus water reservoirs will diminish. Over the last few years a trend has been noted: heavy rain falls have largely been observed outside the growth periods while extensive dry spells were noted in spring and summer.

The forest ecosystem’s demand for water is in increasing competition with exploitation demands placed by the community and individual user groups. These exploitation demands include the supply of drinking and tap water as well as the discharge of water, for instance, from mining areas. The goal of organizing a yield-optimised silviculture could come into conflict with the growing demand for drinking water, particularly under the circumstances of an increasingly strained regional water economy. However, conflicts could also arise between the different forms of land utilization as required by agriculture and forestry. Thus, for example, pressure on the countryside

11 water economy could rise significantly due to an increased demand for energy-efficient timber and energy crops from farming respectively. What’s more, surface mining that reduces ground water could damage existing forest habitats and lead to production losses in forestry.

The supply of water (drinking water in particular) achieved through suitable forest and land management planning must be ensured irrespective of legal form and ownership structures of the suppliers, otherwise the conflict between the owners’ and community’s interest in water from the forest will be further aggravated. Accordingly, this process requires novel economical incentive-based compensation systems such as water dividends for clean water. Counterproductive mandatory social welfare fees should be cancelled. In light of this, a reform of the existing land communities and water boards should be discussed (thus, a solidarity principle rather than a Polluter Pays Principle or a benefits principle should be applied).

5.2 Effects of climate change on forest soil. What measures of soil conservation should be taken? (Reference to soil survey and Soil Framework Directive

The second soil survey, carried out nationwide between 2006 and 2008, examined the effects of climate change on forest soils. The data of the survey points out existing change tendencies as well the soils and regions that are particularly endangered. The research spectrum of the survey takes into account currently the most important issues of forest soil analysis: - soil acidification, - pollution burden (heavy metals, organic micropollutants), - nitrogen saturation, - carbon storage, - water economy and climate change. Thus, important soil properties will be determined which in turn will provide information on acidity status, the contamination by materials hazardous to the environment, nitrogen status, carbon sequestration, water storage and the significance of soil for tree nutrition and growth. The results of this survey form a central basis for the decision-making process so as to introduce suitable measures and thus attenuate the potential effects of climate change. In addition to the questions which the survey should answer, preventative soil conservation measures are already being undertaken and implemented primarily in state-owned forests. A state-owned forest is certified according to the specifications of the PEFC. This means that management of the forest needs to involve soil-conserving actions. These include, amongst others: As a basic principle, refraining from extensive frequenting of the soil, Creation of a dense access network for logged wood, Utilization of forest and soil conserving machinery,

12 Market need-suitable forest exploitation whereby biotopes requiring protection are to be conserved, Soil sealing with concrete and black top to be undertaken/carried out only when absolutely mandatory, Refraining from whole-tree utilization in general, As a basic principle, refraining from clear-cutting which leads to open-land conditions Inadmissibility of soil cultivation which encroaches extensively on mineral soil. Due to long-lasting dry spells, peat mineralization of our continental raised bogs is advancing. They are therefore unable to fulfil their storage function for excess water even in rainfall rich times that follow those dry spells. Currently overall 32% of total forest area has been PEFC certified in Brandenburg. FCE-Certification criteria also guarantee soil-conserving forest management. Around 37,000 hectares of forest in Brandenburg have been certified according to these criteria. In addition to the aforementioned measures, silvicultural measures, such as for example forest conversion in Brandenburg, are also relevant (see point 5.1. Water management in the forest).

5.3 Effects of climate change on biodiversity in forests (with reference to the Habitats Directive)

As in other regions of Germany, the consequences of climate change will soon be visible in Brandenburg. This is founded in an all time low rainfall and in the relatively low water storage capacity which characterises sandy soils. A negative climatic water balance can already be documented on 90% of the country’s area, i.e. more water is being utilized than is added.

Various climate models presenting corresponding climate change scenarios (such as WETTREG) conceive a temperature rise for Brandenburg of between 1.8-2.3°C, an increase of 10% in winter rainfalls, a decrease in summer rainfalls by 18 to 22%, as well as an increase in heat waves and other extreme weather conditions.

Brandenburg is situated at a point of intersection with numerous European forest areas, such as, for instance, the Baltic beech forest and the boreal pine zone. These tree species are located at the respective edges of their habitat ranges. Therefore, changes in the form of displacement of range boundaries in Brandenburg (for example the displacement of the beech boundary to the north) will be most distinctly observable.

No alternatives to the forest conversion programme (conversion of pure coniferous wood stands to hardwood-coniferous mixed stands) exist based on the climate change scenarios. Preservation or respectively the development of “climate compliant” forests constitutes a prime objective, which means, creating tree species-rich mixed forest communities on small areas. So-called auxiliary tree species (such as small-leaved lime, hornbeam or maple) should more than ever be taken under consideration for the purpose of risk minimization.

13 The forest ecosystem accommodates/shelters a multitude of animal and plant species. Their habitats are also subject to climate change depending on the adaptability of their species. Amongst others, it can come to the displacement of range boundaries of individual species, to a decrease or extinction of particularly sensitive species but also to the immigration of drought-loving species.

The Silviculture-Directive 2004 (Green Folder) of Brandenburg forest management authority has so far focused on integrating the interests of nature conservation and those of the biotope and species protection with a semi-natural and location-adapted state-owned forest management plan. Its objective has been set to secure, develop and, where necessary, reconstruct the habitats of native animal and plant species in the forest.

The following projects or measures are intended thereto:

Silvicultural measures for the stabilization of forest stands and for the development of semi-natural forests. Species documentation in the forest as a prerequisite for effective species protection measures Participation in and implementation of species protection programmes in the forest (capercailzie, black grouse, terrapin, green lizard, etc.) Participation in and implementation of the Natura2000-Directive in the forest Implementation of biotope and species protection measures in sanctuaries/reserves Protection and exploitation of groves native to area in order to create an edge of the woods Renaturation of continental raised bogs in state-owned forests (continental raised bog protection programme) The Methuselah-Project for the protection of the minimum- proportion of scrap wood and deadwood in matured forests for the support of native deadwood-inhabiting fauna Designation of a representative network of natural forests (including administered reference surfaces) for the protection of these forests and the scientific/academic monitoring of the natural forest development processes Preservation of forest genetic resources through gradual compilation of rather uncommon and endangered groves in the forest and their protection through in situ or respectively ex-situ measures in state-owned forests.

In the federal state of Brandenburg, the Natura 2000-backdrop is shaped by 27 bird sanctuaries, an area of 648,432 ha (forests constitute about 31% thereof) and 620 Habitats Directive protected areas covering 331,100 ha (forests constituting 46% thereof). Protective measures, such as the designation of nature reserves but also the commitment of public supporting organizations are intended to contribute to the preservation of forest biotopes that are listed and require protection. Furthermore, the aim is to preserve the species listed in the Habitats Directive’s Annexes and to preclude a deterioration of the achieved states of preservation (Verschlechterungsverbot).

14 The concerns of the Habitats Directive are protected through a consistent implementation of semi-natural forest cultivation and supplementary management measures of biotope and species protection.

Climate change will also have an influence on the diversity of species and species composition in the forests of Brandenburg. The extent to which disruption will occur and whether the aforementioned projects and measures will prove suitable to confront species loss should be shadowed through adequate monitoring and subject to continual investigation. An exchange of experiences in this regard can contribute to the identification of new spheres of activity and the utilization of positive experiences of others.

5.4 Effects of climate change on wood production and wood processing Potential growth losses due to increased aridity and consecutive biotic damages to forest stands can affect the recycling of and energy recovery from wood. Adaptability may take place in case of energy recovery or pulpwood exploitation through the reciprocal substitution of tree species and assortments as well as through the possibility of large foreshortening in rotations. However, these possibilities are not available in comparable measures in the case of valuable wood exploitation due to the commitment to utilize certain wood types and their qualities. Another conflict area has arisen through an exploitation of forests for the establishment of carbon stocks and the adoption of the reduction option for greenhouse gases based on Article 3 Clause 4 of the Kyoto-Protocol (KP 3.4) by the Federal Government in December 2006. This regulation merely provides for the possibility of offsetting the carbon stocks in already established forests during the first commitment period between 2008 and 20012. Long-term carbon storage in wood products will not be taken into account till then. An increased utilization of forests, which is desired by many groups, with a raised carbon storage in wood products (in construction, furniture, etc.), where appropriate, or a substitution of fossil fuels with renewable wood can, as per KP 3.4 oppose the carbon or CO2-storage requirements in forests (biomass, deadwood, mulch, soil). Should the verification of a real CO2-reduction function in German forests not be successful between 2008 and 20012, it will not be possible to draft emission certificates, which the Federal Government wishes to market in intergovernmental emissions trading. This would denote not only loss of prestige but also a substantial loss in potential public revenue which otherwise could to some extent be made available to forest owners.

5.5 Effects of climate change on air quality in forests. What reductive effects do forests offer? Since the end of the 1990s, the SO2 and NOx immissions in regions remote from residential and industrial areas of the Berlin-Brandenburg region have stabilised at a very low level of contamination. This has been brought about by significantly reducing emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide from stationary installations as well as through advancements made in emission reduction technology applied in motor vehicles since 1990. Thus, in 2003 the SO2 annual average values in Brandenburg were around 2–4 ȝg/m³ whereas Berlin suburban areas exhibited values of 4–5 ȝg/m³, thereby reaching merely 10-25% of the immission limit value required for the protection of the ecosystem.

15 Extreme heat waves in particular affect the increase of ozone contamination in forests as well. Ozone is absorbed by the leaves and needles of trees through their stomata. A continuous long-term stress afflicted by ozone can impair the growth and vitality of more sensitive plant species. Ozone weakens trees and slows down timber growth. It prevents the transferring of sugar formed in the leaves and needles to the roots of the tree through its branches, twigs and trunk. This deprivation of nourishment atrophies the formation of fine roots and the growth of mycorrhizas fungi having negative consequences for the tree as a whole. This occurrence can in particular be observed on the oak species in Brandenburg.

Forests can contribute tremendously to the reduction of carbon content in the air and thus be a factor in lowering the greenhouse effect. Carbon stored in wood sheeting will remain there for a long time.

Furthermore, forests that are in good order have a cooling function in landscape. This function applies particularly to deciduous forests where differences in temperature in comparison to open landscapes in the summer can amount to 2 - 3 K.

5.6 Effects of climate change on the business risk of Brandenburg forest enterprises

Climate change, with its mostly negative effects on forestry in Brandenburg, requires a new way of thinking in the management of individual forest enterprises. Planning and forecasting are hindered by higher risk factors involved in long production periods in forestry. In Brandenburg, the following should be specified as risk factors:

water shortage forest fires storms insect calamities extreme weather conditions damage caused by game animals

These risk factors (with the exception of damage caused by game animals) cannot be changed by the owner or manager of a forest area – they need to be accepted. Therefore, a certain degree of risk needs to be allowed for in the planning and forecasting of forest stand development. Expectations to achieve a desired turnover rate or goal dimension need to be reduced in view of this risk factor. The extent of this factor is to be determined by regional properties.

It is necessary to determine risk areas for forestry in Brandenburg. These will generally entail overlap areas of several risk factors, as for example forest fire, insect calamities and water shortage in the south of Brandenburg. Therefore, should a forest community be located in such an area of increased risk, higher expenditures for the reduction of the effects of these factors will need to be made. The extent of corporate compensation (silvicultural aid) required in such cases needs to be examined.

In order to reach risk distribution greater diversity in tree species selection should be implemented. Small area-oriented and locally sound mixed

16 species affords the owner the possibility of yielding one tree species as it succumbs to climatic elimination to another on the same acreage. This will reduce the risk of widespread insect damages. Also, forest fire prevention and monitoring should be taken under advisement in operational concepts.

5.7 Stakeholder

A forest commission has been formed under the highest forest authority in accordance with the Forests Act. Private and community forest owners as well as public forest ownerships are represented within this commission. Furthermore, all silviculture-related organizations and institutions are members. Its function is to advise the forest authority on all fundamental questions. The forest commission takes part in the groundwork process of decisions.

Integral stakeholders include: The IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt (IGBAU) industrial union and the German Forest Wardens Association (BDF) act as corporate stakeholders for their members. The Forstunternehmerverband Brandenburg e.V. (Brandenburg Registered Association of Forest Entrepreneurs) represents the interests of silvicultural contractors. The Brandenburger Forstverein e.V. (Registered Forest Society) unites forest owners, forest wardens and other groups interested in the forest. Here, in addition to forest policy activities, measures for professional retraining of forest wardens and owners find themselves in the foreground. Grundbesitzerverband (Land Owners Association) represents the owners of agricultural and silvicultural areas. Organizations with environmental protection as their goals include: Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald (SDW) (Association for the Protection of the German forest (AGF)), the Bund für Umwelt- und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND, German branch of the Friends of the Earth (FOE)), the Naturschutzbund (Nabu, Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Naturgemäßer Waldbau (ANW, Association of Nature-friendly Forest Management). Of particular importance are private forest owners. The focus here is placed on organized incorporation:

The Waldbesitzerverband Brandenburg e.V. (Registered Forest Owners Association Brandenburg): Its statutory objective is to represent the professional, legal and forest policy interests of private, church and community forest owners of our state as well as to preserve the indefeasibility of forest property, the freedom of its management and the right to autonomy.

Founded in 2004, the Waldbauernverband Brandenburg e.V.(the Registered Association of Forest Farmers Brandenburg) is understood as a special interest group mainly for the small private forest owners and their silvicultural alliances. The association’s main objective is to preserve and manage forest property as well as to fortify their silvicultural alliance in the form of a self-help organization of forest farmers.

6. Criteria for good expert practice

The term “good expert practice” refers to the current stance of technical knowledge and is being further developed within the framework of standard

17 under public law. It is mandatory in state-owned forests and is applicable to all other forms of ownership in the way of recommendation.

Currently, characteristics of “good expert practice” include”

Reinstatement of natural habitat capabilities Giving precedence to natural regeneration Preservation and development of mixed and graded forests with the support of natural forest communities Integrated plant protection Application of area-native plants Giving precedence to regional derivations Environmentally friendly implementation of technology Ecosystem-adjusted wild stands Preservation of habitats Extensive relinquishing of soil work Relinquishing clear-cutting.