Since the first Austrian Forest Inventory, the forested area has grown steadily. Now, growth has levelled off. Forested area in M. ha; total forested area: 4.02 M. ha; commercially used forests: 3.36 M. ha © BFW/Österreichische Waldinventur 2018/23
“The climatic vagaries of recent years are a challenge for Austrian forests. With a share of 48% in the total area, Austria is still one of the most forested countries in Europe. On the one hand, forests are a crucial factor in climate protection and the energy transition. At the same time, though, they are also affected by climate change,” Dr. Peter Mayer, head of the Austrian Research Center for Forests (BFW), emphasized in his presentation of the inventory results. The BWF is responsible for carrying out the Austrian Forest Inventory (ÖWI).
4.02 million hectares are covered in forest, of which 3.36 million hectares are commercially used forests. “Since the first forest inventory was done in the 1960s, the forested area has steadily increased from 3.69 million hectares to the current 4.02 million hectares. Now, growth is leveling off,” Mayer explained at a press conference on January 13.
Another conclusion of the forest inventory is the ongoing trend towards more deciduous stands. Purely coniferous forest stands decreased by 8% compared to the previous period from 2016 to 2021, whereas purely deciduous stands increased by 11%. According to Mayer, a similar change can also be observed in mixed stands. He emphasized that a diverse forest remains an important recommendation for the future in order to minimize potential losses.
We can counteract the dynamics that lead to forced logging through rejuvenation and changes in the composition of forests, thereby securing their future. In practice, there will be major differences in approach at a regional level.
Reduced timber stock and increased logging
Since the Forest Inventory 2016-2021, the timber stock in Austrian forests has decreased slightly. Timber stock in M. m³; green: living trees, red: standing dead wood © BFW/Österreichische Waldinventur 2018/23
Since the first Austrian Forest Inventory for the years 1961 to 1970, the timber stock has grown steadily, from 780 million m³ to 1,180 million m³ in the period 2016 to 2021. It was only in recent years that the effects of climate change on the total timber stock in Austrian forests have become apparent for the first time. The timber stock in commercially used forests currently amounts to 1,174 million m³ and has thus decreased slightly since the period 2016 to 2021,” Alexandra Freudenschuß explained, who oversaw the forest inventory on behalf of the BFW. Annual regrowth, too, decreased from 29.2 million m³ to 28.2 million m³ due to the negative effects of periods of drought and extreme weather events.
At the same time, the logging-regrowth ratio increased by eight percentage points to 97% compared to the previous period as a result of the more frequent occurrence of damaging events such as bark beetle infestation or storms. In some years, logging exceeded 100% of the regrowth in forests due to regional calamities, as Mayer emphasizes.
On the other hand, the dead wood stock in commercially used forests has increased significantly. In the period 2016 to 2021, it totaled 9.7 m³/ha. Current figures show a standing dead wood stock of 10.5 m³/ha. This shows that the upward trend in dead wood in Austrian forests, which has been observed since the 1990s, still continues.
Calls for active forest management
Due to the increasing number and intensity of climate change-related damaging events, such as bark beetle infestation and storms, 97% of the regrown timber stock is currently being harvested Dark green: regrowth, light green: logging; volumes in M. m³ © BFW/Österreichische Waldinventur 2018/23
“The timber stock as a whole is at a very high level and the forest stands tend to be too old, which is associated with a higher risk of losses. The forest of the future needs rejuvenation,” Konrad Mylius, President of Land&Forst Betriebe Österreich, explained. According to Mylius, the incoming federal government needs to provide incentives and the right framework conditions for active forest management and the further development of a wood-based bioeconomy. Mylius called for the forest fund to be maintained, in particular the first two measures, i.e. reforestation after damaging events and the creation of climate-resilient forests.
Herbert Jöbstl, Chairman of the Austrian Timber Industry Association, agreed with Mylius: “We must continue to change the composition and structure of forests and harvest the trees at the right time. Leaving the forests to themselves would be counterproductive.” Like Mylius, Jöbstl also called for reliable framework conditions to maintain international competitiveness. In addition, there is a need for incentives for a strong construction industry. Measures which promote timber construction strengthens regional value chains and the economy and contributes to climate protection as well, Jöbstl concluded.
