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Old and dead trees are important habitats. © Hubertus Schwarzentraub
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Involved sectors
Forestry, Nature protection, Local population/citizens
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Affected habitats
Forest
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Description
In a commercial forest, besides the creation and maintenance of old-growth and deadwood islands, the conservation of specific individual trees (nest and hollow trees, trees with rotten sections or fungal infections, or bizarre trees) in the forest stand plays an important role. Between the old-growth and deadwood islands, these individual trees serve as stepping stones or transitional biotopes, especially for less mobile species of fauna in search of new habitats. These trees are particularly important in intensively used forest stands. They also help to safeguard, in the medium to long term, a sufficient high proportion of biotope trees in the forest. The definition of the number, distribution, species and characteristics of these trees must take place in line with local conditions.
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Impact
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Impact in particular on
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Small mammals,
Birds,
Insects
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Ecological impact
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Improvement or preservation of habitats
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The trees enhance the forest biotope and provide a habitat for flora, fungi and fauna (nesting places, deadwood for insects, etc.). |
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Element of ecological network
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Between the old-growth and deadwood islands, these individual trees serve as stepping stones or transitional biotopes, especially for less mobile species of fauna in search of new habitats. |
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Time of realisation for measure
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Immediate:
Depending on the age of the selected trees, they can take on this role immediately or over the long term. The processes of ageing and decay take many years.
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Impact scope
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Local (municipality):
With a sufficient number of trees, appropriately distributed, good local impacts can be achieved.
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Implementation
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Implementation period
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Days:
The selection of trees takes place as part of normal inventory work or during marking of trees for felling; no further work is involved afterwards.
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Frequency
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Recurring:
Requires regular management or adaptation and careful land management.
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Economic and legal aspects
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Costs
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Very low (less than 1'000 EUR):
Subsidies can amount to €40-80 per trunk/p.a. depending on species and number of trees.
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Socio-economic impacts
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Low:
Possible loss of revenue through non-use, but this can be compensated regionally from subsidies.
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Sources of financing
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Public: local,
Public: regional,
Public: national,
Public: European
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Legal situation
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Safety obligations established in law must be complied with during site selection. |
Further information
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Evaluation
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The positive impacts of old-growth and deadwood, including isolate trees, in the forest stand are scientifically proven and are thus an integral part of sustainable forestry and various certification procedures. They are one of the most important elements of ecoconnectivity in the forest. |
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Information
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Other:
Information is available from: http://www.waldwissen.net/ and various forestry authorities.
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