Königstein (dpa/lhe) - In the future, more habitat for rare animals is to be preserved in the Hessian state forest. Against the background of the climate crisis, water retention in the forest is also being specifically promoted, the Ministry of the Environment announced. For example, there are plans to revitalize forest moors and to protect sources more intensively. Environment Minister Priska Hinz (Greens) presented the new nature conservation guideline for the state forest on Thursday in Königstein im Taunus. "The protection of biodiversity will be given even greater consideration in forest management in the future," she explained.
Among other things, more so-called habitat trees should be allowed to grow in the forest, which would provide habitat for a wide range of species. "Peeling bark is used as a maternity roost for barbabie bats, stag beetles settle in dead wood and tree cavities of different sizes offer space for tawny owls, edible dormouse or stock doves," the ministry said.
In addition, the periods for felling trees are to be shortened so that birds are less disturbed when nesting and raising their young. The state forest covers around 344,150 hectares (operational area as of 2018).
