Erfurt (dpa/th) - Temperatures that are too mild cause problems for Thuringia's forest owners when harvesting wood. "The mild weather conditions for weeks with only short-term ground frosts prevent sustainable forest soils," said Thüringenforst on Friday. The forestry equipment threatens to sink in on soft ground. There was also damage to the forest roads.
Thüringenforst board member Volker Gebhardt explained that in the medium term, forest owners would not only have to react to climate change with forest conversion, "but also adapt the harvesting methods and the forestry technology used to protect, care for and manage the forests". Climate experts assumed that mild autumns and winter months with little snow and frost would occur more frequently.
Thüringenforst is increasingly relying on so-called moor belts for wood harvesters, which are suitable for soft surfaces. In addition, horses that protect the soil or lighter forest machines with traction support are used.
