Totholzförderung – neue Wege mittels Totholz-Charta? | Promotion of deadwood: a new approach through the Deadwood Charter?

The necessity for deadwood in forests as a habitat for saprozoic organisms is scientifically proved and so far undisputed. However, in practice, the promotion of deadwood presents certain difficulties. The two half cantons Basel-Town and Basel-Country are trying a new approach. Together with all those concerned a “Deadwood Charter” has been created in which it is defined to what extent deadwood should be left in the forests over the next few years. This charter has been accepted and signed by all concerned, from nature protection organizations right through to forest owners. The definitive quantities of deadwood to be left are determined according to how intensively the forest is used for recreational purposes and various other functions. This will then be specified in the regional forestry development plans. Periodic regional sample surveys recording quantities of deadwood make it possible to check if objectives are being achieved.