Forestry management efforts intensify against climate change in Germany and Austria

Forest owners in Germany and Austria are facing increasing challenges due to climate change, specifically prolonged droughts, frequent storms, and bark beetle infestations.

In Germany, the Bavarian Administration for Rural Development is hosting an online information session on November 23, 2026, to assist landowners. The event will cover forest restructuring, land exchange options, and methods to improve property access and ownership structures to ensure long-term economic viability and forest health.

In Austria, a forestry meeting held in St. Martin focused on managing damaged wood and increasing forest resilience. Experts emphasized the necessity of rapid response to bark beetle outbreaks—including marking and removing infested trees—and the importance of transitioning to diverse mixed forests. Recommended species for higher altitudes include beech, oak, maple, and larch to better withstand heat and drought.