Thuringia's private forest owners experiencing pine tree decline - assistance programs available - Proposal sought for environmental safeguards directive by the Commission.
Increased Financial Assistance for Thuringia's Private Forest Owners Amid Spruce Dieback
Thuringia's private and municipal forest owners are grappling with significant challenges due to spruce tree dieback triggered by drought and bark beetle infestation. The state is stepping up to provide increased financial aid, as announced by the Ministry of the Environment in Erfurt. The budget for this purpose amounts to €20 million this year, a rise of approximately €4.5 million compared to the previous year.
This funding can be utilized for various purposes, such as covering enhanced personnel costs for monitoring bark beetle infestations, repairing trails, or replanting damaged forest areas. The state program prioritizes smaller forest owners with up to 20 hectares of land, offering more substantial subsidies for new plantings, according to the ministry.
"Forestry remains in a precarious state," said Environment and Forestry Minister Tilo Kummer (BSW). "Thus, we must support both municipal and private forestry operations to secure forest protection and foster more climate-resilient forests with a diverse range of adaptable tree species." Kummer reported that, in 2024 alone, the state program led to the planting of nearly 130 hectares of land and the repair of approximately 120 kilometers of paths. Financial aid from the state is also extended to address immediate threats, as in cases of dying trees along public roads or those bordering settlements.
Bark beetle damage significantly impacts Thuringia's forests. In 2023, forest damage caused by the beetle, which primarily targets damaged conifers, reached 5.9 million cubic meters of damaged wood. In 2024, the amount of damaged wood was slightly lower at 3.4 million cubic meters, as per the Forestry Ministry.
Approximately 180,000 forest owners manage around 40 percent of the forest area in Thuringia. The state funding from 2020 to 2024 totals around €107 million.
While Germany is supporting biodiversity conservation efforts through funding mechanisms, these programs focus on nature-rich regions in the Global South and do not specifically target Thuringia's private forest owners. It is advised to consult official sources such as the Thuringian Ministry for Environment, Energy, and Nature Conservation or the relevant forestry department for accurate and up-to-date details on the state's aid programs for forest owners in Thuringia.
- The state's increased financial aid, designed to help private forest owners in Thuringia combat spruce dieback, could also fund research in environmental science, specifically focusing on climate-change mitigation strategies relevant to forest management.
- With the focus on fostering more climate-resilient forests, the state program might consider promoting sustainable living by incorporating lifestyle changes that reduce carbon footprint and contribute to home-and-garden practices that align with the principles of sustainable living.
- As the state prioritizes the protection and restoration of Thuringia's forests, it could collaborate with science institutions to understand and address the long-term implications of spruce dieback on the local ecosystem and overall biodiversity, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to forestry policy.
