Reforestation Concept of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

The reforestation concept of NRW supplements the silvicultural concept with technical information and recommendations for the reforestation of large bark beetle devastated areas. The concept contains ten exemplary schemes for establishing stands on large devastated areas with different planting intensities. Four of these schemes are generic while the other six schemes contain specific recommendations on tree species mixtures.

The starting point of the schemes is always a devastated area without any relevant residual stand. The schemes each consist of a graphic representation, which can serve as an example of a planting plan, while the six specific planting proposals feature a table with corresponding characteristic values, including cost information.

The concept additionally outlines the legal framework for reforestation in NRW and provides basic information on any necessary site preparation. Further information is also provided on possible regeneration forms, planting techniques, treatment interventions of young stands as well as suitable tree species and origins. Due to the special situation of reforestation on large open spaces, the risks of damage to newly planted areas are also addressed as well as information on how a temporary enrichment of habitat structures and species diversity on devastated and successional areas can be used and promoted during reforestation.