Silviculture Concept of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

The silviculture concept of NRW provides comprehensive technical information and recommendations for the development of climate-adapted mixed forest stands. It is broadly oriented in terms of expertise, offers many options in a modular form, and serves as a recommendation for all types of forest ownership.

The core of the concept consists of 23 forest development types i.e., ideal-typical site-specific mixed forest types consisting of several site-adapted tree species. The forest development types are assigned to specific site conditions i.e., local soil and climate conditions. Changes to these site conditions due to climate change (i.e., site drift) must also be taken into account. This approach is intended to serve the best possible prevention and risk spreading in climate change.

Additionally, the concept provides management recommendations for all forest development types alongside exemplary planning schemes, information on biotic and abiotic risks for different species as well as relevant legal contexts and support options. Practical tools, such as a checklists and decision flowcharts, are also provided to support forest owners and managers in the decision-making and establishment process.

The silvicultural concept of NRW continues to be developed in close collaboration with various relevant departments of the state forest administration and in consultation with key stakeholders in the field of forestry, including, in particular, technical representatives from private and municipal forests as well as from nature conservation.