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Criticism of the tree of the year: red oak endangers Bavaria's biodiversity!
The LBV criticizes the choice of the American red oak as tree of the year and warns of negative consequences for biodiversity.
Criticism of the tree of the year: red oak endangers Bavaria's biodiversity!
In a dramatic outcry, the Bavarian nature conservation association LBV (State Association for Bird and Nature Conservation in Bavaria) sharply criticized the choice of the American red oak as tree of the year. The decision of Dr. Silvius Wodarz Foundation, praising the red oak as particularly adaptable to climate change is described as a “completely wrong signal”. LBV Chairman Dr. Norbert Schäffer warns urgently: “This award encourages the forestry industry to plant alien tree species that endanger our native forests.”
The LBV is vehemently committed to converting the forests into species-rich mixed deciduous forests with native tree species. “Our native species such as the English oak and sessile oak are ideally suited to meet the challenges of climate change,” explains Schäffer. The decision to resort to non-native species could have fatal consequences. In its Rainer Wald protected area near Straubing, the LBV is already specifically removing red oaks in order to preserve the local biodiversity.
An appeal for natural forests
The LBV warns against limiting the conversion of forests to supposedly climate-resilient tree species. “Our near-natural forests are ecosystems that have grown over thousands of years and are able to adapt to changes,” emphasizes LBV forest officer Dr. Christian Stierstorfer. He emphasizes that alien species such as red oak or Douglas fir do not fit into these habitats and ultimately only create plantations that threaten the diversity of native forests.
The LBV's concerns are also directed against parts of the forestry industry that are trying to replace natural forest communities in the name of climate protection. “The forestry lobby sees the discussion about climate change as an opportunity to push through timber plantations,” warns Stierstorfer. The native tree species must continue to form the foundation of our forests in the future in order to secure valuable biodiversity.