Wald in change: Förster demands dialogue with critical visitors

Wald in change: Förster demands dialogue with critical visitors

Neumünster, Deutschland - The forest in Schleswig-Holstein is the focus! The new director of the Schleswig-Holstein State Forests, Chris Freise, calls for an open and factual dialogue about the changes in the forests. "We have to invite people and be ready to discuss the forest and its management," explains Freise. The forests change through climate change and management, which is incomprehensible to many visitors. Förster and forester are often exposed to sharp criticism and have to justify their decisions.

invitation to the dialogue

Freise encourages to look at the perspective of the "common good" and to respect all perspectives. "We offer public appointments and forest tours to bring our work closer to people," he emphasizes. The forester are ready to explain their activities and to clear up misunderstandings. "When visitors in the forest come across melted paths and tree trunks, they often think that something is wrong. Everything is part of a well thought -out plan," said Freise.

The state foresters look after over 50,000 hectares of forest area in Schleswig-Holstein, which corresponds to more than 30 percent of the forest area of the federal state. Despite the challenges that dialogue with the public brings with it, Freise remains optimistic: "We are ready for conversations and would like to exchange facts in a respectful atmosphere." The forester are not only responsible for management, but also for the education and the exchange with the forest visitors. A clear call for cooperation at a time when the forest is more than ever changing!