The forest and its superpowers
The multitalented forest
It serves for recreational purposes, improves air quality, protects the climate, provides a habitat for many animal and plant species. It is the most effective defence system for our valleys and an important economic factor – the forest.
Sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees. However, forester Alexander Zangerl and forest supervisor Fabian Jehle always have the overall picture in mind, when they look after the approximately 2,500 hectares of forest around St. Anton am Arlberg. 85 percent of the area is designated as a protected forest and thus enormously important for providing natural defence against avalanches, mudslides, rockfalls and floods. In order to fulfil its many functions, however,the protected forest also needs protection and care itself.
Importance of forest regeneration
The best protection is forest regeneration, with a variety of tree species and the associated timber utilisation. Marking which trees, for example, are to be removed and which are to be further cultivated by the experts, ensures the best possible and fastest possible reforestation. Consequences of climate change (drought and storm damage, increased bark beetle infestation, etc.) are already evident both on the sun-facing slopes in the limestone rock, around Leutkircher Hut, and the shady areas around Rendl.
As early as 20 years ago, work began on reforesting the shallow-rooted spruce forest with climate-friendly tree species such as larch, Swiss stone pine and sycamore. A mixed and rejuvenated forest improves resistance to wind, drought, avalanches, mudslides and pest infestations, as does consistent forest maintenance (e.g. careful clearing of fresh wood, timely removal of trees infested with bark beetles).
The multitalented forest
The forest fulfils numerous functions from which we humans benefit in many ways:
Utilitarian function (economic factor incl. timber production)
Protective function (defence against avalanches, mudslides, floods, rockfall, erosion)
Welfare function (water reservoir, air filter, CO2 reservoir and protection ofm biodiversity)
Ready for the climate crisis? Of course!
The Climate and Energy Fund is currently supporting 80 Austrian regions in their efforts to mitigate damage caused by the impact of a changing climate with its KLAR! programme. It also aims to make use of the opportunities offered by changed climate conditions, such as an expansion of the tourist season or extended growing periods for agriculture. It is only natural that the forward-thinking municipalities of the Stanzertal Valley are also involved: St. Anton am Arlberg, Pettneu, Flirsch and Strengen. The "Klar! Region of Arlberg-Stanzertal" is working on strategies for managing heat and heavy rainfall, securing the water supply and preserving the forests as an intact recreational area, because healthy forests rank among the most significant contributors to combatting climate change!
