Cooperation between proprietors of privately-owned forests in the Konolfingen region and in Canton Berne
2011
Mohr, C., Amt fuer Wald des Kantons Bern, Bern (Switzerland)
Since 1970 at least, the wood production potential of small private forest plots in the region of Konolfingen has not been fully exploited. In the approximately 5800 hectares of forest the present timber stocks are at 580 m3/ha. Similar conditions can be found in many other regions with private forests in Canton Berne. With the concept Auriga, which provides funding for mechanization, mobilization and more professionalism, the Forestry Service of Canton Berne has created an instrument which should motivate forest owners to an increased use of their wood. The present article pursues the question as to how far the project initiated in 1994 by the society of forest owners in Konolfingen thanks to the Binding Forest Award corresponds to the cantonal funding concept. It has become clear that the possibilities of mechanization offered by modern machines and procedures have been underestimated. Only after hurricane Lothar was it demonstrated that possibilities exist for use in small plots and in very steep private forests. Approximately 425 wood storage areas were created between 1995 and 1997, which represents a considerable improvement in the infrastructure. However, some of these now need to be adapted to deal with a greater volume of felled timber and changes in wood assortments. With the foundation of the Holzregion Kiesental GmbH (wood-producing region Kiesen Valley Ltd.), wood marketing has been professionalized. With mobilization it is planned to increase wood use and to reduce stocks to 500 m3/ha. The market will decide in the end whether this can be attained or not. Sufficient yield is necessary if forest owners are to be motivated to increased exploitation.
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