From left to right: Gerd Michael Lersch (Managing Director of elka), Albin Kolz (Geisfeld Council Member), Larissa Kuntz (Managing Partner of elka), Karen Alt (Geisfeld Council Member), Theo Palm (Mayor of Geisfeld), Sebastian Küpper (Forest District Ranger), Michel Müller, Dagmar Hilden-Kuntz (Head of Sustainability & Sales at elka), Frank Gemeinhardt (Head of Marketing at elka

GEISFELD: For the fifth year in a row, elka is forgoing Christmas gifts and instead supporting a reforestation project in the region. This year, they chose a site near Geisfeld in the Malborn Forestry District.

On November 18, despite pouring rain, Larissa Kuntz, Gerd Michael Lersch, Frank Gemeinhardt, and Dagmar Hilden-Kuntz from elka met with a delegation from Geisfeld for a site visit to plant the first trees. Representing Geisfeld were Mayor Theo Palm and council members Karen Alt and Albin Kolz. Forest district ranger Sebastian Küpper provided a detailed account of the dire condition of the forest.

The Geisfeld municipal forest spans an area of 420 hectares and, with its coniferous tree share exceeding 60%, represents a significant part of the local landscape and resources. The forest is primarily composed of spruce, larch, and Douglas fir, mostly aged between 60 and 120 years. While this highlights its high forestry potential, it also makes the forest vulnerable to climate change challenges.

The sustainable annual logging limit for this forest is approximately 3,600 cubic meters, allowing for harvesting in harmony with natural regeneration processes. However, this limit has been significantly exceeded in recent years, with annual removals ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 cubic meters. The main culprits are severe bark beetle infestations and prolonged droughts, which have particularly affected spruce trees, making them highly susceptible to pests and climatic changes.

The forest’s topography poses additional challenges, as many areas are located on slopes. This complicates harvesting and increases soil erosion risks when vegetation is absent. Simultaneously, the need for reforestation is growing. In section 33, where mature spruces had to be fully harvested in 2023, the urgency to establish new, more adaptable tree populations is evident. This area was chosen for elka's reforestation initiative this year.

Fortunately, 2024 brought increased rainfall, leading to a positive development. Accompanying vegetation has flourished in many areas, stabilizing the soil and creating favorable conditions for natural regeneration. This vegetation provides protection for young trees and supports forest recovery. However, the success of such developments requires continuous care and targeted forestry interventions.

In Geisfeld, forestry operates within the tension between economic use and ecological stability. Long-term strategies are essential to address climate change challenges, including promoting resilient and site-appropriate tree species to strengthen forest resilience. With careful management, the forest can not only be preserved but also adapted to future challenges.

Elka is supporting this valuable forestry work by contributing 1,000 Douglas firs, 1,000 black pines, and 1,350 sycamore maples, making an important contribution to preserving and strengthening local forests and combating climate change.

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