Retaining Water in the Forest – Preparing for the Future
Our forests need more water again
Recent years have shown how vulnerable our forests are to prolonged dry spells and high temperatures. Parched soil weakens the trees, habitats change, and as drought conditions worsen, the risk of wildfires also increases.
If we want to make our forests more resilient for the coming decades, it is therefore not enough to simply plant new trees.
We must retain water longer in the forest and across the landscape.
From Rapid Runoff to Natural Water Storage
Over the decades, ditches, paths, and drainage structures have been created in many places, allowing rainwater to flow out of forested areas relatively quickly.
In light of longer dry spells, we should examine where this process can be reversed.
Rainfall should be retained as much as possible where it falls. Natural depressions, wetlands, and floodplains can play just as important a role in this as purpose-built forest ponds and larger water retention areas.
This is explicitly not about indiscriminately building lakes in existing forests.
Each site must be professionally assessed with regard to soil, groundwater, existing habitats, and impacts on the respective ecosystem.
New habitats can be created
Properly planned forest ponds and wetlands can simultaneously create valuable new habitats.
Amphibians, dragonflies, insects, birds, and numerous other animal and plant species depend on aquatic and wetland habitats. Especially during prolonged dry spells, such areas can serve as important refuges.
Water, forests, and biodiversity should therefore not be considered in isolation from one another.
Preventing Drought and Forest Fires
Water bodies alone do not prevent forest fires. However, higher overall water retention can help keep moisture in the landscape for longer.
In addition, it should be examined whether suitable water sources can also be used as a reserve of water for firefighting as part of a regional wildfire and disaster prevention plan.
In this way, we combine nature conservation with concrete preventive measures.
Water creates a better microclimate
A moist forest can better buffer heat than a parched landscape.
Trees, moist soils, evaporation, and open bodies of water collectively influence the local microclimate. Water that does not run off immediately but is stored in the soil and landscape remains available to the ecosystem for a longer period.
This is precisely why we should not wait until springs run dry and forests are under drought stress to address the issue of water.
An Investment for Generations
Germany is investing billions in roads, railways, power grids, and the energy supply of the future.
We would like to discuss whether we need to invest just as consistently in our natural infrastructure.
This includes our forests and, in particular, their ability to absorb, store, and slowly release water.
We would therefore like to jointly develop the following call to action:
Water retention in forests must become a central component of long-term climate, forest, and disaster risk management strategies.
Where ecologically feasible, wetlands should be restored, natural water retention areas created, and the possibility of new forest ponds or larger retention areas explored.
Not against nature, but in harmony with it.
Join the discussion with us
This position is not a finalized proposal.
BioMaps would like to discuss with citizens, the forestry sector, water management, nature conservation, fire departments, the scientific community, and policymakers how our forests can be prepared for the challenges of the coming decades.
Share your experiences and ideas and help us develop a joint proposal based on them.