Protection by Use!

Because of the process of globalisation, Silver Fir has lost its former leading position in the timber market in the region of the Black Forest and other parts of Southern Germany. This process has been going on for the last 20 years. The main reason is the very regional and small distribution of the species throughout Germany and Europe. If we look at Germany, only 2 out of 100 trees are White Fir, in Baden-Württemberg, there are about 10% Silver Firs in the forests. Figures differ very much from region to region: The Black Forest contains many firs and White Fir still is a very import species in this region.

Some time ago it was very common to mix Norway Spruce and Silver Fir in the saw mills because these two species show a very similar technical wood quality. Unfortunately, it is more difficult to dry Silver Fir because the core wood sometimes contains more than 200% water (Norway spruce does not contain more than 40% in general). It is more expensive to dry Silver Fir and it cannot be done in the same chamber in combination with Norway Spruce due to technical problems. As a result of that the price paid for Silver Fir timber is more and more reduced if compared with Norway Spruce.

Timber prices usually have a direct influence on the treatment of forests and, of course, have an effect on the choice of tree species. These effects can be quite dramatic: If Silver Fir lumber is not asked for, or if the decrease in price is too significant, forest owners will no longer accept this species in their forests. They will not be willing to regenerate their stands including Silver Fir. However, Silver Fir is a species that cannot be ignored when sustainable close-to-nature forestry is the aim. This species has always been the backbone of our forests in the Black Forest region that ensured natural, stable and ecologically precious stands. All regions in the southern parts of Germany with subalpine forests depend on Silver Fir because it cannot be substituted by any other tree species.

In order to take action against this slow and silent danger and to support sustainable Silver Fir management, a group of specialists came together in 1997 and founded the "Arbeitskreis Weißtanne". In 2000, it was converted to a registered association: "Forum Weisstanne e.V.". The chairman of this organisation is Meinrad Joos, who is the President of our Forest Administration.

Forum Weisstanne e.V. aims at supporting and protecting Silver Fir as the main tree species in the region of the Black Forest and other regions. It organizes events and publications dealing not only with the problematic situation but also with the advantages Silver Fir timber has in comparision to other tree species like Norway spruce. The aim is to inform the public because people need more knowledge about problems in order to change the situation. The managing committee consists of forest owners, managers of the wood working industry, architects, representatives of science, forest administration and politicians.

Forum Weisstanne e.V. is in need of members who help the association with their work and with financial support. Because we depend on this kind of support, we ask you to support us by a donation or by becoming a member of our organization. A membership is possible from 15€/year or more. Here you can become a member of "Forum Weisstanne e.V." quickly and easily. Of course you will receive a donation receipt.

We will welcome a single person, communities, cities and of course enterprises as our members.

Please help us protecting Silver Fir as an especially precious species in our forest ecosystems!

Thank you very much for your interest!