The German forest remains in a critical state. During a discussion with the “Rheinische Post” ahead of the Forest Status Survey presentation by Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU), Andreas Bitter, president of the Forest Owners Association (AGDW), stated that general consequences of extreme events, such as drought and dryness, continue to gravely affect the forests.
While the situation varies regionally, Bitter pointed out that the record-warm year of 2024 was followed by another year in 2025 characterized by warmth and low rainfall. He noted that these difficult weather conditions have left visible scars on the forests.
In response, forest owners are proactively working to restructure the forests, favoring site-appropriate tree species. However, according to Bitter, this transition requires stable political frameworks. He strongly criticized the EU Restoration Regulation, arguing that it jeopardizes this effort because it centers on historical blueprints and established habitat types. “Forests cannot be conserved under the conditions of climate change like an open-air museum” Bitter warned, stressing that the regulation urgently needs to be revised.