Photo: BMLFUW
What do forests give us?
Forests provide us with wood and fresh spring water. Gravel, stone and earth can be extracted. Not to be forgot: the oxygen which the green forest trees and plants produce in the course of the photosynthesis.
Forests spoil us with foods like venison, mushrooms, berries and herbs.The treasures of the forest are defined in the Forest Act by means of its functions: the protective, the economic, the recreational, and the beneficial functions.
Economic function
The main source of income of Austria’s forest enterprises is raw timber. Austria is a country very rich in wood. In 2006, the quantity felled amounted to 19 million cubic metres of timber harvested, largely coniferous wood. Timber prices showed a positive trend for forest farmers. In 2006 the timber prices for logs, chemical pulpwood and fuelwood (hard) continued their upward trend from the second term of 2005.
Furthermore, forest areas are used to extract gravel, stone and earth. Very important is also the drinking water which is extracted from forest springs.
Another source of income is the marketing of the hunting right with the right to hunt on one’s own land, on municipal ground or on cooperative ground. Also payment for the high-quality food provided by venison has to be taken into account. Like fish, venison is among the meat types with the highest protein contents and has a very low fat content. As the cholesterol content depends essentially upon the fat percentage, venison is very low in cholesterol.
Protective function
Forests protect our settlement areas and transport routes against natural hazards. It is vital for the conservation of nature and landscapes, the protection of soils, climate and drinking water. Ensuring a sustainable, multifunctional forest management is thus the highest priority of forest, environment, and also social policies.
The protection of the groundwater is of particular importance. Water is filtered through the soil that has been loosened by the roots. Before the rain reaches the groundwater, it is stored in the forest soil for a long time. Due to the long filtration process suspended and solved agents are withdrawn from the water. Where the soil contains clay minerals, they exchange harmful aluminium ions for harmless calcium ions. The result is pure spring water.
Recreational function
Both thepopulation and holidaymakers enjoy above all the services forests provide by offering opportunities for recreation in a natural environment. Forests are a benefit to people’s soul. The scent of the forest soil and the trees makes us breathe deeply and relax. Silence and the desertedness of humans have a recreational and purifying effect.
15.02.2008,