Climate change adaptation and growing nature conservation awareness are increasingly leading to structurally rich, mixed stands with a higher old- and deadwood ratio as well as wider distances between skid trails. Wood harvesting methods need to be adapted to these circumstances. The aim of the project “BestHarvest” was the development and evaluation of best-practice procedures for timber harvesting in forests, which are characterized by nature conservation requirements, leading to new technical and economical challenges for forest enterprises.The joint project between the German Board of Trustees for Forestry Work and Technology (KWF) and the State Institute of Bavaria for Forestry and Silviculture (LWF) was funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

• Analysis of requirements in forest management techniques related to nature conservation.
• Determination of appropriate timber harvesting methods considering conservation purposes.
• Investigation of example measures in Baden-Württemberg.
• Quantification of additional costs for the adaptation of harvesting methods.