Forest consolidation in Bavaria – a stakeholder theoretical analysis

Forest consolidation is seen as a solution instrument for the fragmentation of small private forests in Bavaria. The focus of this project: perspectives for the involved authorities, professionals, communities and forest owners. Furthermore, the establishment and development processes as well as the evaluation of the forest consolidations from the perspective of the involved stakeholders was qualitatively analyzed in thee case studies

 For forest consolidations the following actions are recommended:
If possible: increased implementation of the voluntary exchange of land
Use of successful examples in structural improvement activities as role models when new forest consolidations are initiated
Keep the duration of the procedure as short as possible
Intensive cooperation of the involved authorities
Planning and implementation of the forest consolidation adjusted to the situation and with special attention on key activities

Regarding the effect of forest consolidation on the mobilization of wood the following conclusions are drawn:
The effect of forest consolidation on the size of the property is only limited
Forest consolidation can help forest owners with strong forest owner motives to manage their forests how they want to and thereby increase the use of wood and intensify marketing activities
Relationships to the forestry communication network (becoming a member of forestry associations, getting advice from forest administration) are being intensified or created
Forest administration and forestry associations need to get connected to forest owners and support them throughout the forest consolidation to create trust