On November 29, 2024, Federal Minister Nobert Totschnig honored six winners with the Austrian State Forest Prize in the Marble Hall of the Ministry of Agriculture in Vienna. “With the State Forest Prize we are sending a signal of recognition for those people who achieve great things every day. Since its inception, the award has stood for exemplary management and innovation in forestry. It recognizes the ability to use the forest in a nature-friendly and economical way while also keeping future generations in mind. A large number of unusual projects were also submitted this year. I congratulate all participants and especially the award winners in the six categories.”
The State Forest Prize was awarded in 6 categories
1.Sustainable forest management
The state prize went to Rainer Wolfgang Göschl from Styria for his project “Forstbetrieb Göschl – In keeping with the times for generations”. The forest areas of the Göschl forestry company, which spans three generations, are spread over different areas with different growing conditions and forestry requirements. Each area is therefore managed individually and specifically, which requires extensive forestry and silvicultural knowledge. The knowledge gained is passed on through practical internship training. In addition, innovative measures and an efficient access network enable economically successful, sustainable use of forests.
2. Climate-adapted forest management
The state prize went to Günter Kleinszig from Carinthia for his project “Wolschartwald – climate-fit forest between ecological necessity and economic feasibility”. After the heavy snowfall in 1995/96, the selection of tree species began to be adapted to the changing climate conditions. Scientifically based decisions played and continue to play an important role. Biological diversity is promoted by introducing English oaks and various types of deciduous trees. The vitality and water supply of the stocks are improved by reducing the number of stems and monitoring moisture. The Kleinszig company receives dead wood for “woodpecker trees” and has installed 500 nesting boxes, which are regularly maintained. Close collaboration with research and educational institutions is encouraged.
3. Protective forest management
The state prize went to the Göriacher Genossenschaftswald agricultural community from Salzburg for their project “Future-oriented protective forest management of the Göriacher Cooperative Forest Agricultural Community”. In the biosphere park community of Göriach, the protection of the settlement area is guaranteed through future-oriented protective forest management with a focus on the needs of the local population, forest protection on steep terrain and a climate-fit forest for generations.
4. Wald-Wild-Management
The state prize went to the Sulzberg II hunting community from Vorarlberg for their project “Reorientation of the Sulzberg ll cooperative hunt”. The hunting community is improving its forest game management through detailed problem analysis and innovative approaches. It promotes healthy wildlife, improves dialogue between forest owners and the public and establishes sustainable wildlife management. Low-disturbance hunting and adapted feeding of deer optimize the habitat, while precise monitoring provides valuable insights. Public relations work, such as field cleaning and educational measures, strengthens understanding of game and hunting. The hunting community combines traditional hunting customs, modern methods and economic sustainability.
5. Innovation
The state prize went to palos GmbH of the LIECO Group for their project “Digital reference forest area Sparbach for the development and evaluation of a platform for digital forest management”. The “Sparbach Digital Reference Forest Area” sets new standards in forest inventory through its innovative combination of laser scanning, drone, aerial and satellite images. The “palos” platform enables precise, cost-efficient and sustainable forest planning, supported by AI-supported methods. It offers tailored solutions for forest owners and promotes both ecological sustainability and economic profitability. The project strengthens the competitiveness of Austria as a business location and shows how modern technology can revolutionize forestry
6. Youth
The state prize went to the rural youth Krumbach (Lower Austria) for the project “Thinning of the community forest for a good cause”. Once a year, the members of the Krumbach rural youth search the forest in the Krumbach community. Wood chips are produced and sold from the felled wood. The net proceeds will be donated to a good cause.