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Show 11 The rapidity with which the Austrian Government has been able to establish successful reforestation in difficult climate and terrain is impressive. Within ten years from the start of the research program, a clear understanding of the ecological problems has been attained, basic practices of alpine farming and forest industry have been revised, and successful reforestation is under way. Research from the start was aimed at practical applications rather than theoretical principles. The rapidly growing avalanche hazard compelled haste; practical preventive measures had to accompany rather than follow research. The Austrian scientists attribute success in this speedy development of the science of sub- alpine forestry to the explicit adoption of a research program based on causative rather than statistical analysis. In summary, reforestation today in the Austrian Alps embraces the following pri nciples : 1. Re- establishment of the alpine forests must raise the timberline to the cl imatologically possible maximum. This is a slow process which begins with restoration of soil and plant cover and culminates with planting of trees. Erosion control is a necessary adjunct to this reforestation. 2. Sub- alpine forestry differs markedly from that at lower altitudes. A comprehensive study of terrain, microclimate and local plant types must precede the selection of techniques and species for rebuilding soi1 and forest. 3. It is absolutely necessary to eliminate grazing animals from the reforested areas. 4. While avalanche defense facilities are essential to protect critical |
