New facility will store 15,000 cubic metres of timber after forest damage

A new wet storage facility in Thumling, in the Zwettl district, can hold up to 15,000 solid cubic metres of roundwood for months, ORF reports. The Lower Austria Forest Association says it will help manage timber supplies after storms, snow or ice damage, and bark beetle infestations.

When large volumes of timber have to be removed quickly from forests but the wood industry cannot take them immediately, the facility can serve as an interim storage point. Staggering sales could help cushion supply peaks in the timber market.

The facility, near Martinsberg, was recently opened. The stored timber is kept continuously wet to prevent it drying out, cracking or discolouring, and to largely inhibit bark beetles and slow wood-destroying fungi. The water is recirculated and comes from two springs and existing surface water, the association said.

Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf said the Waldviertel location was chosen with future damage events and regional timber logistics in mind. Its proximity to the wood industry is intended to keep transport distances short and enable efficient processing.

Forest Association chairman Franz Fischer called the facility strategically important infrastructure that gives forest owners more options and could help stabilise the timber market. Andrea Wagner, vice-president of the Lower Austria Chamber of Agriculture, said preparation was important because storms, drought and bark beetles can cause extensive damage in a short time.

Forests in Lower Austria have recently been under pressure from heat and drought, according to information presented at the opening. Forest protection conditions vary by region but are tense overall. Regular inspections and the rapid removal of infested timber remain important. While no volumes of bark beetle-damaged timber that would affect the market are expected this year, the risk remains for coming years.