Logging operations require additional horses, according to the Ministry's statement. - Logging Continues to Require Horses for Operations according to the Ministry
In the picturesque Thuringian Forest, a traditional practice continues to thrive - the use of draft horses for timber harvesting. The Environment Ministry in Thuringia has expressed no intention of cutting back on this practice, according to a report by MDR Thuringia.
The capital city of Erfurt, though not explicitly mentioned in the context, serves as the backdrop for this unique forestry method. The Environment Minister, Tilo Kummer (BSW), has decided against reducing the funds for draft horses, a decision that could be crucial in maintaining this age-old practice.
However, the current financial climate in Thuringia presents a challenge. The ministries in the state are addressing a budget hole through savings in their running budgets. This has raised questions about the future funding of draft horses for timber harvesting, particularly in light of the ongoing austerity measures.
MDR reported that forestry offices in the state received a written notice indicating no more funds are likely available this year for the use of draft horses. Yet, the Environment Ministry's spokesperson has expressed confusion over the funding situation for draft horses.
Despite this uncertainty, negotiations are underway to ensure 200,000 euros are available this year for the use of draft horses. If successful, this could secure the continued use of these heavy draft horses, which are vital for soil protection and timber harvesting in the challenging Thuringian upland regions.
It's worth noting that only about half a dozen professional horse loggers remain in Thuringia, and the practice supports the keeping of traditional domestic animal breeds in the region. Approximately 12,000 cubic meters of timber are removed from the forest with horsepower each year.
The future of this traditional practice hangs in the balance. With only a few horse keepers in Thuringia who can operate teams with draft horses, the outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the preservation of a unique and sustainable forestry method.
Community aid for the ongoing practice of draft horse timber harvesting might be necessitated due to financial constraints in Thuringia, considering the ongoing austerity measures. The development of the industry relying on draft horses rely heavily on environmental science, as the welfare of these animals and their use in the forest aims to uphold sustainable forestry practices and preserve soil.
