Century old Oriental beech introductions in Western Europe: an opportunity to study the risks and benefits of assisted migration

Summary

The workshop will be a forum for presenting and discussing results of research on a network of 12 Oriental beech stands across France, Germany, and Switzerland. Talks given by researchers will cover comparative analysis of European and Oriental beech regarding their phenology, growth and wood anatomy, physiology, and genetics. In particular, extensive research will be presented on the hybridization of the two species and its consequences for the long-term survival of the stands. We will also discuss if remote sensing can be used to track the spread of Oriental beech in a European beech forest. Foresters managing forests with planted Oriental beech will be invited, as well as responsible administrative bodies of the three countries. During the Workshop session, foresters and researchers will think together about the potential risks and benefits of using Oriental beech for assisted migration in Western Europe. A field trip will take place to the forest of Allenwiller, where Oriental beech was introduced over 100 years ago. The event will close with talks introducing future projects on assisted migration in Europe and a discussion on the development of a protected network of sites.

Key information

• Participation will be limited to 70 persons and will be principally based on invitation. We estimate that approximately 20 places will be available for spontaneous participation. Please fill this form if you would like to participate.
• All talks on Tuesday, 10 June, will be given in English and simultaneously translated to French and German. Translations will be available in your smartphone. Please bring your earphones!
• Both meals and accommodation will be provided by the hotel. 43 rooms are available in the hotel (some shared) that will be filled on a first come first served basis. Several alternative accommodation options are available in the surrounding villages.
• The final registration form will be available in January with payment. Please note that a registration fee will apply to all participants to cover the real costs (conference room, hotel, food) of the event. This fee will be *very* approximately 200 EUR incl. 1 hotel night and 300 EUR with 3 hotel nights.
• You will also have to cover your travel costs. There is no funding for this meeting, and the organizers are working voluntarily to make it happen.

Pre-registration form

Download the program