Working together for the protective forest
With the Torrent and Avalanche Control Scheme (WLV)
On 8 July 2026, our staff took part in the initiative for the fourth time: swapping their office chairs for work gloves. As part of our Green Mountains initiative, this time we teamed up with the Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung (WLV) to head to the protective forest near the Versettla Bahn mid-station in Gaschurn – the place where the protection of our valleys begins.
Last autumn, we were already given a fascinating insight into the history and wide-ranging responsibilities of torrent and avalanche control. It was all the more rewarding, then, to put what we’d learnt into practice right there on site. Following a brief introduction to their varied remit and an explanation of our task for the day, 13 staff members from Silvretta Montafon and BTV set to work with great enthusiasm.
Our mission: to tend to young trees that were planted a few years ago and are destined one day to form a resilient protective forest. What looks like a simple task at first glance is, in fact, an important contribution to the future. The small trees had to be cleared of black tree fungus and overgrown vegetation so that they have enough light and space to grow. After all, a protective forest does not grow overnight. It takes decades for a tree to become large and strong enough to slow down snow masses and stabilise slopes. Simply planting them and leaving them to grow is not enough – regular care is crucial.
As we worked together, it became clear once again just how much knowledge, patience and dedication go into maintaining a healthy protective forest. At the same time, we were able to experience first-hand how a wide variety of specialist fields work together to protect our alpine landscape in the long term.
As we worked together, it became clear once again just how much knowledge, patience and dedication go into maintaining a healthy protective forest. At the same time, we were able to experience first-hand how a wide variety of specialist fields work together to protect our alpine landscape in the long term.
That is exactly what our project days are all about: not just enjoying nature, but understanding its interconnections and making a small contribution ourselves. A heartfelt thank you to the Torrent and Avalanche Control team for taking the time to give us an insight into their valuable work and for accompanying us on this special day of action.
