Distribution and conservation status of maple ash forests (9180) in the Natura 2000 area Ennstaler Alpen/Gesäuse

This thesis deals with the extent and conservation status of 68 current and 18 potential maple ash forest deposits (FFH-LRT 9180) in the Gesäuse National Park. 53.7 ha of surface area was detected, which is 20 % in an excellent, 50 % good and 30 % in an unfavourable state of conservation. The main causes of the failure to maintain an excellent state of preservation are too low strong and dead wood content as well as too strong wild bite. The former will improve by itself, the latter requires active management. This survey deals with the extention and condition of 68 actual and 18 potential ash-sycamoreforest stands (FFH-Code 9180) in the NPG. Of 53.7 hectares established ash-sycamore-forests 20 % are in a favourable, 50 % in an inadequate and 30 % in a bad condition (this mostly due to the potential stands). The main reasons for an unfavourable condition are the lack of strong diameters and dead wood as well as a strongly negative impact of deer browsing. While the first ones will improve by themselves due to the shutdown of forestry use, the latter calls for active management measures.