Removing plastic wildlife protection devices

Removal of Foreign Substances from the Forest Habitat
Forest Owners as Clients

Every year, wildlife protection measures are implemented in Swiss forests to prevent browsing and damage caused by deer and stags. These measures are very effective and help ensure that the Swiss forest thrives and that wildlife damage can be avoided. In addition to hunting, these measures include plastic wildlife protection devices or wire mesh protective fences for larger areas. In addition to the forestry department, local hunting authorities also play a key role in installing these protective measures.

The manufacturers of such protective devices promote the decomposition of their products. Unless they are made of organic material, a significant amount of microplastics is created, which remains in the forest soil after decomposition. Depending on the nature of the wildlife protection devices, this can take a very long time.

Old, no longer necessary wildlife protection devices look out of place in the forest landscape. The formerly protected trees have outgrown the plastic sleeves and plastic mesh. These are now lying around, and sometimes they even grow into the trunks of the trees they protected. At this point, at the very latest, their removal makes more sense than ever.

Because removing these wildlife protection measures is time-consuming and costly, it is often neglected by forestry and hunting authorities. Nevertheless, all those affected agree that foreign matter does not belong in the forest.

Cost-effective removal of foreign matter from the forest can be achieved through the use of volunteer hours, in the public interest. SilvaCap is a social enterprise that removes foreign matter from forests free of charge. It performs two tasks:

1. Providing daily structure for disabled adults with challenging behavior.
2. Clearing the forests of old wildlife protection structures and other low-threshold forest work.

There are very few costs for the forestry department. The work is carried out free of charge.

Only a contribution towards disposal and transport is requested to keep travel costs low. We can handle proper disposal, but it would also be possible for the forestry or forest owner to do so.

Carrying out this work has another, very positive aspect: public relations.
Campaigns carried out in a setting like this receive a high and positive response from the public, through reports, documentaries, and social media. SilvaCap's work is connected to various networks that have connections to natural habitats and professions, as well as social engagement. Even though it is intended to be a small program, it is one with a major impact – for people and nature.

In order to achieve the greatest possible utilization of our services, we rely on the cooperation of forest owners. They can draw our attention to locations and stands with old wildlife protection devices and commission their proper removal. "Wald Aargau" can make a valuable contribution through mediation and communication, as well as provide moral and logistical support, provided the idea thrives on fertile ground. SilvaCap organizes the implementation of the missions.

The group heads into the forest with a vehicle and trailer and completes the agreed-upon tasks. Since we work with employees from the third labor market, there should be no pressure to meet deadlines. The third labor market is that of employment. The primary focus is on spending time in the forest and enjoying nature in general. The tasks to remove wildlife protection devices and other tasks give the program a practical meaning and allow our employees to experience the good feeling of having successfully completed their work. Without pressure and without stress.

We consider this project valuable and sustainable. Success benefits everyone – both the forest and people.