Involving citizens and foresters in how to prepare for the effects of climate change-related drought stress on bark beetle outbreaks in Lower Austrian forests with a toolbox for stable isotopes and drones.

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is the most economically important tree species in Austria. Projected temperature increases and major changes in precipitation patterns will have a significant impact on forestry and increase the risk of bark beetle infestation (e.g. 1.97 million m³ of beetle-damaged wood in Austria in 2021). The aim of Adapt4K is to provide foresters and the forestry sector with the latest scientific knowledge on risks to which certain stands are exposed in order to support decision-making for adaptation to future climate change. In addition, this joint action aims to promote more resilient landscape planning and strengthen communication channels between local stakeholders (foresters and forest managers) and the multi-institutional counterparts (BFW, LF4 and BOKU). We have characterized a number of P. abies sites with bark beetle infestation in Austria. The relationship between recent bark beetle infestation, tree ring data and site characteristics is used to predict future infestation risk. Using a citizen science approach, we place foresters at the center of the data collection and decision-making process: site-specific forest data is collected and interpreted to assess the risk of bark beetle infestation. In this way, we hope to raise awareness and increase personal responsibility.