Succession and stability of the Vienna drinking water protection zone under the influence of climate change scenarios

The stability of vegetation cover within drinking water protection zones is of crucial importance, especially in the context of climate change. In the case of forest vegetation, the possibilities of silviculture are requested to influence stability of forest stands in a way, that their protection functionality can be maintained despite climate change scenarios. Silviculture in Austria encompasses the montane zone and also the subalpine zone, including dwarf pine stands. Therefore research goals are investigations according to the effects of changing climatic inputs on vegetation succession and forest management (conversion to continuous cover forestry) within the water protection zones. Within this context, stability and also risk-potential of single tree-individuals, forest stands, hydrotopes and whole water protection areas will be assessed. Implications for water protection purposes will be described in an all-embracing way.