A new permit for groundwater abstraction for the next 30 years was granted to the Zweckverband Wasserwerk Gerauer Land. The deep wells for extracting groundwater are situated within forests. In order to monitor possible forest damage caused by groundwater abstraction, six monitoring areas (two reference and four test areas) were established in oak, beech and pine forests. At regular intervals, forestry basic data, growth parameters, vitality data and other factors such as the harmful effects of cockchafer have to be collected. UNIQUE was commissioned to prepare a report on the initial status of the forest and to carry out the monitoring for the next 5 years.

• Establishing and mapping the fundamentals of the six monitoring areas.
• Measuring position, species, diameter and vitality of all trees.
• Assessment of soil and vegetation.
• Report on initial situation including an ecological and hydrological assessment.
• Yearly vitality monitoring and cockchafer assessment in a four year cycle.