Schutzwald zur Hangstabilisation

"The forest, which was reforested around 100 years ago, visible from here in the direction of Nolla, served to stabilise the slope then as it does today. Today, we would do some things differently based on the experience with regard to the quality of the location and the origin of the plants. Instead of spruces, which are shallow-rooted trees and do not like to get 'wet feet', water-drawing tree species such as alder would be preferred in a first phase. The silver fir, among others, is suitable as the main tree species, as it can better stabilize the slope with its deep-growing taproot like an anchor. Today, our focus is on gradually rejuvenating the forest with more suitable, site-appropriate tree species and making it fit in the long term." Lukas Kobler, Regional Forestry Engineer Region Central Grisons

Due to centuries of agricultural cultivation, the catchment area of the Nolla used to be largely cleared. All three major hydraulic engineers, Hans Conrad Escher, Richard La Nicca and Adolf von Salis, who dealt with the Nolla and the landslides on the Heinzenberg, were of the opinion that the floods, ruts and debris flows, which caused great damage in the valley, could be prevented by replanting and draining the largely clear-cut catchment area of the Nollà.

After various stream corrections and drainage measures, the responsible federal department was of the opinion in 1897 that the slopes had come to rest sufficiently for the canton to start reforestation. The affected communities and private landowners were not positively disposed towards these reforestation plans. Because they were threatened with great loss of cultivated land due to reforestation. Nevertheless, they had to sell their land to the canton. If no agreement was reached, the land was expropriated from them.

Between 1908 and 1924, around 875,000 saplings were planted by hand and 60 kilograms of seeds were sown in the specially created forest garden. In addition, 3200 metres of drivable side roads and 7300 metres of footpaths were created, which still make the work of the forestry service easier today and make the reforested forest one of the best developed forests in the canton of Graubünden.