Experts reacted slowly, even incredulously. In the wake of reports of steady improvement in air quality, many had hoped that forests could be renewed within a reasonable amount of time. Today, after awakening from these optimistic dreams, experts in applied research as well as forestry are addressing the problem. The death of the birches turned back the renewal of forests on the peaks of the Czech mountains a good 15 years. The new mixed forests would not have lumber production as their primary goal, and might provide the strength that comes from more genetic variability in the forest cover.
Independent organizations are most active in making that happen.
For example, the Foundation for the Rescue and Renewal of Jizerske Mountains is cultivating trees originally found in the area, with the hope of bringing the forests back to life. Jarmila Stastna is editor in chief of Planeta Ekojournal , an environmental publication in Prague.