Heatwaves in 2026 caused severe forest damage in Beaujolais, prompting urgent action to manage over 10,500 cubic meters of deteriorating wood.
Heatwave damage in Beaujolais forests
Three consecutive heatwaves during the summer of 2026 caused severe damage to forests in the Beaujolais region, as revealed during a "wood day" event held on October 21 by the Rhône Department to examine the impact of climate change on local forests. Significant forest dieback observed
Technicians from the National Forest Office noted "significant dieback" in several forest areas belonging to the Department as early as late August. The Douglas fir was the most affected species, with lesser damage observed in fir and oak trees. Vulnerable areas and water stress
The most vulnerable forest areas are those facing south and southwest at lower altitudes, where the summer brought intense water stress. This has led to a significant decline in the health of the trees in these zones. Estimates of damaged wood
Preliminary estimates suggest that about 10,500 cubic meters of deteriorating wood will need to be cut from public departmental properties. This amount is equivalent to one and a half years of regular forestry harvesting in the region. Harvesting methods and forest management
Half of the damaged wood could be harvested using modern forestry machinery, while the other half would require traditional logging methods. The Departmental Council oversees 1,800 hectares of forest managed by the National Forest Office, making it the largest landowner in the Rhône region. Infrastructure and access to private land
The Department also maintains 85 kilometers of forest trails and roads, which provide access to private plots within the same forest areas. These roads are essential for both public and private forest management activities. Event highlights and industry support
The "wood day" included visits to the Lachize sawmill, which specializes in processing Douglas fir wood, and to the communal forest of Thizy-les-Bourgs-Mardore, where discussions focused on the long-term effects of climate change on forest ecosystems. Funding for the wood industry
The Rhône Department provides 100,000 euros annually to support investments in the local wood industry, including forestry, sawing, and secondary processing. In 2026, it also contributed funding to organizations such as the National Forest Property Center, FIBOIS69, and the MFR to support forest-related initiatives.
