The permanence we see here is an illusion of our short time perspective. When we think in centuries, as nature does, we see a landscape in constant flux. In this dynamic system, the forest is the natural shield. A shield that has been largely missing from the Ursern Valley for almost 1000 years. We've been lucky so far. But now we are beginning to understand the far-reaching consequences of this absence—not just for our safety, but for the entire ecosystem of the valley.
Last September, there were two clear warnings: On September 12, ~20,000 m³ of rock broke off from the St-Annafirn. Days later, a rockfall hit the Schöllenen/Gotthard corridor. These are warnings that the threat is increasing. What's remarkable is the vigilance and proactive risk management of the ASSAG staff who ensured safety. (Ref. [1])
Contextualize with Blatten (May 2025). The permafrost—the glue of the Alps—is thawing. The cost of inaction is measured in lives and livelihoods. While natural hazards cost Switzerland an average of ~CHF 349 million per year (Ref. [2]), personal safety has massively increased thanks to modern measurement systems and vigilant experts. An excellent example of this is the proactive work of Dani and his team at Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG. They identified the danger at the St. Anna Glacier early on and ensured everyone's safety through their expertise. This underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure and skilled personnel.
We need to see the numbers in context. The Swiss average for forest cover is 31%. Even our canton, Uri, an Alpine canton, has almost three times as much forest as the Ursern Valley at 17%. It gets even more dramatic when we only consider the usable area: in the canton of Uri, 45% of the productive land is forested. Here in the valley, it's only 6%. Historically, the valley was forested up to 2000 meters before being cleared in the 11th century. This historical decision makes our modern infrastructure vulnerable. (Ref. [3], BAFU)
If we look closer, the situation becomes even more critical. The 6% figure obscures the true protective effect. A large part is green alder and other shrub forest, which doesn't stop rocks. At 22%, the canton of Uri has one of the highest proportions of shrub forest in Switzerland, compared to the national average of just 5%. This means that of our already small forest area, a disproportionately large part is of low quality. In the end, only about 170 hectares of true high forest are left to protect our villages, roads, and railway lines. Every hectare counts, and most are unprotected. (Ref. [3], BAFU)
The spread of green alder (~25% in a decade) blocks the regeneration of conifers and will lead to a monoculture by ~2045 if nothing is done, which undermines the protection forest function. It also reduces hydropower production by up to ~11 GWh/year (~CHF 1 million in revenue). This is both ecological and economical. (Refs. [4], [5])
Investing in living infrastructure: Barrier (stops rocks, stabilizes snow), Anchor (up to ~100 km of roots per m³), Sponge (~200 L of water per m²). The Swiss mountain forest is increasing overall, which is a very positive development. However, this means that national funding policy logically focuses on maintenance and preservation, not on costly new afforestation. Our valley is the critical exception here. That's why we are stepping in with private commitment to rebuild the shield where it is most urgently needed. (Refs. [6], [3])
Multi-generational engineering: Protection forests need 50-100 years to become fully functional. We commit to 10 years of intensive care—tripods, protection against browsing/erosion—and have planted ~4,400 trees since 2022. Community research (UZH) shows a high willingness to finance nature-based mitigation measures. (Refs. [7], [8])
Roles of partners: Andermatt Swiss Alps—foundational funding; integrating forest health into development; more use of local wood. ASSAG/Vail—beyond funding: mountain logistics, conservation practice (e.g., wildlife quiet zones), and safe operations. Stewardship and prosperity are synergistic.
Concrete avalanche barriers ~CHF 1 million/ha. Protection forests: Switzerland invests ~€145 million/year; avoided damages ~€3.8 billion—a benefit-cost ratio > 25:1. This is not a donation; it's the smartest infrastructure investment and a risk mitigation strategy for the entire valley. (Refs. [9], [10])
The saplings we plant today will protect our grandchildren's homes tomorrow. The mountains are moving. The only shield is the forest. Join us through donations, volunteering, CO₂ offsetting—so your legacy is written in the trees that protect this valley.
Key data sources are cited for verification and further discussion.