In the dry, steppe-like conditions on the slopes of the Upper Val Venosta, reforestation was started some 200 years ago as an attempt to shield the fields and meadows of this ancient granary of Tyrol from wind, storms and even floods.

The cultural landscape, looked after by the Forestry Station Prato/Prad, is today a nearby recreational area which is the habitat of a great number of plant and animal species as well. In the current forest cultivation garden sapling trees and shrubs are reared, which later will become afforested into South Tyrol's woods.