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Clearing; application for a permit

Clearing involves the removal of forest in favor of another type of land use. This requires a permit.

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Amt für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten Bad Neustadt a.d.Saale

Amt für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten Bad Neustadt a.d.Saale

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Otto-Hahn-Str. 17
97616 Bad Neustadt a.d.Saale

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Otto-Hahn-Str. 17

97616 Bad Neustadt a.d.Saale

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Procedure details

Clearing is the removal of forest in favor of another type of land use. This not only includes the removal of a forest stand, e.g. in favor of agricultural land or the construction of infrastructure facilities or similar, but also applies if a use other than forest management comes to the fore, e.g. in a burial forest.

If forest owners wish to clear an area, they require permission from the responsible lower forestry authority, i.e. the Office for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (AELF), in accordance with Art. 9 Para. 2 of the Bavarian Forest Act (BayWaldG). This decides on the application in agreement with the district administrative authority (Art. 39 para. 2 sentence 1 BayWaldG). Depending on the size of the area to be cleared, it may also be necessary to carry out an environmental impact assessment.

The application must be submitted in text form to the lower forestry authority (AELF) (Art. 42 BayWaldG). The following information is usually required:

  • Size and location of the forest area to be cleared
  • Age and composition of the forest
  • Description and justification of the project

Art. 9 of the Bavarian Forest Act regulates both the clearing permit and clarifies when this is to be refused, such as in protected, protected and recreational forests.

Unauthorized clearing is an administrative offence and can be punished with a fine (Art. 46 Para. 1 No. 2 BayWaldG).

If you have any questions, the foresters of the Bavarian Forestry Administration will be happy to help you (see forester finder under "Further links").

You want to remove forest in favor of another type of land use.

Applications must be submitted in text form by the forest owner to the responsible Office for Food, Agriculture and Forestry. The foresters of the Bavarian Forestry Administration will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the application process (see forester finder under "Further links").

If no other period is specified in the clearing permit, it expires if clearing has not begun within five years or has not been interrupted for five years (Art. 16a Para. 1 BayWaldG).

The five-year period can be extended by up to three years in each case if the application is received by the lower forestry authority (AELF) before the permit expires (Art. 16a para. 2 BayWaldG).

Administrative court action

  • Afforestation; application for a permit

    The conversion of land previously not used for forestry into areas planted with forest trees constitutes afforestation. This requires a permit.

  • Bannwald; explanation
    Bannwald is a forest that is irreplaceable due to its location, especially in urban agglomerations and sparsely wooded areas. This forest provides a more balanced urban climate, offers recreational space and has a positive effect on the water and air balance.
  • Reforestation; application for an extension of the deadline

    Forest areas that no longer have any trees, e.g. after felling measures or as a result of storms or insect damage, must be reforested. Forest owners must ensure this by planting, sowing or natural regeneration within a certain period of time.

Status: 20.05.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Tourismus
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