Reforestation requirements and cost coverage clarified for protected forests
Austria's Protected Forest Regulation now specifies how authorities must set reforestation timelines and methods, and clarifies who pays for forest management measures depending on the type of protected forest.
What changed
The regulation adds new rules about reforestation after timber harvesting in protected forests (Schutzwald). Authorities must now decide reforestation timelines and methods by formal decision (Bescheid). The rules distinguish between two types of protected forest: those protecting the site itself (Standortschutzwald) and those protecting other areas or objects (Objektschutzwald), with different cost-coverage rules for each.
Who is affected
Forest owners and timber harvesters in protected forests are affected. They must now follow whatever reforestation timeline and method the local authority sets. Additionally, public authorities and any beneficiaries of object-protection forests (such as towns or communities downstream that benefit from avalanche or mudslide protection) may be required to contribute financially to management costs.
Cost coverage rules
For site-protection forests, harvesting revenues from that forest must cover management costs. For object-protection forests, costs are covered by public funds or payments from those who benefit. If a forest serves both purposes, the authority splits costs between these two sources.
When it takes effect
These amendments entered into force on 15 October 2026 (the day after publication in the Official Journal BGBl. II Nr. 303/2026).