Bannwald; explanation

Pursuant to Art. 11 of the Bavarian Forest Act (BayWaldG), a protected forest is a forest that is irreplaceable due to its location and size, especially in densely populated areas and areas with little forest and must therefore be preserved. In addition, they are of exceptional importance for the climate, the water balance and air purification. Bannwälder are declared by ordinance of the district administrative authority in accordance with Art. 37 Para. 1 No. 1 BayWaldG. In addition, forests that serve to protect against immissions, such as air pollution and noise pollution from traffic and industry, can also be declared as protected forests by ordinance.

If certain economic measures are necessary in protected forests to protect the population from immissions, these can be imposed on the polluter. In this case, forest owners must tolerate the measures (Art. 14 Para. 2 S. 5 and 6 BayWaldG).

Permission to clear land in a protected forest must be refused. It can only be granted under the strict conditions of Art. 9 para. 6 sentence 2 BayWaldG, i.e. in the case of clearing, new forest must be established adjacent to the existing protected forest which is or can become approximately equivalent to the forest to be cleared in terms of its extent and functions.