Under Section 28 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), individual creations of nature (e.g. a particularly valuable individual tree) or corresponding areas of up to five hectares (e.g. a particularly valuable meadow) can be protected as natural monuments if their preservation is in the public interest, e.g. due to their rarity, uniqueness or beauty, or their scientific, natural history or regional significance. The parts of nature and landscape protected as natural monuments may not be destroyed, damaged or altered.

The district administrative authorities (district administrations and independent municipalities) are responsible as lower nature conservation authorities in accordance with Art. 51 Para. 1 No. 4 BayNatschG for issuing ordinances on natural monuments (§ 28 BNatSchG).