Forstämter

Forstämter, literally forest offices, are regional government agencies in German-speaking countries responsible for the administration and regulation of forests within their jurisdiction. They operate within the public forestry service and are typically organized under a state or cantonal ministry of agriculture or environment, or under a district or regional forestry authority. Their remit covers both public (state-owned) forests and, to varying extents, private forests, including policy implementation, planning, and supervision.

Core functions include development and enforcement of forest management plans, issuing permits for timber harvesting and land use changes, maintaining forest inventories and statistics, and advising private forest owners on sustainable forestry practices. They monitor forest health, pest and disease outbreaks, and wildfire risk; oversee reforestation and afforestation after harvest or disturbances; and manage soil and water protection in forested watersheds. They also contribute to biodiversity conservation, habitat management, and climate resilience, and may regulate hunting and wildlife in cooperation with other authorities.

Forstämter provide public services such as licensing, inspections, and guidance, maintain forest registers and maps, and enforce forestry laws and regulations. They cooperate with other public bodies, including nature conservation agencies, fire services, and research institutions, and they may administer subsidies, grants, and technical support for forest owners and municipalities.

In many cantons and Länder, forstamt structures have evolved to emphasize sustainable forest management, balancing economic use of timber with ecological functions and recreation. The exact scope and organization vary by country and region.