Forest protection

Swiss forest law treats forests as serving protective, ecological, economic and social functions. Forest protection includes the general preservation of forest area, restrictions on clearing, duties to maintain protective forests, measures against pests and fire, and controls on uses that impair forest functions. It is closely linked to avalanche and erosion protection, biodiversity, recreation and timber management. Authorities coordinate forest decisions with spatial planning and environmental assessment. Legal disputes often concern whether land qualifies as forest, clearing permits, replacement measures and balancing private ownership with public protective functions.