Promotion of Private Forests

The support for private forest management in Baden-Württemberg is aimed at private forest owners who wish to professionally oversee their forest areas and manage them sustainably in the long term. Under the Private Forest Ordinance (PWaldVO), both occasional management services and permanent contractual management models can be utilized. Depending on the management variant, the funding rate covers up to 75% of eligible costs, with the funding level graduated between 40% and 75%. All necessary forestry services are supported, from timber harvesting planning and stand maintenance to operational organization. Private forest owners benefit from flexible durations between 36 and 120 months and the possibility to submit applications on an ongoing basis.

A prerequisite for funding, in addition to forest ownership in Baden-Württemberg, is the conclusion of a private forest agreement or a management contract according to PWaldVO, as well as the submission of the funding application within three months after contract conclusion. Only service invoices are eligible for funding, while value-added tax is excluded. For the application, the original management contract, the fully completed funding application, a de minimis declaration, proof of expertise for third-party providers, the service provider’s invoice, and proof of payment are required. After positive approval, the responsible lower forestry authority ensures the disbursement of funds, provided the minimum amount of €250 per application procedure is reached. This funding offer strengthens advisory competence and makes a significant contribution to environmental and climate protection as well as the economic stability of private forests in Baden-Württemberg.