Thuringian law on the further development of the state forestry institute and the forest protection situation that threatens the forest

A draft law from the CDU, BSW and SPD parliamentary groups, which deals with the further development of the state forestry institute “ThüringenForst” and measures to deal with forest damage, was passed in the Thuringian state parliament. The background to the draft is the increasing pressure on forests caused by extreme weather events and other damage situations, which have led to significant economic and ecological problems in recent years. The law is intended to adapt the legal and financial framework conditions of the State Forestry Agency. Among other things, it is planned to stabilize financial compensation payments for loss of use and administrative costs and, in some cases, to dynamically adapt them to price developments. In addition, an opportunity is created for the state to provide additional financial support in the event of exceptionally high damage. Another component of the bill concerns structural changes within the State Forestry Agency. Among other things, the board of directors will be expanded to include various interests more closely, while at the same time individual committees will be abolished in order to reduce bureaucracy. The institution also has more leeway in economic activities, such as in the area of ​​renewable energies, as well as in borrowing and creating reserves. In addition, regulations in the Thuringian Forest Act will also be adjusted. In the future, the state will be able to fully cover the costs of protective measures in the forest in certain cases, for example if there is a major situation threatening the forest and measures are required in the general interest. The bill was approved with 40 votes in favour. 31 MPs voted no and there were twelve abstentions.

Vote breakdown