Berne Adapting the Solothurn Forest Act to the requirements of the future

In order to be able to protect and use the forest in a modern way in the future, the Solothurn Forest Act from 1995 is to be amended. In its draft, the Solothurn government proposes, among other things, new precautions for climate change. It also wants to facilitate cooperation with forest owners and enable new cycle paths.

The Solothurn State Chancellery announced on Tuesday that the cantonal government had already adopted new forest policy principles three years ago. The subsequent review of forest legislation revealed that the cantonal forest law from 1995 was still up to date in many cases.

However, rules were lacking to cope with the increasing use as a leisure and recreational area, climate change or the increasing requirements for protective measures against natural disasters. The total revision of the Forest Act, on which the public can comment until November 19, attempts to close these gaps.

Regulating responsibility more clearly

In addition to forest roads, bicycle traffic in forests should also be permitted on additional, specially designated paths. Responsibility for protection against natural disasters should be more clearly assigned and the tasks of the forestry service should be redefined.

The revised Forest Act is also to include a new basic article that allows for precautions to be taken against climate change. A redefinition of forestry buildings and facilities in the forest is also planned.