The Forest Act (WaldG) aims to preserve forests as a vital natural resource with ecological, protective, economic, social and recreational functions. It seeks to maintain and, where necessary, expand forest areas, protect near-natural forest communities and habitats of threatened species, and promote sustainable forestry. The Act prohibits clearcutting except where authorised by the Government under strict conditions and requires compensatory reforestation of equivalent area and function. It also restricts harmful construction, extraction and deposits in forests and allows the establishment of forest reserves for ecological and landscape protection. Forests are generally open to public access, while motor vehicle use and certain activities are subject to restrictions or permits. The Act provides measures for pest and disease control, forest fire prevention, regulation of damage caused by wild animals, and restoration following forest disturbances. Forest management is supported through national forest inventories, operational planning for public forests, advisory services and cooperative management arrangements for private forests, as well as financial assistance for protective functions, forest damage and certain infrastructure. Implementation and enforcement responsibilities are assigned to the Government, municipalities and the Office for the Environment, with administrative and criminal penalties and appeal procedures provided for violations.