Funding for Forestry Measures in Private and Corporate Forests (FöRL Private and Corporate Forests)

This funding program is aimed at a wide range of actors in the forestry sector of North Rhine-Westphalia, including private individuals, legal entities, forestry associations, and public bodies. The goal is to support measures that promote sustainable and close-to-nature development of forestry, strengthen climate protection, and improve rural infrastructure. The funding area is limited to the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The funding program supports a variety of forestry measures aimed at sustainable forest management, climate protection, and the improvement of forestry infrastructure. This includes preparatory work, conversion and maintenance concepts for forests, measures for biotop and species protection, and the initial afforestation of areas. Costs for the construction and maintenance of forest roads are also eligible for funding.

Funding is primarily provided as a grant, the amount of which depends on the respective measure. Both fixed-amount and percentage-based funding are available. Specific de minimis thresholds and regulations on funding amounts for certain applicants or areas are provided. Project durations vary depending on the type of measure, with long-term commitments also existing.

Specific conditions and requirements apply to the application and implementation of funded projects, ranging from general administrative regulations to detailed provisions for individual measures. This includes exclusions from funding, de minimis thresholds, obligations to maintain funded objects, and compliance with aid rules such as the de minimis regulation.

The application procedure for forestry measures begins with the submission of a specific form to the competent regional forest office. The approval authority reviews the applications, whereby a professionally qualified applicant in forestry can expedite the review. The disbursement of grants generally follows the reimbursement principle, with possibilities for early fund disbursement.

The funding program is based on a guideline from the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection North Rhine-Westphalia and is underpinned by various national and European laws and regulations that define its legitimacy and the framework conditions for granting aid. The official texts are available online.