Aachen Forest

The Aachen forest is a much appreciated "citizens' forest". Our cultural forest landscape fulfills a variety of ecosystem services in a multifunctional way, i.e. on one and the same area. These services should at least be maintained for future generations according to the state of the art and on the basis of scientific findings, and if possible, continuously improved. The sustainability of all forest functions in the sense of a permanent provision of basic needs is the guiding principle of our actions.

We are committed to the common good and advise the responsible political bodies and act on their behalf. When managing the forest, we take into account the sometimes conflicting interests of our stakeholders and try to strike a balance between them by finding appropriate solutions. We create transparency through regular public relations work and reporting in the political bodies and thus raise people's awareness of the value of the forest. We take inquiries and suggestions from our citizens seriously and respond to them appropriately and promptly.

We achieve the simultaneous fulfillment of all ecological, economic and social tasks with the concept of near-natural and future-oriented permanent forest management, which is based on the natural processes in the forest (biological automation). The prerequisite for this is a game density adapted to the habitat, which we ensure through efficient and animal-friendly hunting.

The protection of endangered forest species and the non-management of individual areas are an integral part of our responsible forest management and therefore part of our municipal biodiversity strategy. We keep an eye on climate change, the extent and consequences of which are difficult to calculate, and minimize the risks to the forest ecosystem by constantly adapting our strategic direction based on the latest scientific findings.

We preserve both tangible and intangible forest assets and work according to the principle of economic efficiency.

Well-trained specialists are deployed to carry out these demanding tasks. Our employees identify with our tasks and undergo further training as required. They contribute their knowledge and skills as well as their willingness to perform. Our dealings with one another are characterized by appreciation, mutual respect, openness and fairness.

We employees determine the success of the forestry business.

The areas that we refer to today as Aachen's city forest were formed around the turn of the century from the forest of the Free Imperial City of Aachen, which was essentially located west of Eupener Straße, and supplemented by the forest of the municipalities of Burtscheid and Forst. The forest of the city of Aachen was decisively shaped by the "welfare resolution" of 1882, the first of its kind in Germany. At that time, the city council decided to replace the centuries-old primitive coppice forestry with high forestry and placed the forest under special protection due to its "aesthetic and sanitary importance".

Deciduous and coniferous trees with a lifespan of 80 to 100 years were to grow in the "Öcher Bösch", and the forest was primarily intended for the recreation of the town's population. At that time, the forest paths that still exist today were established and equipped with benches and shelters. The Aachen Forest thus developed into Aachen's most popular recreational area.

As a result of the municipal reorganization in 1972, further forest areas of the previously independent municipalities became the property of the City of Aachen. In addition to smaller areas, this was primarily the "Münsterwald" in the south with approx. 750 ha of contiguous forest area. Today, the city of Aachen owns a total of around 2,350 hectares of forest.

In a lively city like Aachen, the Aachen Forest invites many people to enjoy a wide variety of activities. Despite the common interest in finding balance and recreation in nature, conflicts occasionally arise. This tends to happen when people do not understand the behavior of other user groups or are not familiar with the applicable rules and laws.

This has motivated the representatives of the clubs that use Aachen's forest for sporting and active purposes and the Municipal Forestry Office in the Environment Department of the City of Aachen to close these information gaps.

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Can set-aside areas be entered?

Yes, set-aside areas may be entered. There is no legal ban on entering. But be careful! The danger level in these stands is significantly higher than in managed areas. No forestry measures may be carried out in set-aside areas, the forest is completely left to its own devices, diseased and dead trees are not removed and simply fall over or collapse at some point, even if they still look quite vital at first glance. In these areas, apart from the normal forest-typical dangers, you have to reckon with significantly higher dangers.

Where are dogs allowed to run free in the forest?

In North Rhine-Westphalia, dogs may only run free on forest paths within the handler's sphere of influence; when leaving the forest paths, they must be kept on a lead. In designated nature reserves, dogs must be kept on a lead even on paths! Attention: Other laws apply in Belgium and the Netherlands!

Section 2 of the State Forestry Act (LFoG) §2, para. 3

Where can I cycle in the forest?

Exclusively on forest roads and fixed forest paths. Fixed forest paths are paved or natural paths. It is forbidden to ride on bridleways and trails such as wild paths or mountain bike trails.

Section 2 LFoG §2, para. 2

Which forest areas am I allowed to enter and which not?

Entering forest areas off the beaten track is generally permitted in Germany. However, there is an absolute ban on trespassing:

• for forestry crops (planting young forest trees)
• in thickets (up to about six to eight meters high, the plants touch each other)
• for seedbeds and planting gardens
• in the case of areas and paths that are properly marked as closed (tape, signs)
• for forestry, hunting, beekeeping and pond management facilities
• with signposted bridleways
• wherever wood is felled or processed. During this time, access is prohibited on paths and in forest areas
• if the forest has been closed with official permission

1. Section LFoG §3, para. 1

Who is allowed to use paths with no riding signs and who is not?

Bridleways are marked by blue signs with a white rider: This path may only be used by horse riders, forestry operations and the rescue service. Pedestrians and cyclists are not allowed to use these paths. On some paths there is a so-called bridleway, where the hiking trail and bridleway run parallel. Riders may only ride on designated bridleways in the Aachen Forest. A corresponding map of bridleways is available free of charge from the municipal forestry office in Aachen.

LG NRW § 50

When is the forest open again after a storm?

There are no legal bans on entering forest areas and paths during or shortly after heavy storms or snowfall. You enter the forest at your own risk even during these times, except that the dangers are significantly higher during these periods. Neither foresters nor the forestry office can "clear" the forest and thus assume responsibility or guarantee that your visit to the forest will be unharmed. In extreme cases, the lower forestry authority can order a forest closure and then lift this order again. However, this is extremely rare.

Am I allowed to enter the forest at night?

Yes, in Germany you are allowed to enter the forest at night as long as you do not disturb the forest community (no parties, music, engine noise, etc.). If possible, activity should be limited to daytime so that wild and nocturnal animals can follow their natural way of life without being disturbed.

Please note: Other countries have different laws. In Belgium and the Netherlands, it is forbidden to enter the forest at night!

LFoG § 2 para. 3

When can I re-enter closed forest paths?

As soon as the barrier or flutter tape or corresponding barrier signs have been removed by the responsible forestry personnel or, in the event of a closure, the paths or areas have been reopened by specialist personnel working on site.

LFoG § 3 para. b, c

Who is allowed to drive motorized vehicles in the forest?

Only hunting and forestry operations, rescue services and vehicles that have a special permit from the municipal forestry office. Driving in the forest is prohibited for all other motorized vehicles.

§ Section 2 (2) LFoG

Am I allowed to park on forest roads and in front of barriers?

Parking on forest roads and paths is not permitted in front of barriers or bollards. Access roads to the forest must always be freely accessible in their entire width for forestry operations (e.g. log transporters) and rescue vehicles.

Are caravans and tents allowed in the forest?

Camping and parking of caravans is not permitted!

Section 2 LFoG §3, para. 1

What needs to be considered for events in the forest?

Organized events (except for recreational purposes) must be notified to the forestry office in good time (around four to six weeks in advance) and approved by the office. An informal request with a description of the event, notification of the duration, the expected number of participants and the route (map!) is sufficient.

LFoG § 2 para. 4

What do I have to bear in mind when lighting fires, barbecuing and smoking in the forest?

Smoking in the forest is prohibited from the beginning of March to the end of October and must be restricted to the period from the beginning of November to the end of February.

Barbecuing is only permitted in the designated barbecue areas all year round. The forest barbecue areas can be rented from the municipal forestry office in Aachen: Telephone 0241 432-36611

The following are prohibited in the forest and at a distance of less than 100 meters from the edge of the forest: barbecuing, storing highly flammable substances, lighting or maintaining open fires.

LFoG § 47 StGB § 306 f.

Where and when can I ride in the forest?

• Where? Only on signposted bridleways.
  

• When? When you have purchased a riding license plate with the corresponding annual sticker from the forestry office (Tel. 0241 432-36611) or from the StädteRegion (Tel. 0241-5198-2585). Please always buy the sticker where the rider is registered with their primary residence.

How can I protect myself from a fox tapeworm infection?

In general, do not touch or take home any dead wild animals or wash your fingers thoroughly afterwards. It is advisable to consume collected fruit, mushrooms and other food only after thorough washing or cooking. Unfortunately, a fox tapeworm infection can often only be detected years later. The annual statistics of the Robert Koch Institute show a new infection rate of around 0.0002 percent for NRW in 2014.

What should I do in the event of a wildlife accident?

Call the police immediately. The police accident report is sufficient proof for your insurance company.

How do I react in the event of a bird of prey attack?

In the breeding season between May and July, unpleasant encounters with birds of prey can occur in the forest on rare occasions. In these cases, the birds of prey will defend their nests. If you find yourself in such a situation, find a long stick and hold it vertically above your head while trying to move away from your position. The birds of prey will normally see the stick as an enemy and attack it. Never strike the birds.

How can I protect myself from marten damage?

If possible, park cars in the garage. There are various household remedies that can supposedly keep martens away temporarily, for example placing wavy wire mesh under the car, putting toilet stones, animal or human hair in the engine...

To prevent martens from setting up home in roof trusses, it is important to regularly check and remove potential entry points or climbing opportunities (e.g. branches that reach the roof, trellis). If martens have already taken up residence, the usual deterrents available on the market will help. If necessary, you can also call in an exterminator.

How can I recognize a nature reserve?

It is triangular with a green border and shows the words "Naturschutzgebiet" (nature reserve) and a silhouette of a bird of prey. As soon as you see this sign, you are no longer allowed to enter any areas in the Aachen Forest (woodland, meadows, water areas, etc.) away from the paths. There is an absolute ban on entering these areas. Dogs must also be kept on a lead on the paths in these areas.

Each nature reserve (NSG) has its own protection ordinance with the corresponding protection purposes. The largest nature reserve in the city of Aachen is the Brander Wald and the oldest is the Klauserwald.

§ Section 23 BNatSchG

Can I take plants, parts of plants or similar from the wild?

For nature conservation reasons, no plants or parts of plants should be taken from the wild. Nevertheless, the right of appropriation by anyone applies here too, provided the plants in question do not belong to the specially protected species. In the case of unprotected plants, a maximum of "one handful" also applies here.

LG §61 (2)

Can I pick mushrooms in the forest?

Yes, mushrooms may generally be collected in the forest for personal use (approx. one to two kilograms per person), and this also applies to other forest fruits. However, it is a punishable offense to collect quantities in excess of personal consumption. In order to protect yourself and nature, you should only pick fruit and mushrooms that you know exactly and are able to use (see also chapter "Access rights").

§ Section 39 (3) BNatSchG

Can I take sticks, twigs and parts of plants from the forest?

The right of appropriation by anyone in the forest includes at most: a "bunch of hands" (rule of thumb: as much as you can hold between your thumb and forefinger and everything lying on the ground, with the exception of processed wood, including firewood and long wood without crowns), and exclusively for your own use. Anything beyond this is punishable by law. The so-called reading license for collecting wood in the forest no longer exists. Once a year, the forestry office of the city of Aachen organizes a firewood auction(more information).

Chestnuts and acorns: where can you hand in your painstakingly collected goods?

Unfortunately nowhere! It would be best to leave the fruit in the forest. Wild animals know exactly where their food sources are and seek them out, even if this only happens weeks later.

Can I take wild animals home with me?

Please never take them with you! Most wild animals in Aachen and the surrounding area are subject to hunting rights and therefore belong to the person authorized to hunt them; taking them away could be interpreted as poaching. This also applies to dead, injured or apparently abandoned young animals. It is important to always inform the relevant hunting rights holder or the forestry office if an injured or dead wild animal is found.

BNatSchG § 39 Para. 2 (FFH Directive Annex V) and § 44
BJagdG § 2 and § 3
LJG NRW § 25

When can I cut down my trees in the garden?

The tree protection statutes of the city of Aachen apply, the responsibility here lies with the "Lower Nature Conservation Authority" of the city of Aachen.

When can shrubs and hedges be pruned and how?

As a general rule, trees, hedges and other shrubs may not be cut back severely from March 1 to September 30, so that their character is changed. This means that only annual shoots may be cut back during this period.

BNatSchG § 39 para. 5 (2)

Can I get May or Christmas trees at the forestry office?

The Forestry Office does not sell May and Christmas trees. We can only refer you to appropriate dealers and sales outlets on request. However, it is forbidden to go and cut down a tree yourself in the forest or on the roads.

Can I get firewood at the forestry office?

The forestry office does not sell ready-cut firewood. Whole logs for you to cut yourself are only available at our annual firewood auction, which normally takes place in December. The event is announced around two weeks in advance in the newspaper and on the Internet. So-called "Lesescheine", which used to allow you to collect wood in the forest, no longer exist. If you are interested in large lots of firewood for commercial use, please contact the municipal forestry office: Telephone 0241 432-3691.

If you want to organize an event in the municipal forest, you need a permit from the municipal forestry office.

How to apply for a permit: The application can be made informally. Please be sure to include the following information in your application:

• Date and time: When does the event take place? (e.g. exact time or time period)
• Location: Where in the city forest should the event take place? Ideally with a map on which the area or route is marked.
• Number of participants: How many people are expected to attend?
• Use of the paths: Do you stay exclusively on the paths, or do you also move through the stock?
• Type of event: Provide a brief description of the planned activities.
• Contact persons: Who are the contact persons for the event? (Please include name, e-mail and telephone number)
  
  Please send your application by e-mail or contact Mr. Vondenhoff for further information.

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