According to the regulations of the Lower Saxony Forest and Landscape Act, forest conversions require approval. The necessary compensation under forest law is also examined by the competent authority in such an approval procedure. Other specialist authorities are also involved in the procedure.

The forest authority can grant approval if the forest conversion serves the interests of the general public or if significant economic interests of the forest owner require the conversion and these interests and interests are weighted higher than the interest in preserving the forest with its forest functions, taking into account the compensation.

Forest conversion should only be approved subject to the condition of initial afforestation that corresponds to the forest functions, but at least covers the same area. Compensation through other silvicultural measures and a forest conservation levy are possible in exceptional cases.

In the case of the forest conservation levy, the forest authority should use the forest owner's levy for initial afforestation.

Approval must be obtained before felling, clearing or other removal begins.

Note: There are special regulations in the procedure if the conversion is required in the case of regulations in a development plan, an urban development statute, a building permit, a soil extraction permit or a conservation and development measure under nature conservation law.