Why federal money for the forest?
In spite of increased efforts to improve efficiency, the revenues resulting from wood utilization are insufficient to cover the costs of forest management - particularly in protective forests. Yet the rising demands of society make it necessary to take silvicultural measures even on sites which are not profitable.
Expected effects: The financial support of the Confederation, together with other public funding, should contribute to meeting the demands of society towards the forest as part of our natural environment and the products it provides.
The risk of natural hazards should be reduced to an acceptable level. The sustainable use of the forest and the protection of wild animals should be guaranteed.
How much support is offered and how?
The Confederation attempts to reconcile the many different demands on forest use, at the same time considering the function of the forest as an ecosystem. Under nine different headings, financial support is given to forest conservation, forest utilization and the defense against natural hazards.
After a strong increase in federal support at the beginning of the 90ies (storm Vivian), federal subsidies have, since the mid-nineties, settled at around CHF 180 million a year. Due to the avalanche winter in 1999 and in particular the hurricane Lothar of 26th December 1999 the financial contributions have again risen temporarily, reaching a maximum of approx. CHF 320 million in the year 2000.
By the end of 2006, after the full implementation of the budgetary restriction programme 2003, the budget will have been reduced to approx. CHF 136 million.
The financial contributions of cantons and municipalities together reach approximately the same level as federal support.