Hunting is one of many options for using natural resources in forests. In many forests, too large cloven-hoofed game populations are still hampering the development of structurally diverse forests and their selective browsing of plants is causing a depletion of species. Hunting in forests must aim at a sustainable use of game populations. This can also minimize the burden placed on tax-payers (e.g. for costly measures to protect plantations against wild game).

Selection of NFP recommendations for action in this regard:
deriving the hunting level from objective ecological indicators (e.g. browsing and bark-peeling damage)
further development of the relevant regulatory framework e.g. concerning feeding, hunting seasons, hunting methods, culling control.
Nature conservation measures, protection zones, biotope network
The conservation and promotion of rare tree and shrub species, the tending of forest edges, the creation of bat roosting sites, the participation in species protection programmes or the continuation of historic forms of forest use all form part of regular forestry activities for species and biotope conservation. There is also a need for protected areas of varied sizes and conservation categories where all measures are subordinate to the aim of protection or are not undertaken at all.
In Germany, there is a system of conservation areas in place (notably national parks, nature conservation areas, natural forest reserves and biosphere reserves) which are designed to represent all natural forest communities.
Selection of NFP recommendations for action in this regard:
implementing the NATURA 2000 concept (EU-wide protected area system), taking into account technical nature conservation and requirements of ownership law
improving the nationwide overview of existing protected areas through a central cadastre of protected areas.