Environment Permit Cap

The felling of trees is subject to regulations. These regulations are partly contained in the General Local Bye-Law (APV), partly in the zoning plan and in the Forest Act. These regulations state, among other things, that you need an environmental permit to fell certain types of trees.

Directly arrange

 Environmental Permit Application

Forest Opsterland

Tree felling

You can only apply for an environmental permit for felling a tree that you own yourself. If the owner does not apply himself, the other person must enclose a written authorization from the owner with the application. If it is a tree belonging to the housing association, a written permission or authorization from the housing association is required with the application.

How does it work?

In what case do you need to apply for a permit to remove a tree stand?

  • The felling of wood stands that are not in the garden or yard usually requires an environmental permit.
  • The felling of a tree stand older than 80 years in the garden or yard requires an environmental permit for the activity of felling. If the planting year is not known, a diameter of more than 60 centimeters (equals a circumference of more than 188 cm) at 1.30 meters above ground level applies.
  • Incidentally, this exemption does not apply if it concerns a tree stand planted pursuant to a replanting obligation or an agreement with a public law governing body. For example, a wood stand that has a function for landscaping and is part of a building permit.

Requirements

For all Requirements , see: General Local Ordinance Opsterland. The municipality may attach additional Requirements to the environmental permit, such as a replanting obligation. The municipality sets a time limit within which you must replant. 

Request

When applying for an environmental permit, the municipality weighs the interest of preserving the tree to be cut against the interest of removing it. You can do a permit check via the Omgevingsloket online. You will then see whether or not you need to apply for an environmental permit or whether you need to make a notification. 

Nature Protection Act (former Forest Act)

In addition to the General Local Bye-Law (APV), the Nature Protection Act (Wnb) may also apply. The Wnb includes:

  • Timber stands located outside the "built-up area Forest Act.
  • Vegetation that is part of a timber stand or larger than 10 acres (1000 square meters).
  • Trees in a row planting, if the row consists of more than 20 trees or more.

The Wnb also applies when clearing and performing actions that result in the death or serious damage of trees.

Notification Wnb: You submit the felling notification to the province of Fryslân at least six weeks and a maximum of one year before the actual felling of the tree stand.