Bavarian Cabinet Rules Forest Bench Use as Personal Risk

The Bavarian state cabinet approved an amendment to the Bavarian Nature Conservation Act that explicitly states that sitting on forest benches or at information boards is at the visitor’s own risk. The change is intended to reduce liability claims against municipalities that have removed or stopped installing benches due to fear of damage‑compensation lawsuits.

The amendment was adopted during a cabinet session held on the lake vessel MS Starnberg on the Starnberger See, just before the summer recess. The bill also contains provisions aimed at streamlining and accelerating approval procedures for related projects.