Due to their special significance as biotopes, actions that could lead to their destruction or other considerable impairments are prohibited (Article 30 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act).
As a rule, these biotopes can be managed, but in individual cases may be subject to special restrictions.
The specially protected biotopes are located on approximately 593,000 hectares or 5% of the forest area. They are, in most cases (77 %), fen, swamp or lowland riparian forests as well as other wetland biotopes.