In the last four months, the Slovenian Forest Service has issued an impressive 6,070 decisions for sanitary logging to forest owners across the country. These decisions, which are crucial for the management of forest resources, set the deadline for the implementation of the works mostly in March, which means that the time for action is almost over. The speed and efficiency of these operations are of paramount importance now that forests are under constant pressure from pests.
Forest experts warn that the warm and fine weather is increasing the activity of bark beetles, which is a direct threat to the health and stability of Slovenian forests. Bark beetles are known to attack weakened trees, which means that the current conditions are ideal for their expansion. In order to protect forests from further damage, sanitary logging is essential, as it involves removing trees that have already been affected by natural disasters or are already under the influence of these pests.
Under these decisions, forest owners are expected to cut a total of 282,000 cubic metres of timber. As much as 70% of this volume is located in private forests, which represents an additional responsibility for some 1 400 forest owners, who have to remove 65 000 cubic metres of timber. With the deadline for the works fast approaching, it is imperative that owners take the necessary measures as soon as possible.
As the Slovenian Forest Service warns, delays in carrying out sanitary logging are not only financially punishable, but can also have serious consequences for the health of forests. Failure to remove damaged trees in time increases the risk of spreading diseases and pests, which can lead to more serious ecological problems in the long term. Therefore, the Institute, together with forest inspectors, actively encourages owners to carry out the work in a timely manner.
Owners can undertake the work themselves, provided they have the appropriate knowledge, experience and equipment. Otherwise, they risk committing offences, as the legislation allows for sanctions in the form of fines for failure to fulfil responsibilities. These strict rules are part of efforts to protect and preserve Slovenia's forests, which are a valuable part of the country's natural heritage.
Regardless of the potential financial sanctions that may be imposed on owners, protecting the health of forests is of primary importance. Timely and correct implementation of sanitary logging can prevent further degradation of forest areas, which benefits not only the environment but also the country's economic practices.
"All trees attacked by hawthorn or affected by natural disasters should be removed as soon as possible. Delay risks increasing the damage and spreading the problem throughout the forests," warns a spokesperson for the Slovenian Forest Service.
The Institute and inspectors will be particularly vigilant in the coming weeks and will regularly check whether the prescribed measures are being implemented. Taking care of forests is a task that requires broad cooperation between public authorities and private owners to maintain the balance and health of the natural environment. This is why warnings about the need for sanitary logging remain crucial for the future of Slovenia's forests.
