Changes in the Assortment and Species Structure of Timber Harvested from the Polish Managed Part of Białowieża Forest

A significant increase in timber harvesting from the Polish-managed part of Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's most valuable primeval forest remnants, was found to have adverse ecological consequences. Between 2011-2013, harvest volumes were reduced to 48,500 m³ annually due to environmental concerns, but this was later increased to nearly 190,000 m³ in 2017, with 91% of the harvested wood being spruce of inferior technical quality. This change led to a surge in European spruce bark beetle infestations, causing widespread tree mortality. The study, based on data from the State Forests Information System (SILP), Forest Management Plans (PUL), and Nature Conservation Programs (POP), highlights the tension between commercial forestry needs and nature conservation in managed environmentally valuable areas. The EU Court of Justice later ruled that Poland violated EU law by increasing harvest levels, reinforcing the need for balanced management approaches.

Zastocki, D., Lachowicz, H., Sadowski, J., & Moskalik, T. (2018). Changes in the Assortment and Species Structure of Timber Harvested from the Polish Managed Part of Białowieża Forest. Sustainability, 10(9), 3279. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10093279