Exchange of experience for forest conservation: representatives of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” met with Polish colleagues
A delegation from SFE “Forests of Ukraine,” together with representatives of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration named after G. M. Vysotsky, and Ukrainian state forest protection enterprises, visited one of the regional directorates of „Lasy Państwowe” (State Forests) at the invitation of their Polish colleagues. During the meeting, the foresters exchanged experiences and discussed current challenges in the field of forest conservation and protection.
Points to Note:
1.Foresters detect forest fires, and the fire service handles extinguishing them.
Representatives of the Ukrainian delegation visited the forest protection workshop in the city of Radom. As at SFE “Forests of Ukraine,” the Polish colleagues have television surveillance systems, with cameras installed on fire observation towers. For extinguishing minor ignitions, there are forest firefighting modules mounted on pickups and handheld tools. If a fire spreads, it is extinguished by units of the State Fire Service of Poland. Polish foresters do not hire seasonal workers for the high fire‐danger period.
2.Within the regional directorate (analogous to our current branches) there is a dedicated agricultural aviation unit.
In each such unit, there are several small aircraft. Flights are organized to extinguish large forest fires and to treat stands and vegetation against pests. Treatment is carried out as needed, and the local population is notified in advance.
If a stand is already dying, a sanitary felling is carried out immediately. The EIA procedure is not required in this case.
3.All work in the forest, including firefighting, is performed by contracted organizations.
The establishment of mineralized strips and firebreaks is carried out by contracted organizations using their own equipment. The same applies to the planting and tending of forest cultures, mechanized harvesting, and even waste removal at recreational sites. The regional directorate only coordinates and supervises the execution of these works.
4.Anyone can become a forester: in Poland, Forest Training Centers have been established where one can complete courses in basic forestry professions.
One such facility is the Andrzej Zalewski Forest Education Center. Here, they offer training in specialties such as forest ranger, logging machinery operator, woodworking, and more. Upon completing the program, students receive a certificate and are able to seek employment.