Leś. Pr. Bad., 2009, Vol. 70 (4): 411–418.

Wybrane cechy gospodarki leśnej w Polsce na tle krajów europejskich
Selected parameters of forest management in Poland against the background of European forests

Stanisław Zając, Danuta Lotz, Wojciech Młynarski
Instytut Badawczy Leśnictwa, Zakład Ekonomiki i Polityki Leśnej, Sękocin Stary, ul. Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Fax: +48 22 7153837, e-mail: S.Zajac@ibles.waw.pl
Abstract. The total area of forestland in Poland is 9.2 million hectares (status as of 1.01.2008). This places Poland in the 9th position among the EU countries. Poland also occupies a high position (it is ranked sixth) with regard to forest resources (1.9 billion cu. metres). However, Poland’s forest cover in 2007 accounted for 30.0 per cent which puts Poland in the far 23th position on the continent. Also, the area of forests per inhabitant in Poland is one of the lowest (24th position) in Europe.
As regards health condition of forests Poland is ranked sixteen and as regards the size of protected areas it occupies the second position among the European countries. Poland occupies the third position with regard to number of fires (7,000 fire events) and the fourth position with regard to the area burnt (3,800 hectares in a year).
Poland is one of the greatest producers of timber in Europe (fifth position – 32 million cu. meters of harvested timber). The volume of harvested timber per capita ranks Poland 14th in Europe. At the same time, Poland imports nearly 2 million cu. metres of roundwood in the year which ranks its 10th among EU countries. Poland’s exports of roundwood amounting to 0.5 million cu. meters puts its in the 21st position in Europe (status as of 2007).

Key words: European forestry.