The 2006 Russia Reform and Forester Staffing
The reduction in forester numbers following the 2006 reform correlated with a rise in large forest fires, according to experts. A leading researcher in forest genomics from the Siberian Federal University, Professor Konstantin Krutovsky, commented on the situation to socialbites.ca. He argues that cutting forester staffing was a misstep that contributed to more frequent and intense fires.
Krutovsky explains that a forest fire is a natural event, but it becomes unmanageable if not checked from the outset. In the past, forestry departments played a central role in early detection and rapid response. When these structures were weakened, the ability to intervene quickly diminished, allowing fires to grow beyond control. He notes that only heavy and prolonged rainfall can cause significant damage to even large fires, underscoring the need for effective early action to prevent escalation.
The scientist advocates reinstating a robust forestry presence and enacting substantial changes to the current Forest Code. He emphasizes that public transparency about forest user declarations would markedly enhance oversight and accountability. Strengthening supervision, protection, and continuous monitoring of forests is essential to reduce both the occurrence and the impact of forest fires, Krutovsky asserts.
Earlier, Krutovsky discussed the broader issue of reforestation in Russia and the number of trees required to restore damaged areas. His ongoing research highlights the importance of strategic planting plans and ongoing maintenance to sustain forest health and resilience against fires.