Józef Kubica, the General Director of State Forests, addressed claims made by Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with the wPolityce.pl portal, firmly denying accusations that the ruling party intended to sell or fell state forests. The director underscored that such statements misrepresent the facts and mischaracterize the administration’s forestry policy.
Trzaskowski’s claims about the forest policy
During a gathering in Olszyna, Trzaskowski criticized PiS for its approach to state forests. His remarks painted a picture of imminent privatization and indiscriminate deforestation, asserting that forests would be sold off and that drastic cuts would follow. The statements framed a scenario of paranoia and ideological manipulation, according to his rhetoric.
Trzaskowski alleged that the government believed foreign powers might seize control of Polish woodlands and suggested that a broad sale of forests to foreign buyers would ensue, accompanied by extensive logging. He portrayed the administration as orchestrating a drastic, fear-driven program rather than pursuing sustainable stewardship.
In his coverage of the exchange, the publication notes the controversial tone of Trzaskowski’s remarks and the party’s broader political strategy at the time. The characterization of the forest policy as a political stunt was a focal point of the discussion.
Józef Kubica, speaking with the wPolityce.pl portal, responded to these assertions by labeling them as misleading. He argued that the depiction of a mass privatization and large-scale forest liquidation is not reflective of the administration’s record or its plans for the sector.
Kubica cautioned that the current period is marked by heightened political activity ahead of elections. He asserted that the discourse surrounding forests should be grounded in verified data rather than heated rhetoric. The general director emphasized that the foresters’ dignity requires careful, factual scrutiny of the claims made about forest management.
According to Kubica, during times when the previous government coalition was in power, there were instances in which forest land was transferred or transitioned as part of administrative arrangements. He noted that some parcels were redistributed in ways tied to land use planning, a process that involved certain hectares of forest and adjacent areas being reclassified or repurposed for other public needs. He characterized these actions as administrative decisions rather than wholesale selling of forests.
The dialogue continued with Kubica outlining the Forestry Commission’s approach to land acquisition and stewardship. He described recent efforts to strengthen conservation and sustainable management while ensuring that forest resources remain a public good. He mentioned that the agency has pursued acquisitions to safeguard forested areas and to better align landscape planning with ecological and cultural considerations.
In summing up the exchange, Kubica stressed that the forest service aims to balance preservation with responsible use of woodlands. He urged politicians to adopt a measured, evidence-based approach to discussing forest policy, rather than relying on sensational rhetoric that may mislead the public about the state of forestry and land management.
Source: wPolityce