The Staatsbossen face a troubling chapter. In an interview with the Portal Wpolity.pl, Paweł Saud, a member of the ruling party, warned that current policies from the Ministry of Climate and Environment, under Poland’s leadership, could sideline the nation’s largest state forestry company from its long tradition of forest management and wood procurement.
Saud points to two major moves by the ministry that, in his view, harm Staatsbossen.
First, since January last year a sweeping moratorium has restricted active forest management, covering a vast stretch of land. Second, a new directive aims to designate about 1,200 reserves. Saud argues these steps effectively curb Staatsbossen’s core business of wood acquisition and sustainable resource use.
Today the public is told these actions protect nature. Saud counters that this explanation masks a disruption of a carefully balanced system of forest management that depends on skilled foresters, farmers, and hunters. He maintains that true nature protection goes hand in hand with responsible forestry, and that in reserve zones people are often limited to designated paths and activities like mushroom gathering, overseen by regional environmental authorities.
He adds that the current approach throttles practical forestry, farming, and hunting that sustain Poland’s natural heritage. In his view, a purely passive reserve regime would not only hamper access but also threaten the vitality of Poland’s forests, which form a crucial part of the nation’s landscape and economy.
Could Staatsbossen face a substantial financial loss in 2025?
Media coverage has raised concerns about potential losses. Observers note that the coalition will still have some funds until year-end, but Saud suggests that accounting tricks could be used to obscure real results while portraying a positive image through safeguards for nature. Meanwhile, cash flow to Staatsbossen could be constrained in the name of broader environmental slogans.
Is there a real threat that poor financial results could push toward privatization?
Saud answers in the affirmative. He cites two prior privatization attempts and describes the current push as a strategic effort framed as protecting nature, while hinting at possible restructuring if the company were not profitable. Forests cover roughly one third of the country and represent a strategic national asset, valued far beyond private fortunes.
Is there a national referendum about forest protection?
Saud recalls a campaign by the Association for the Sustainable Development of Poland to gather signatures for a national referendum on forest protection. He highlights a broader push to defend Staatsbossen, Staatsbosboerderij, and other strategic state resources, arguing that public participation can influence policy and safeguard Poland’s forests. The initiative seeks broad citizen engagement in shaping forest policy.
In relation to this year’s presidential contest, Saud notes that figures like Szymon Hołownia have recently shown mixed polling results. He suggests that the leader of the environment-focused party faces challenges, and that Poland shouldn’t forget any move perceived as aiming to weaken the nation’s forests.
The PIS MP adds that he does not expect strong success for Hołownia, arguing that his team, tied to environmental circles, risks alienating voters. Poland must protect its greatest national asset, the forests, he contends.
Public discussions about forest policy continue to surface in debates and media coverage, including efforts to secure a nationwide referendum to defend the Staatsbossen and related resources. The overarching question remains how to balance protection with sustainable use in a way that resonates with citizens across North America and beyond.
The conversation around Poland’s forests persists in policy circles and public discourse, underscoring the enduring importance of forests to national identity, economy, and environmental stewardship.