Organization
The organizational structure of the State Forests National Forest Holding has been refined over decades and is based on the principle of self-financing. As a result, the State Forests do not rely on taxpayers’ money. Forest units operate at the national, regional and local levels, employing more than 25,000 people in total.
The State Forests National Forest Holding is an organisational entity without legal personality. Its principal legal basis is the Forest Act of -September 28, 1991, which defines the principles of forest management both for the State Forests and for forests under other forms of ownership. The organizational structure of the institution is further specified in its Statute, issued by the Minister of the Environment in 1994.
The management model of the State Forests is based on three levels:
The Director-General of the State Forests is appointed by the Minister of Environment. The Director-General manages the entire organisation, among other things by issuing ordinances and decisions. The supporting office of the Director-General is the Directorate-General of the State Forests, which serves as the central unit. The advisory body to the Director-General is the State Forests Council.
Regional Directorates of the State Forests (17)
Their primary responsibilities include supervising subordinate units and coordinating activities within their respective regions.
Forest Districts (429)
Forest districts conduct forest management activities based on forest management plans. Each forest district is managed by a Forest District Manager, who is responsible for the overall condition of the forests within the district. Forest districts are further subdivided into forest ranges.
Supporting functions for these units are provided by specialised departments operating either nationwide or regionally. The nationwide units include:
State Forests Centre for Social Communication
Responsible for communication, education and social dialogue activities of the State Forests.
Coordination Centre for Environmental Projects
Coordinates environmental projects across the organization, implements projects under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment, and analyses opportunities for obtaining external funding for the forestry and wood-processing sector.
Forest Gene Bank Kostrzyca
Collects and preserves the genetic resources of trees and shrubs, conducts research on genetic resource conservation, and produces biological preparations.
Forest Culture Centre in Gołuchów
Operates the Forestry Museum, supports artistic endeavors of foresters and conducts educational programmes.
Forest Technology Centre in Jarocin
Manufactures forestry machinery and equipment.
Research and Implementation Centre of the State Forests in Bedoń
Introduces new technologies into the State Forests, organises training courses, publishes journals and educational materials for students, teachers and professionals, produces films, and provides printing and publishing services.
State Forests IT Department
Develops software and maintains information systems and databases.
Self-financing within the State Forests is driven by the Forest Fund. Forest districts in a strong financial position contribute surplus revenues to the fund, which are subsequently redistributed to support other units. The fund also finances various initiatives, including nationwide projects such as environmental education, scientific research, infrastructure development and the preparation of forest management plans. Thanks to this model, the State Forests do not burden the state budget - revenues generated from timber sales are directly reinvested in fulfilling the organisation’s statutory responsibilities.
