FACTORS DETERMINING QUALITY OF TIMBER HARvESTING IN POLAND

Abstract

The paper presents an attempt at analysing the determinants influencing performance quality of timber harvesting work in Poland. The author attempts to describe and analyse several elements of forestry work performance in the context of the extant and acknowledged achievements in the field of technique and technology applied around the world. The forestry work market in Poland remains under the decisive influence of two groups of business entities: the State forests and the private forestry sector. Therefore, the selection of factors that could be optimized among both of them was carried out. On one hand, optimization should be introduced at the level of forest holding management by the State Forests, NFH. On the other hand, it should be implemented by those companies performing timber harvesting activities. It is shown that the performance quality of forestry work in our country is still lacking as it does not protect the post-treatment forest condition, as expected by foresters and society. Moreover, as can be seen, forestry in the world and Europe, by means of innovation and modernization of forestry work performance, is systematically increasing the distance between it and the level of forestry technologies commonly applied in our country. An analysis of the factors determining the increasing performance quality of forestry work in Poland clearly points at the necessity of matching the level of the Polish forestries with other leading forest economies. The leading role in the modernization of forestry work performance in Poland should be played by the State Forests, National Forest Holding. Furthermore, it is in its best interests to be the initiator, stimulator and catalyst of such changes. Conversely, the private contractors sector for performing forestry work should be expected to recognize the principle of the modern market. For only an innovative, well-managed and upgraded company will be able to compete in the more and more difficult market of forestry work performance.