While in 2016, the volume amounted to 4 m. sm³, it rose to 6 m. sm³ in 2017. At the beginning of the current year, the estimation for the whole year was 10 to 12 m. sm³ of beetle-infested wood. This estimation was adjusted to at least 15 to 20 m. sm³. Off the record, insiders discuss that not even now the total extent can be fully estimated. In addition, there is windfallen wood: Not all windthrow volumes that accrued in 2017 have been processed yet (at least 7.5 m. sm³. This year in March, another 550,00 sm³ were added).
For comparison's sake: The regular logging capacity amounts to around 17 m. sm³. Last year, a record volume of 19.4 million sm³ was harvested. About 60% were accidental utilizations due to bark beetles and windthrow. More than 90% of the logging volume consisted of softwoods, mainly spruce trees. With hardwoods, beech was the dominating tree species. 34% of the area of the Czech Republic is forested.
Toman is considering an extension of the green wood logging stop that was established in March 2018 for the state forest Lesy ČR as a potential measure. Furthermore, a revision of the Forest Act is planned. For instance, the enforcement of silvicultural emergency measures is supposed to be possible quicker.
With measures like this, it should become possible to "utilize all available resources" at the latest in the breeding period of 2019. Intensified energy-related utilization, more qualified workers and aid for affected forest owners are among those measures.
The ministry of agriculture is planning to increase the forest management subsidy by CZK650 million (€25 million) and CZK 200 million (€8 million) for bark beetle control.
