- It is an extremely serious situation. We have not seen such major attacks before in modern times in Sweden, says Herman Sundqvist, Director General of the Swedish Forest Agency.

Together with the southern forest owners, the authority has done a survey of the spruce bark's progress in southern and central Sweden. In principle, an increase is noted in all counties in Götaland, according to the survey. A spread to areas in Svealand is also noted.

In Kalmar County, 957,000 cubic meters of forest were damaged in 2018, this year that figure is 1.5 million cubic meters. In Kronoberg, damage increased from 221,000 cubic to 380,000 cubic.

Stressed fir trees

The storm Alfrida's progress this winter is one of the reasons for the development. This has given the fir bark drill an opportunity to reproduce in the trees that the storm pulled down.

Last year's hot summer caused the problems to increase sharply and this will have repercussions this year.

-We still have stressed fir trees from last year's drought. They have not recovered and are not feeling well, says Kerstin Ström.

The hot and dry summer 2018 was favorable for the spruce bark drill which could then swarm twice.

"Did not keep track"

The Swedish National Farmers' Association (LRF) believes that the National Forest Board could do more to implement measures in a timely manner. Today there is a decent picture of how it looks in the southern parts of the country, but resources vary across the country, according to Magnus Kindbom, forest director at LRF.

- The authorities have not been aware. More surveillance would mean that you detect the attacks early and then you can remove those trees, he says.

Calling for cooperation

Herman Sundqvist at the Swedish Forest Agency believes that collaboration is needed to overcome the problems. He will call relevant authorities such as the Swedish Transport Administration, the Swedish Transport Agency, county administrative boards and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to a meeting to discuss an action plan.

- We need to work out together how we can facilitate so that the existing capacity can be utilized as efficiently as possible, says Herman Sundqvist.

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Robert Alm has been hired to clean up in the forest affected by the spruce bark