Forest Board: Significant game grazing damage in the new fire forest

The fire area in Västmanland comprises a total of about 13 100 ha and this area burned very hard during the summer of 2014.

Now some parts of the area have been replanted. The reestablishment has been followed by, among other things, the Swedish Forest Agency and it has been established that wildlife damage is a significant threat to the new forest.

- If 8-10 per cent of game damage is sustained over time, there is a great risk that there will not be as much pine forest left to cut planks and boards, says Mats Rolander forest damage and game coordinator Skogsstyrelsen.

The method developed by the Swedish Forest Agency is intended to be used in other fire areas that later emerged in Sweden. For example, in Gävleborg and Jämtland counties.

- Since the fire in Västmanland was first among major fires in modern times in Sweden, we need to take the opportunity to learn lessons about how the area is developing. Knowledge that can be valuable in later major fires, says Mats Rolander.