The Most Conscientious Forest Owners

Anyone who has ever taken a walk through Slovenia’s forests – which cover as much as 58% of the country – has likely noticed that not all forests are maintained in the same way. What many don’t realize is that Slovenia offers a unique privilege: here, people can freely walk through nearly all forests, including those in private ownership – something that’s not always possible abroad. But with that freedom comes responsibility. When we enter a forest, we must respect forest etiquette and understand just how much effort (some) forest owners invest in its care and stewardship. Forest ownership in Slovenia is a fascinating topic in itself.

“A responsible forest owner doesn’t just take from the forest – they give back to it.”

In Slovenia, only about 20% of forests are state-owned. The vast majority are in private hands (interestingly, 41% of private forest owners are women – read more in our feature on young forester Valentina Šmid), with a small portion owned by municipalities. The Archdiocese of Ljubljana, for example, owns 3% of the country’s forests. Forest ownership is highly fragmented – there are around 460,000 individual owners – which makes forest management both complex and challenging. On average, a forest owner holds just 2.5 hectares. Despite this, Slovenia has a long-standing tradition of sustainable and close-to-nature forest management. Every year, the Slovenian Forest Service (Zavod za gozdove Slovenije – ZGS) selects one exemplary forest owner from each of its 14 regional units.

A Deep Connection to the Forest

As stated on their official website, the chosen owners are “those who place great emphasis on exemplary forest management, maintain a deep personal connection to the forest, perform forestry work professionally, and respect the multifunctional role of forests.” One of the most important qualities of a conscientious owner is attention to safety. These owners prioritize safe work practices, undergo regular training, and invest in proper protective equipment. They carefully select and maintain their forestry equipment, regularly upgrading to newer, safer, and more efficient machines when necessary.

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»As a conscientious owner, you have to see the forest as more than just wood and profit.«

A forest is a treasure that deserves proper care. To assist with that, owners can rely on their local forest rangers. Through the ZGS, they also have access to various training courses, workshops, and resources that help them manage their forests effectively.

Who is a conscientious forest owner?

Good collaboration is essential for preserving Slovenia’s forests. This partnership between forest owners and ZGS professionals is key to sustainable management. As explained by Lucija Odar, a forester at the Bled regional unit of ZGS, a conscientious owner is above all active. “They visit their forest regularly, notice when something’s wrong, and notify ZGS,” she says. “A good owner visits their plots several times a year, checks for fallen, damaged, or diseased trees, and lets us know. We’re happiest when owners take care of their forests themselves – we’re just here to support them.”

This sentiment is echoed by a local forest ranger who added that responsible owners are consistent visitors to their forests. “They inform us of any issues, so damage from bark beetles or windthrow can be addressed in time. A good owner invests in forest cultivation – they don’t just focus on wood volume or profit, but on sustainability and what they’re giving back. It’s about maintaining the forest so it can thrive for future generations.” According to him, proper care includes maintaining species diversity to ensure a healthy, resilient forest.

What truly matters is that forest management in Slovenia is nature-based. That means thinning old trees when necessary to allow more light into the canopy and encourage young trees to grow – ensuring natural regeneration. “Of course, in cases of windthrow or bark beetle infestation, larger numbers of trees need to be removed, which requires replanting and restoring the forest,” he explains.

The “Most Conscientious Forest Owners” Selection

Did you know that the Slovenian Forest Service has been awarding the title of “Most Conscientious Forest Owner” since 1999? One is selected from each of the 14 regional units. The aim is to promote excellence in private forest management and strengthen cooperation between owners and the public forestry service, as ZGS states on its website.

This collaboration is crucial for implementing sustainable forestry practices, carrying out planned tasks, and effectively responding to natural disasters in forests. Award recipients are recognized for their exemplary forest management, deep personal bond with the forest, professional execution of work (including the use of appropriate forestry machinery), respect for the forest’s multifunctional role, commitment to safe practices, investment in protective gear, and ongoing personal development in the field of forestry.

Each year, local units (and their district offices) nominate candidates based on field observations and input from forest rangers and forestry experts. The main purpose of the award is to encourage more forest owners to become active and conscientious.

»Conscientious owners are those who are active and regularly visit their forest.«

What are the selection criteria? ZGS and an expert panel evaluate nominees based on several factors: clear ownership (defined boundaries and documentation), cooperation with ZGS, and implementation of forest management plans. Key criteria include active forest management – such as harvesting, reforestation, planting, and tending – as well as care for biodiversity, water resources, and soil. They also consider how owners involve the next generation, participate in the local community, and promote sustainability as role models.

In 2023, the focus was on the care of young forests and cooperation between owners and ZGS. Last year’s winners stood out for their post-disaster recovery work (especially after storms and bark beetle outbreaks) and remarkably low rates of fatal accidents in the forest.

Don’t miss Part 2 of our feature, where we’ll take a closer look at one of these truly dedicated forest owners.
Until then, explore how Tajfun’s forestry machinery can help you keep your forest healthy, well-maintained, and sustainable.