The number of applications for felling in Swedish mountainous regions close to the mountains broke a new record in 2021, after it became clear that forest owners are entitled to compensation from the state if they are denied permission to fell. Source: Timberbiz
Thanks to a strong effort with assessment of forest areas and processing, the Swedish Forest Agency has during the past year made a decision corresponding to compensation amounts to forest owners of more than 29 million Euro, of which 7 million Euro was paid out.
“As a result of changed working methods, reprioritisation, recruitment and borrowing of staff from other parts of the country, we have been able to make decisions at a high rate in 2021. We have conducted field visits on foot, from scooters and also by helicopter,” says Staffan Norin, head of the Swedish Forest Agency’s region North.
In 2021, the Swedish Forest Agency has sent 313 decisions to the forest owners who have applied for felling in mountains close to the mountains, corresponding to more than 12,600 hectares.
Two thirds (209) of the number of applications were rejected or partially rejected. And in about 90 cases, the equivalent of 7 million Euro has been paid.
The high influx of cases in the northern autumn of 2020 continued last year with over 500 new applications, corresponding to just over 13,000 hectares. This can be compared with a normal year when applications were received corresponding to around 3,500 hectares.
Despite the Swedish Forest Agency’s extra efforts, at the turn of the year there were just over 280 applications waiting for a decision. Each case is carefully examined in accordance with the regulations with an investigation of natural values, stock age, rejuvenation opportunities and need for consideration.
Field visits to bare ground are often required, in stands where assessments are more difficult. In cases where the landowner is entitled to compensation, the volume of timber must be measured to determine the size of the compensation, also in the field. Thereafter, the portfolio is valued, and a decision is made on the size of the compensation.
All in all, with the high influx of cases, it can take 1.5 years to get a decision on the application, depending on when in the year it is received. In addition, it can take another year or so to be informed of the size of the compensation.
The Swedish Forest Agency is currently calculating how much money may be needed in 2022 for the compensation.
In the area closest to the mountains, you may not fell without permission from the Swedish Forest Agency, unlike the rest of the country where in most cases you need to make a report.
The Swedish Forest Agency then examines the application and announces a decision.
The Swedish Forest Agency may refuse a permit for felling for the measures that may significantly affect natural and cultural environmental values. If your application for a permit is rejected, you as a landowner may be entitled to compensation.
According to the rulings of the Supreme Land and Environmental Court that became final in June 2020, it has been established that the right to compensation applies to the forest owner who may not fell and full infringement compensation must be paid, ie 125% of the market value reduction. The Swedish Forest Agency is now based on these principles in the handling of compensation claims.
Mountains close to the mountains include the forests along the mountain range from Norrbotten to the northern parts of Dalarna. The area covers approximately 1.2 million hectares of productive forest land.
