Abstract: This study investigated the effect of applying the “Rotstop” preparation, which contains the competitive fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea (Fr.) Jülich, during the partial reconstruction of Scots pine monocultures threatened by Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. root rot, on ground beetle (Carabidae) assemblages. The research was carried out in seven forest districts across Poland, in 22−to 28−year−old pine stands on post−agricultural land. Carabidae were collected using pitfall traps and “photoeclector” traps in artificial gaps treated with “Rotstop”, natural gaps, and the surrounding forest stand. The results showed that the application of “Rotstop” increased the species richness of Carabidae assemblages and improved their living conditions in the artificial gaps compared to the natural gaps and untreated forest stand. The artificial gaps significantly enhanced conditions for Carabidae colonising stumps due to accelerated wood decomposition and better access between fragments used as shelters or overwintering sites. These features were not observed in natural gaps. The Carabidae assemblages in the reconstructed stands were characterised by diverse trophic structures and habitat preferences, reflecting their high adaptability to changing environmental conditions. The results indicate that the application of “Rotstop” in the “artificial gap” method is an effective prophylactic and therapeutic treatment that not only limits the development of root rot but also supports the reconstruction of pine monocultures on post−agricultural land towards more resistant and biodiverse systems. By improving habitat conditions for Carabidae, this treatment contributes to the stabilisation and strengthening of biodiversity, which is crucial for forest sustainability in the face of climate change and increasing pathogen pressures.
Key words: biodiversity restoration, Carabidae, Heterobasidion annosum, partial reconstruction, Phlebiopsis gigantea, pine monocultures, Rotstop

Abstract: Every country is proud of its impressive ancient trees, which are unique, of a distinctive form and are found nowhere else. Lithuania is no exception in this regard. Although the country climatic conditions are not the most favourable, some specimens of trees and shrubs achieve results that are no less impressive than those growing elsewhere in Europe. This article presents information about the most impressive trees and shrubs in Lithuania which are protected at the national level. The study was conducted between 2021−2025 in accordance with the requirements of the applicable legal acts and, depending on the ecological characteristics of the species being studied, the research methodology was supplemented with experience from other countries. The study assessed 417 ancient trees and shrubs located throughout Lithuania including those growing in strict reserves. The article analyses the direct impact of human economic activity such as management, visits on the condition, stability and longevity of botanical objects. It identifies the main difficulties and obstacles encountered in Lithuania when managing ancient trees or attempting to legally recognise new ones and draws attention to the work being done to ensure the wellbeing of trees and the strengths and weaknesses of such work in the long term. As the authors are seeking to discover still−unrecognised ancient trees in Lithuania as well as in neighbouring countries, the article mentions six additional ancient trees in the country that meet the criteria for natural monuments in Lithuania but do not yet have protected tree status while being unknown to the general public. Two of these trees are among the ten oldest in Lithuania. The average tree height reaches approximately 22.93 ±0.32 m (from 4.0 m to 47.5 m), while the diameters of ancient trees range from 0.32 m to 3.11 m such as Stelmužė Oak. The average diameter of the evaluated trees reaches 1.42 ±2.49 m, but the majority of trees falls into the 1.51−2.0 m diameter group. The crowns of the ancient trees start on average at a height of 5.11 ±0.19 m above ground level – 4.30 ±0.13 m for deciduous trees and 7.72 ±0.25 m for conifers. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a strong correlation between tree height and crown length (R² =0.774, p<0.05) and between tree height and tree condition. Taller trees are in better condition (R² =–0.712, p<0.05); 83.0% of state−protected natural monuments are affected by rot to a greater or lesser extent while the degree and location of damage vary. The mean score for the condition of the assessed state−protected ancient trees and shrubs was 3.59 ±0.16 points with living specimens 2.63 ±0.13 points for coniferous and 3.77 ±0.08 points for deciduous, with living specimens 3.68 ±0.08 points. The mean score for the condition of all assessed objects was 3.72 ±0.07 points with living specimens 3.43 ±0.07 points.
Key words: ancient trees, oaks, tree condition assessment, tree crown measurement

Abstract: This study examines the dynamics of mistletoe Viscum album ssp. austriacum infestation in Scots pine Pinus sylvestris stands within the Regional Directorate of State Forests (RDLP) in Krosno, southeastern Poland, over the period 2019−2025. The objective was to quantify changes in the area affected by mistletoe, evaluate temporal trends in, in mistletoe occurrence dynamics and forecast its development to 2030. The analysis was based on operational forest health monitoring data collected annually by eight Forest Districts (Kolbuszowa, Leżajsk, Lubaczów, Mielec, Narol, Oleszyce, Sieniawa, and Tuszyma). These records documented the area of pine stands with more than 10% crown coverage by mistletoe, assessed visually by trained forestry staff according to national monitoring standards. Although originally intended for operational purposes, the dataset provides consistent and comparable information suitable for identifying largescale temporal trends. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chain indices, and linear regression to assess interannual changes in infestation area. The results revealed a statistically significant linear increase (R² =0.71, p<0.05) in mistletoe−infested pine stands across the RDLP in Krosno, from 2,097.63 ha in 2019 to 6,058.56 ha in 2025 – representing a 288% increase over the study period. The annual growth rate was estimated at approximately 540 ha per year. Spatial variability among forest districts was substantial: the most pronounced increases occurred in Kolbuszowa, Narol, and Leżajsk, where infestation expanded more than tenfold between 2022 and 2025. Districts that implemented more intensive mechanical removal in 2024 (e.g., Sieniawa, Leżajsk) showed stabilization or slight decreases in infested area, suggesting that consistent control measures can temporarily mitigate infestation growth. The regression−based projection predicts a continued expansion, potentially exceeding 8,300 ha by 2030 if current trends persist. These findings highlight the accelerating spread of mistletoe as a significant threat to pinedominated forest ecosystems in southeastern Poland, particularly under conditions of climatic stress and reduced host vitality. The results underline the necessity for systematic monitoring of parasitic species and adaptive forest management that integrates mistletoe risk assessment into planning frameworks. The study also demonstrates the value of operational State Forest data for ecological analyses and provides a quantitative foundation for regional strategies aimed at maintaining forest health and resilience in a changing climate.
Key words: forest health monitoring, hemiparasitic plant, infected pine stands, Pinus sylvestris, spatial analysis, Viscum album ssp. austriacum

Abstract: The aim of this article is to present a comparative analysis of survey results on the assessment of the work and image of foresters and the State Forests National Forest Holding in Poland, conducted in 2019 and 2021/2022. The first survey, involving 1,000 respondents, was conducted in 2019 using the quantitative CAPI (Computer−Assisted Personal Interview) method. In 2021/2022, the survey was repeated and expanded to include questions about the impact of restrictions imposed on society due to the COVID−19 pandemic. Therefore, the entire study period was assumed to be 2019−2022. Again, 1,000 respondents participated. This survey was conducted using an electronic questionnaire, with data collected via the CAWI (Computer−Assisted Web Interviewing) method. The survey included sociodemographic variables (such as age, gender, education, place of residence, and respondents’ acquaintance with foresters) and time variables relating to the year of data collection (2019 vs. 2021/2022). We examined whether respondents surveyed in 2021/22 assessed the work of foresters more favourably than those surveyed in 2019, and how interactions with the forest and foresters shape these assessments. The survey results indicated increased public awareness of the role played by foresters, particularly in nature conservation, environmental education, and sustainable forest resource management. The differences in acquaintance and perception of the role of foresters between respondents who knew a forester personally and those who did not were especially significant. In addition to positive changes in the perception of the State Forests, the survey analysis also highlighted challenges facing the State Forests, such as the limited visibility of foresters’ work and controversies related to economic activities. We argue for the need for further public education, not only to broaden knowledge of the functioning of the State Forests, but also because acquaintance (and not just personal experience) strongly influences public attitudes and opinions. The results present a time−specific comparative picture of public perceptions during the period before and during the COVID−19 pandemic. They serve as a baseline for future longitudinal analyses and do not directly reflect current public sentiment.
Key words: forest management, opinion poll, organisational image, professional image, survey research