Proposes higher compensation for damage to forests caused by game

The Ministry of Environment has drafted and is submitting for approval amendments to the methodology for assessing game damage, which will allow for a more objective assessment of the damage caused by game animals to forests.

The actual damage caused by such animals to forests is higher than that calculated under the current methodology, as the damage caused in previous years to the growth, quality and health of trees and stands is not taken into account.

The amendments therefore propose to assess not only the damage caused by game in recent years, but also the damage to the forest over the entire growth period of the forest plantations and coppice, young stands or trees in the stands. Damage already paid out would not be counted a second time, as damage in previous years would not be counted again.

The methodology would also provide for exceptions to the non-compensation of damages. It would not be paid when game animals have damaged plantations, coppice and coppicing by cutting off shoots that are not protected by repellents, fences or other protective measures designed to ensure protection, in accordance with the requirements of the provisions of the Reforestation and Afforestation Regulations.

No payment would also be made for damage to forests caused over a period of two years or more but not reported in the previous year to the headman and to the managers of the hunting areas, as provided for in the Hunting Law.

Compensation would not be payable even if the damaged forest is located within 200 m of residential homesteads and buildings in use, and the owners or managers of those residential homesteads have not given their consent to the hunting area managers to shoot within 200 m of the residential homesteads or buildings in use, or if the user of the hunting area is prohibited to hunt in the area of damage.

The exceptions provided for in the methodology, where no compensation is payable, would not apply if the Commission's assessment of the damage establishes the presence of an animal grooming site within 400 m of the parcel being assessed, without the consent of the owner or manager of the forest. 

Comments and suggestions on this legislation can be submitted to the Legislation Information System (LIS) until 22 April.