Reversing the decline of secondary spruce forests in Slovakia's Western Carpathians

The Western Carpathian forests are of extraordinary importance, not only as production forests but also in terms of general and local public interest. Apart from being the source of economically vital products for local peopl e, they play a ver important role for neighboring countries in protectin so il and water resources in which these countries also have an interest. The total forest acreage in Slovakia has increased by more than 10% during the last 40 years, and total growing stock represents 190 m(3) per hectare. But the condition of forests in the last decades has markedly deteriorated (Fi gures 1 and 2). Slovakia is currently exploring ways and means of restoring its forests to a healthy condition.