<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

In this study, analysis of sales, costs and demands for timber species was carried out in selected timber markets of Plateau State, Nigeria. Association as well as relationship between factors influencing timber sales, costs and demands were investigated, and the dependency of timber sales on factors affecting it was ascertained. Data obtained through administration of 400 structured questionnaires were analysed. Results from the use of descriptive statistics showed that <italic>Khaya senegalensis</italic> (mahogany) was the mostly demanded timber species by consumers, and that the cost per timber species for most of the sawn woods ranged between N1001 and N1500, which was equivalent to US $2.42–$3.63 using the current conversion rate of Nigerian Naira 413.83 to 1US dollar. Pairwise use of Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) indicated positive correlation between timber sales and variables representing costs, demands, stored timber and spoiled timber species. F-test statistics showed that timber sales were significantly affected, and <italic>t</italic>-test aided identification of the extent to which timber sales were affected by costs, demands, stored timber and spoiled timber species. Further analysis of results using multiple linear regression (MLR) gave a model representing dependence of timber sales on factors affecting them. With a positive correlation and relationship between variables, possibility of future increase in timber sales may be experienced due to increase in demand coupled with other factors. Therefore, timber regulatory agencies have to put in place measures to encourage planting of trees such as <italic>Khaya senegalensis</italic> (mahogany), whose timber species are mainly demanded by consumers of wood products, and curb excessive overexploitation of forests in Plateau State, Nigeria.
</abstract>

Department of Agricultural Extension and Management

Analysis of sales, costs and demands for timber species in selected timber markets of Plateau State, Nigeria

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Black locust (<italic>Robinia pseudoacacia</italic> L.) was introduced in Poland over 200 years ago, and its distribution area now covers the whole country, with the highest concentration of occurrence in the western part. Breeding of this species has been started in Poland for about 20 years, albeit on a limited scale, and two selected seed stands, 34 plus trees and two seed orchards have been registered. So far, selection efforts have not been coupled with the recognition of variation in the genetic structure of local populations. To fill the knowledge gap on genetic diversity, we selected the seven qualitatively best populations of <italic>R. pseudoacacia</italic> for our study. To clarify the origin of the Polish population of <italic>R. pseudoacacia</italic>, a sample from a seed stand in eastern Germany and from a seed orchard with Hungarian clones from the Oborniki Śląskie Forest District was added. In this study, three microsatellites were used to evaluate genotypes: Rops15, Rops16 and Rops18, with the Rops15 locus (motif AG) showing hypermutability. Moderate or high variability was observed in all microsatellite loci examined, with a total of 27 alleles identified. In all stands, the average observed number of alleles per locus was higher than the average effective number of alleles per locus. Three main clusters have been identified in the genetic structure of the population, one of which is represented by the population from the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Zielona Góra. The second group comprised the populations from Mieszkowice, the populations Pińczów and Wołów, and the population from Germany. The last one included population from Strzelce and Oborniki Śląskie, where the population from Hungary is represented. This may be of great importance for practice. Perhaps it is worth postulating the separation of two seed regions. Under most scenarios, climate change is projected to change the distribution of forest types and tree species in all biomes. It can be assumed that the importance of black locust in times of climate change is likely to increase.
</abstract>

Department of Silviculture and Genetics of Forest Trees

Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Forestry and Forest Ecology

Analysis of the genetic diversity and population structures of black locust (<italic>Robinia pseudoacacia</italic> L.) stands in Poland based on simple sequence repeat markers

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Firebreaks are one of the protective measures used to safeguard forests in case of fire. Their purpose is to limit the possibility of fire spreading. This article describes how these protective measures are implemented along public roads in selected European countries. Based on the information gathered, it was found that there is a wide variety of approaches to firebreaks’ construction, mostly due to different climatic and geomorphological conditions that influence the overall risk of forest fires. The forms of firebreaks used in Europe along public roads are either a mineralised belt (without vegetation) or a cleared belt of materials that are particularly susceptible to ignition and fire spread. Methods combining both are also used.
In Poland, there is a Type A belt, that is, a 30-m-wide belt at the border of a roadway or a facility that is free of dead trees, lying branches and felled or broken trees. In the absence of pan-European rules on preventive measures to protect forests from road fires, it might be helpful to establish a set of best practices that could assist in the revision of guidelines in individual countries.
</abstract>

Rules for the construction of firebreaks along public roads in selected European countries

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

In Poland, the tree improvement programme was initiated in 2004, but the trials for European larch (<italic>Larix decidua</italic> Mill.) did not start until 2021. Our aim is to present certain aspects of the methodological approach of progeny testing for this species. The European larch, known for its rapid growth among native coniferous trees in Europe, holds great promise for forest breeding. Unfortunately, its natural range in Poland is limited, with rare but well-known valuable provenances. In 2023, six progeny tests were established using the same 130 open-pollinated families, derived from plus trees originating from valuable seed regions (Md51, Md61, Md71) and areas below 52° N latitude. After a decade of growth, the results will be used to identify valuable genotypes and establish advanced-generation seed orchards.
</abstract>

Some aspects of the methodological approach in the progeny testing of European larch in Poland

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The study presents an innovative, proprietary concept of identifying soft skills predisposing individuals to occupy a forestry position, along with the definition and discussion of key factors constituting the assessment criteria. The authors provide their individual perspective on the specific personality traits and attitudes relevant to the assessment of an employee's soft skills concerning their suitability for the given position. Six fundamental categories of skills and attitudes within the realm of soft skills for foresters were identified and proposed for evaluation. These categories included the following:
<list list-type="order">
<list-item>Collaboration and information flow management: This category assessed the ability to effectively collaborate with other company employees and the sense of responsibility for achieving the team's goals. Special attention was paid to how information was communicated, facilitating planning, making changes and executing task effectively.</list-item>
<list-item>Initiative and engagement: This category focused on the ability and willingness to seek and implement new solutions. It identified and proposed an assessment system for actions such as the forester's submission of new ideas and solutions to emerging problems, their engagement and identification with the company, their drive to improve existing work methods, and their adaptability to new tasks and working conditions resulting from changes.</list-item>
<list-item>Shaping a positive company image: This category involved evaluating the attitude that leads to dignified and ethical representation of the company through appropriate appearance, behaviour and attitude. It encompassed aspects such as building strong relationships with customers, business partners and the company's environment, making agreements aligned with the company's interests and taking active steps to enhance the positive image of the forestry operation.</list-item>
<list-item>Collaboration with external entities: This category analysed constructive actions defined as the interaction of the forestry district with external entities aimed at creating a favourable business climate for forestry operations.</list-item>
<list-item>Independence and decision-making: In this category, competencies for independently managing the Forest District were discussed, without the need for direct supervision. The proposed assessment system considered the traits predisposing the forester to make quick and accurate decisions, anticipate their consequences, take personal responsibility for task execution and accept the consequences of their own or their team's work results.</list-item>
<list-item>Developing subordinates: The final category analysed teamwork skills, with a particular focus on actions aimed at the systematic development of subordinates, recognising potential, and identifying areas for improvement and providing subordinates with opportunities to gain experience and enhance their qualifications and professional competencies.</list-item></list>
The assessment of the forester's soft skills in each category was based on a descriptive classification of their behaviour, which was assigned to five groups: unacceptable, below expectations, good, very good and outstanding. An illustrative description of employee behaviour facilitating their classification into one of these groups was developed for each evaluation category. The research results are presented in a <xref ref-type="table" rid="j_ffp-2023-0022_tab_001">Table 1</xref>, which shows the identified traits, the system for their identification (specified behaviours subject to assessment) and the assessment system. A rating system based on descriptive indicators was proposed to facilitate a homogeneous and repeatable employee assessment process, which is one of the fundamental elements of human resource management.
In today's world, the concept of sustainable development is being replaced by efforts to sustain the system through its regeneration at the economic, social and sociological levels. Therefore, the presented concept of identifying and evaluating soft skills was compared with the principles of management in the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity (VUCA) environment.
</abstract>

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Department of Forestry Economics and Technology

Key interpersonal skills of a game warden as part an employee soft skills assessment from a commitment and performance perspective

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Folia Forestalia Polonica

Volume 65 (2023): Issue 4 (December 2023)

Original Article

Analysis of sales, costs and demands for timber species in selected timber markets of Plateau State, Nigeria

Analysis of the genetic diversity and population structures of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) stands in Poland based on simple sequence repeat markers

Review Article

Rules for the construction of firebreaks along public roads in selected European countries

Methodological Article

Some aspects of the methodological approach in the progeny testing of European larch in Poland

Short Communication

Key interpersonal skills of a game warden as part an employee soft skills assessment from a commitment and performance perspective

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