In 1884, the Bulgarian National Assembly passed the first law on forest administration. This law was practical and well-structured. It divided forests into three classes: those belonging to the State, to parishes, or to individuals.
The Minister of Finance had overall control. The day-to-day management was entrusted to foresters, later called inspectors of forests, with one forester for each administrative department. Each forester had a team of keepers under him. Their job was to protect the forests, prevent damage, and organize a systematic division of forest areas into “blocks.” These blocks could be harvested in rotation to provide charcoal, planks, and fuel.
The law included almost everything needed to improve forest management. Many educated people supported it, but most ordinary Bulgarians, used to cutting wood freely, resisted the new rules.
Revision of the Forest Law
By 1889, it became clear that stronger measures were needed. In 1890, the National Assembly passed a new law replacing the 1884 law. This new law was more effective and laid the foundation for modern forestry in Bulgaria Private Tours Bulgaria.
The government increased the number of foresters and introduced detailed instructions. Forests were surveyed, methods of the day were studied, and areas of deforested land were identified for renewal. A forest register was started, and provisional plans for administration were prepared.
Reforestation and Training
One important initiative was the creation of tree nurseries on State and parish lands, often near schools. Millions of young trees were grown and then planted in towns, villages, roadsides, and gardens.
To ensure skilled management, young forest keepers underwent special training in surveying and passed theoretical and practical exams. This improved their ability to restore and manage forests effectively.
Positive Results
These reforms strengthened the forest management system in Bulgaria. The work of foresters became organized, and new forests began to grow. Over time, these efforts helped preserve existing forests and laid the foundation for modern forestry practices in the country.