In analysing the development and achievements of Polish forestry and forest industries over the last four decades, it is necessary to take into consideration the situation prevailing after the end of the Second World War, when these sectors of the national economy were starting their activities. First of all, it is necessary to consider the effects of the war such as: (a) the harvesting from the forests of the present Polish territory of 3 about 200 million m of merchantable wood, which is equal to the normal harvest over a l2-year period; (b) the destruction of over half the woodworking industrial potential. In consequence, the forested area inside the new Polish boundaries amounted 40 years ago only to 20.8 per cent of the whole area of the country. There has been a continuing process of increasing the forested area of the country (although at a diminishing rate). In 1986 the forest area amounted to 27.7 per cent of the land surface, that is to 8.7 million ha, an increase of over 2 million ha in 40 years. Intensive afforestation, performed regardless of the ownership category of the land by the State forest service, was aimed primarily at making good the losses in the forested area and the rational use of land not fit for agricultural purposes.

"Southern forests provide innumerable benefits. Forest scientists, managers, owners, and users have in common the desire to improve the condition of these forests and the ecosystems they support. A first step is to understand the contributions science has made and continues to make to the care and management of forests. This book represents a celebration of past accomplishments, summarizes the current state of knowledge, and creates a vision for the future of southern forestry research and management. Chapters are organized into seven sections: "Looking Back," "Productivity," "Forest Health," "Water and Soils," "Socioeconomic," "Biodiversity," and "Climate Change." Each section is preceded by a brief introductory chapter. Authors were encouraged to focus on the most important aspects of their topics; citations are included to guide readers to further information."

This report contains speeches made at the general assembly and banquet of the Forest Products Laboratory's 75th Anniversary celebration on June 4, 1985. It highlights the significance of the Laboratory and presents the speakers' view of the future for forestry and wood products research.