Rosleskhoz will maintain and expand support for the forestry sector in 2026

At a meeting of the Council for the Development of the Forestry Complex under the Federation Council, Ivan Sovetnikov, head of the Federal Forestry Agency, presented measures that will reduce the burden on the forestry business and increase the sustainability of enterprises in the industry.

Extension of harvesting deadlines and expansion of harvesting capabilities

Decisions aimed at supporting timber industry companies will continue to be in effect in 2026:

• The storage and removal period for timber declared before May 1, 2025, has been extended until May 1, 2026 — this will allow for an even distribution of the production and logistics workload;
• By January 1, 2027, forest users will be able to harvest unused timber within the estimated cut not only for the current year but also for the three previous years.

These measures will help companies more effectively manage their forest resources and exercise their legal rights, especially in the face of external restrictions affecting the industry.

Regulatory Changes and Infrastructure Development

A bill has been submitted to the State Duma that would allow forest areas to be leased without up-to-date forest management documents, but on the condition that the lessee completes the forest management within three years. This approach will increase the investment attractiveness of the sites and provide additional budget revenue.

Work continues on bylaws regulating the planning and operation of forest roads, which should improve resource availability and reduce business costs.

Digitalization and the effects of the launch of the FGIS LK

Ivan Sovetnikov noted that after the adjustments, the operation of the FGIS LK has stabilized: fewer requests have been received, the tasks of installing navigation sensors have been completed, and the volume of export transactions and lumber shipments has increased.

Remote monitoring technologies are developing in the industry: in 2024–2025, nine regions conducted an experiment using drones for the allocation and inventory of logging sites, forest protection, and monitoring of regulatory activities. The use of UAVs reduces the cost of some work and improves the efficiency of patrols, including in fire safety.

In 2026, this experience will be replicated in the Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod regions. At the same time, Rosleskhoz is preparing a plan for the implementation of modern forestry technologies, which will become a key document for the industry's digitalization.

Support for the industry will expand

Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Yuri Vorobyov emphasized that support measures for the forestry business should continue in 2026: proposals from the regions, businesses, and scientists will be jointly developed within the Council for the Development of the Forestry Complex.