ABOUT VLS
Vojenské lesy a statky (VLS, Military Forests and Estates of the Czech Republic) is the second largest public state-owned forestry company in the Czech Republic and has more than 3 500 employees. It was established in 1928 and, with more than 90 years of tradition, it is engaged in forest management and hunting, as well as agriculture and fishing, in military districts and former military training areas. Thanks to this specific use, these areas were spared from the bustle of civilisation for a long period of time. Their settlement density is therefore much lower than what is normal in Europe.
VLS manages more than 1 260 km2 of forest land. The unique territory under VLS management is part of the best forested areas on the continent, and it is home to a number of rare species of animals and plants. VLS also provides specialised services for the Czech Armed Forces, mainly securing military facilities.
For more info about VLS, visit their webpage.
FORGENRES INVOLVEMENT
VLS will launch the new breeding programme for Douglas fir in the Czech Republic. Local populations will be evaluated in terms of their current genetic structure, and initial work will be done to establish first-generation seed orchards (the very first in our country).