The purpose of the study was to determine the economic consequences of power lines abundance in the Lesko Forest District (SE Poland). We selected three model objects with a total area of 12.94 ha, which were located in young, middle���aged and old stands. Next, we calculated costs that would have been incurred by the forest district if these areas had been fully utilized for economic purposes. The potential revenues from the sale of timber assortments obtained from these areas were also taken into account. The total area of forest land transferred to power lines in the Lesko Forest District is 19.42 ha. We found that the forest district suffers losses due to the exclusion of the area under the power lines. On each model plot, the costs exceeded the profits. It was only in the stands of older age classes that the profits from the sale of wood reached a value similar to the costs, but remained lower. The costs and expected profits from the sale of wood were determined for all the excluded plots in the forest district. Christmas tree plantations are the only way to maintain the areas under power lines in the Lesko Forest District. However, it should be remembered that most of the stands of this forest district are of a protective nature, which shape the objectives of the forest management. The analysis of losses and benefits related to the use of forest areas for power lines should be multidirectional, and all economic activities should take into account the rationalization of costs related to forest management in the areas under the lines.

Sylwan 165 (7): 554-561