The paper describes current (in years 2007−2017) changes of basic parameters of forest stands that constitute the managed part of Białowieża Forest (ca. 53,000 ha), divided into three forest districts: Białowieża (12,600 ha), Hajnówka (19,700 ha) and Browsk (20,400 ha). The investigated tree stands represent different phases of ecological succession, modified by silvicultural treatments and other human activities. The course of the succession processes is varied, depending, first of all, on local site conditions, consisting mainly of fresh sites (ca. 60%) – particularly fresh broadleaved forest, and encompassing exceptionally high fraction of wet and swamp sites (40%) – especially wet broadleaved forest site type. Most stands represent the intermediate, highly productive phase of succession, with spruce and oak as the dominant tree species. In particular, such stands are common in Białowieża and Hajnówka forest districts. Recently, the share of the mentioned stands is declining, most intensely in the Browsk Forest District. In 2017 alone, 430 ha of highly productive forest stands disappeared from the Białowieża Forest. The process of decay involved mixed stands; besides of spruces which were killed by a current bark beetle infestation, also many oaks, pines, birches, alders as well as rare and valuable minor tree species (such as ashes and maples) died. Dying spruce and, more often, oak stands are often replaced by low−productive hornbeam trees, occupying earlier lower stand strata in such stands. The resulting hornbeam stands are often distinguished by low crown closure and low productivity. Tree stands occurring in the Białowieża Forest are among the most endangered by wind damage stands in Poland. It means that in case of strong winds, several trees will be broken and/or uprooted. The intensity of such phenomena will be further increased by the high tree volume of stands as well as by the presence of many gaps in forest canopy, caused by a massive mortality of spruce trees. In general, one may expect that in the nearest future many stands occurring in the Białowieża Forest, built by different tree species, will be subject to a massive decay. The list of factors contributing to this process is long and involves, among other things, recurring droughts during the growing season, unfavorable changes in ground water table and increased frequency of strong winds. All these factors negatively influence the health status of trees, which further favours the development of parasitic fungi and insects. In consequence, there is a high probability that many areas in the Białowieża Forest will, for a long time, retain a treeless character and/or will be occupied by low-productive and single species hornbeam stands.
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