LRF Skogsägarna and Mellanskog demand a 400 million kronor crisis fund from the state to reinforce private roads used for transporting storm-damaged timber. Without the funds, roads risk closure and timber left in the forest. Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson points to existing and planned state grants.
Storm Johannes felled vast amounts of forest in Gävleborg and Dalarna at the end of December 2025, with Skogsstyrelsen estimating around 11 million cubic meters. Heavy timber transports are now straining private roads.
LRF Skogsägarna and Mellanskog sent a letter to Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson. They warn that many road maintainers cannot afford repairs like gravel reinforcement or turning areas to handle the load. Peter Andersson, chair of LRF Dalarna, says: “What can be done ranges from reinforcing roads with gravel, which is the most common, to strengthening turning areas.”
The organizations propose a targeted crisis fund of 400 million kronor to boost load capacity and repair transport damage.
The minister notes that the national plan 2022–2033 allocates 15 billion kronor in state grants for private roads, with a proposal to double it to 30 billion kronor for 2026–2037. A new ordinance from January 1 extends support for natural disaster damage. The plan will be finalized by the government this spring.
