With public interest in the management of state forests growing, the State Audit Office reminds that it is currently conducting a performance audit entitled "The effectiveness of the oversight of AS Latvijas valsts meži and its compliance with regulatory requirements". The audit findings are due to be published in spring 2026.

"Public trust in the management of state property is essential, and this interest shows that the public cares about how one of Latvia's most important resources – its forests – is managed. In this performance audit we are assessing how the interests of the state and of society are being served in the administration and management of Latvia's 'green gold' – forest land and forests covering more than 1.5 million hectares. The matters under review also include the decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers at the end of 2023 that allowed timber companies to buy sawlogs from AS Latvijas valsts meži at a more favourable price than the one they had previously agreed with the company. The audit is ongoing, and the findings are due to be published in spring. The State Audit Office is following developments and, once the work is complete, will provide a clear, fact-based assessment," says Oskars Erdmanis, member of the Council of the State Audit Office.

The State Audit Office has addressed forest management issues before. Eight years ago, for example, it examined the operations of SIA Rīgas meži. In 2024, meanwhile, it published an audit of how local authorities handle forest resources. Continuing this step-by-step approach, it is now assessing the management of state forests.