The forest department as a state-legal institution of the Russian Empire: formation and development

The article highlights the formation and improvement of Russian forest management during the XVIII–XIX centuries. The birth, functioning and main stages of the state legal institute of the Russian Empire-the Forest Department. The contribution of the leaders of the empire to the improvement of forest legislation, the development and improvement of forest state policy is noted, the activities for the conservation, protection and restoration of forests of the Russian Empire are considered. The main legislative initiatives and changes in the forest industry, improvement in the management structure of the Forest Department are monitored. The imperial decrees and resolutions of a forest nature, on the creation of a forest management system, the organization of the forest guard, the recruitment of the forest department are considered, the emperor’s desire to ensure the integrity of forests is emphasized. The main stages of the forest department’s activity are analyzed, highlighting special achievements in the field of forest legislation and state measures for the implementation of forest management and forest protection works