Environment activists calling for Stráský’s head

Several dozen environment activists demonstrated outside the Czech Environment Ministry on Monday demanding the dismissal of Šumava National Park head Jan Stráský. Mr. Stráský has come under fire for his radical policy in dealing with bark-beetle infestation in the protected nature reserve, using harsh chemical insecticides and ordering the felling of 5,000 Nordic spruce trees. Environment Minister Tomas Chalupa came out to talk to the demonstrators but insisted that Jan Stráský had his full support. He said the controversy would be resolved by a new law on the national park currently being prepared which would introduce regulations for dealing with similar situations. The Šumava National Park management has organized a round table debate on the issue.