Stráský to be replaced as Šumava National Park head

The head of the Šumava National Park Jan Stráský is to leave his post at the end of the month. Environment minister Tomas Chalupa confirmed the news on Thursday, rejecting reports of an alleged dismissal. He said Mr. Stráský had been named to the post for an 18 months period which was now due to expire. He is to be replaced by his current deputy Jiří Mánek. Jan Stráský has repeatedly come under fire from environmental activists for ordering extensive logging in the reserve as a means of fighting bark-beetle infestation. The Czech Republic received a serious warning in the matter from the European Commission last week with the environment commissioner saying the EC would take the Czech government to court should it fail to address the problem.