Thuringia has appointed a new political leader.
**Sascha Schlehahn Takes Over Management of Forestry Office Erfurt-Willrode**
Sascha Schlehahn, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in forestry, has taken over the management of the Forestry Office Erfurt-Willrode at Thüringenforst, the forestry office in Thuringia. This marks his return to the organisation after a brief departure.
Schlehahn's career in forestry began in Thuringia, where he completed his forestry apprenticeship. Afterwards, he worked as a referent for forest policy, public relations, and environmental education in the former Thuringian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment, and Nature Conservation.
In 2013, Schlehahn joined Thüringia Forest and took over the management of the timber market and logistics department. It was during this time that he developed and implemented a photo-optical timber measurement system in the timber market sector.
Schlehahn's most recent role was in the National Park Region Saxon Switzerland, where he was responsible for implementing an integrative, near-natural forest management and the forestry care of the national park area.
Schlehahn's new role covers approximately 19,000 hectares of forest in Thuringia, which includes forests between Gotha and the Grammetal, Kranichfeld and Egstedt, Erfurt, and areas in the districts of Gotha, Sömmerda, and Ilmkreis. However, it does not include the National Park Region Saxon Switzerland, which he previously managed.
The historic forest house Willrode, located between Schellroda and Egstedt, almost on the county border of Weimarer Land and Erfurt, is also under Schlehahn's jurisdiction.
Schlehahn expressed his excitement for the "interesting and challenging task" he will face in Thuringia. Born in Grimma, Saxony, Schlehahn is eager to return to his roots and contribute to the management of the forests in Thuringia.
His tenure began on July 1, 2023, following the departure of Chris Freise, who left to take over the leadership of the Schleswig-Holstein State Forests. Despite his new position, Schlehahn's role does not involve the leadership of the Forestry Office Erfurt-Willrode, as he was previously the head.
Schlehahn studied forestry at the Technical University of Dresden from 2001 to 2006. His long-standing experience in the forestry sector, coupled with his education, makes him an ideal candidate for his new role.
Schlehahn's return to Thüringenforst marks a significant shift in general-news, as he takes over the management of the Forestry Office Erfurt-Willrode, following the departure of Chris Freise. Despite no longer being the head of the Forestry Office Erfurt-Willrode, Schlehahn's political role in forestry management within Thuringia remains prominent.
