The goal of this thesis is to analyse public participation in formulation and implementation of a forest management plan as a basic management measure of forestry policy in Slovakia. The first chapter of the thesis begins with an analysis of current state of knowledge on process of public policy creation, theories of public participation, policy makers, types and levels of public participation and communication methods. The author puts particular emphasis on international commitments regarding public participation in environmental affairs. Following two chapters describe aims of the thesis, used materials and applied methods. The most valuable fourth chapter examines two case studies regarding specific forest management plans. Findings of the examination are then compared with relevant legislation and public participation theories. The summary offers author´s proposals to change the legislation so that it meets international standards.