Bialowieza Forest became part of the Russian Empire in 1795 under Catherine II. The Empress distributed significant plots of land among her courtiers, but she never visited these places herself. Catherine II allowed her courtiers to hunt in the forest but prohibited the shooting of bison.

The first of the Russian tsars to visit Bialowieza Forest for hunting was Alexander II. In his honor, a monument in the form of a cast-iron bison was erected. In 1875, a part of the forest was designated for stricter protection to preserve the bison, while the remaining area allowed for forest use.

In 1889, forestry began in the forest. Nicholas II ordered the preservation of the forest's pristine appearance, refusing to extract maximum profit. Therefore, logging was completely halted, allowing only the collection of windfall, fresh windfall, and broken branches, as well as old deadwood with fallen bark. In 1913, by the order of the Ministry of the Imperial Court and Domains, a museum began to be established in Bialowieza Forest, showcasing collections of flora and fauna, historical finds, poachers' weapons and gear, paintings, engravings, and photographs illustrating nature and life in the forest.