The tax-free compensation was based on the value of wood in the protected areas, which cover 78ha.
Monies paid out represented about four-fifths of the amount asked for by landowners. An average €7,180 was paid per protected hectare.
The Metso voluntary forest protection programme received enquiries from about 50 landowners in the region, with 33 written tenders being made.
About 22,000ha of land is protected in north Savo through a variety of protection programmes.
