“With the renewed guidelines, forest owners have increased forest management possibilities,” said Hannu Niemel, head of silviculture at the centre.
The new guidelines are a result of economic research which showed that forest owners have very different aims in forest management.
Therefore there are guidelines on how to manage forests focusing on good quality timber and environmental values, and how to proceed when focusing on profitable forestry.
Recommendations on felling are based on the tree species, the diameter of the trees and the forest type.
And the law requires that forest owners must ensure that a seedling stand with required growth potential is established wherever a forest is felled.
Clearer guidelines with regard to special fellings in areas with biodiversity, scenery or recreational values have also been drawn up.
The Forest Act defines what activities are legal in Finnish forests and the new guidelines will come into force at the beginning of August.
