2015

"Nature Day" features discussion on forest stand yield increase

The "12th Nature Day" organized by JSC "Latvia's State Forests" took place in Ropazi on October 21. Among the topics discussed were LVM's felling guidelines for increased yield of forest stands.

LVM has restored and supplemented its guidelines for wood yield management of felling areas and forest stands, foreseeing basic principles for planning and estimation of the necessary amount for management. By following the necessary amount of work frequency and intensity, as stipulated by the guidelines, the quality of soil will be improved. Cutting down lower-grade, less valuable, damaged, downcast, and decaying trees, the largest contribution will be provided by the most valuable trees. Furthermore, forest areas, where along management of wood yield felling sites, a purposeful formation of forest landscape has taken place, are much more attractive.

Guidelines were prepared according to LVM nature protection requirements, with the aim to reduce the effect of economic activities on the environment, including the landscape, as well as to ensure preservation of biological diversity in every location where forest works are conducted. The guidelines describe the preservable forest structure elements of biological importance, planning and execution of wood yield management of felling sites, protected biotopes, and additional requirements for execution of wood yield management of felling sites in capercaillie rutting territories, which is important for preservation of biological diversity and reduction of the environmental effect of forest works.

Participating in the event were representatives of the forestry science institute "Silava", Institute for Research and Development of Forest and Wood Products, Forest Faculties of the Latvian University of Agriculture, Forest Department of the Agriculture Ministry, State Forest Service, Nature Conservation Agency of Latvia, JSC "Rigas Mezi" (Forests of Riga), and other forest owners.

The aim of "Nature Days" is to inform the public about latest developments in forest management, as well as to discuss various issues important to the society in connection with forest and natural resource management in LVM's forests.