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Norwegian Technical School Students Visit LVM

On 7 May, students and lecturers of the Norwegian Technical School KVS-Bygland visited LVM Vidusdaugava region to get acquainted with sustainable forest management in Latvia. This school is similar to Ogre Technical School, where various professions in forestry, woodworking and horse farming are studied.

When visiting the organic farm “Lielkrūzes” and JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM), the guests were surprised by the complexity of their management. Both LVM management strategy and concern for nature diversity were highly appreciated. The visitors were also taken to Vietalva to see clear felling, as well as all stages of thinning in Bormaņi - before felling, in the process of development and the final result. The rich forest data information and its practical application were highly praised.

“It was interesting for both students and teachers to compare different soil conditions, productivity, quality requirements and number of assortments. Initially, the group was sceptical about the use of a harvester for the maintenance of spruce stands. In Norway, it is rarely used for fear of tree damage. However, in the end, the guests admitted that the works in Latvia are of high quality and the result justifies the risk,” says Jānis Mājenieks, LVM Logging Master.

KVS-Bygland students were grateful for the opportunity to learn how forests are managed in Latvia, and the teachers said that they hoped to return soon with another group of prospective specialists, and admitted that they would be happy to share the Norwegian experience as well.