The demonstration platform for forestry methods in Finnish Lapland
Demometsä
To establish forest management demonstration areas in Lapland. Study the effects of different forest management methods on forest regeneration, biodiversity and economic efficiency
The aim of the project is to create demonstration areas for forest management in the Rovaniemi region of Lapland. To investigate the effects of forest management methods on forest regeneration, growth, forest biodiversity, and economic profitability.
The Demo Forest project has established seven demonstration areas on state-owned land in Rovaniemi, each of which showcases traditional even-aged and uneven-aged forestry methods, known as continuous cover forestry, in the field.
The aim of the demonstration sites is to increase the knowledge of forestry professionals, forestry education and the general public about different forest management methods. The research section examines the effects of even-aged (rotation forestry) and continuous cover forestry on forest regeneration, as well as ecological effects and economic profitability.
Continuous cover forest management
Nowadays, private forest owners in particular are interested in continuous cover forest management. The topic is also of interest to Metsähallitus, the agency responsible for managing state-owned forests, because it would enable forestry to be practiced in areas where methods of rotation forestry are not desirable or acceptable.
In Lapland in particular, there is a need for more information on continuous cover forestry, as many industries, such as tourism and reindeer herding, operate in the same areas as forestry. This has led to conflicts between different industries. From the point of view of forestry, it is necessary to find new ways to mitigate conflicts between industries.
Forest education in Lapland needs demonstration sites that are suitable for teaching both the rotation forestry and continuous cover forestry on same sites. Demonstration sites provide a learning environment for the training of both forest professionals and forestry students. The project participants will organize excursions to the demonstration areas for the target groups.
The Forest Act, which came into force at the beginning of 2014, enables forestry practices using a mixed age structure, making greater use of the natural structure and dynamics of forests. Continuous cover forestry avoids large-scale clear-cuttings. Trees are removed either individually, as in thinning, or only small gaps are made in the forest.
The project has been funded by the Northern Finland Regional Development Fund of EU. The sites have been established in cooperation between the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Metsähallitus, the Finnish Forest Centre, and Lapland University of Applied Sciences.
