A new operating model to assist forest owners and professionals in planning the comprehensive use of drained peatland forests

Peatland forests and their use are hot topics in forest dialogue. We coordinated the SUO project to build an operating model based on research data to help forest owners and professionals assess the impact of various measures on wood production, climate, water quality and biodiversity.

In the SUO project for sustainable wood production in peatland forests, we built a new operating model based on geospatial data at the level of catchment areas for planning the management of drained peatland forests. The operating model along with the most recent information on the use of peatlands were implemented in practice through cooperation with educational institutions and field training. Further, the model was included in training provided for peatland forest professionals and addressed in forest management recommendations. In addition, we compiled research results that support the practical measures on the Peatland forests website and produced a series of news articles “Towards sustainable peatland forestry” (in Finnish). 

The preparation of the operating model was supported by the Peatland Forest Forum, whose members represented different associations, business life, the public sector, and research. The project belonged to the Catch the Carbon package of climate measures, and was carried out under coordination of the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) in cooperation with the Finnish Forest Centre (technical implementation of the operating model), Tapio Oy Ltd., the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK).

In peatland forests, fellings, particularly regeneration cuttings are expected to increase in the near future. Problems are presented especially by an increase in the export of soluble nutrients and humus. In acid sulphate soils, the risk of the export of heavy metals, including mercury and cadmium, also increases after ditch network maintenance and tillage operations. In addition, climate change increases nutrient leaching.

The most effective way to mitigate water pollution is to divert discharge water from drained areas to undrained mires or wetlands. Current water protection based largely on sediment basins and  pits is not sufficiently effective. The entire catchment area should be addressed in the planning of peatland forest management.

Considering both climate and water emissions, preventing drained peatlands from drying too effectively is important. Only the most necessary forest ditches should be cleaned. However, too high water levels also cause nutrient leaching. The goal of continuous cover forestry methods, including selection cuttings, small-scale clear cuttings and strip cuttings, is to maintain groundwater at an appropriate level.

“New guidelines help to substantially mitigate the adverse impacts of peatland forest management without  significantly compromising profitable wood production,” says Hannu Hökkä, Senior Scientist at Luke.

Through webinars, policy briefs and stakeholder cooperation, we have been able to promote the implementation of climate- and water-smart measures.

Our research results have been adapted in the new forest management recommendations to protect waterbodies. According to the recommendations, drainage should be considered carefully and ditches should be dug lower than before. Ash fertilisation and continuous cover forestry are mentioned as alternatives for ditch network maintenance in peatland forests.

Entered into force at the beginning of 2024, the forestry incentive scheme (METKA) can support the preparation of management plans for peatland forests and the implementation of water protection structures and forest management measures. Management plans for peatland forests fit together the improvement of wood production capabilities, water protection, climate change mitigation, and the protection of biodiversity. Subsidies are no longer granted for the practical execution of the ditch network maintenance operations in peatland forests.