RMK is placing the last unprotected key biotopes in the state forest under protection 24.01
Areas of high conservation value, i.e. key biotopes, located in the state forest have been inventoried since 1999. As of today, a total of 18,616 hectares of such forest areas have been placed under protection; the last big inventory took place last year, with a total of 3000 hectares of new key biotopes being added to the list as a result.
According to Kristjan Tõnisson, Member of the Management Board of RMK,
the likelihood of key biotopes being discovered in the remainder of RMK’s
forests is rather low. "Regardless of this fact, we will be conducting a key
biotope inventory on an additional 57,000 hectares this year. We will be
checking for signs of the presence of key biotopes in those forest areas, in
order to prevent areas with key biotopes from being subject to cutting," explained Tõnisson.
The inventory of key biotopes is being performed by 65 RMK forest survey
managers, each of whom hold the appropriate licence. Sections of forest will be
observed where the likelihood of the occurrence of key biotopes is likely based
on existing inventory data.
Key biotopes are habitats that are suitable for unique and endangered species,
which are located on managed forest land, where, for a number of different
reasons, various structures unique to natural forests have been preserved, such
as very old trees, big trees that have fallen and trees that are dead or trees
that have burnt. Since there are very few forest areas such as these in managed
forests, and those that do exist are spread apart, it is important that forest
areas with characteristics such as these be preserved in order to ensure the
survival of unique and endangered species.
Key biotypes in the state forests are classified under strictly protected
forests, which comprise 28% of the forest land managed by RMK.
RMK, or the State Forest Management Centre, takes care of around 30% of the
total land area of Estonia, where 47% of Estonia’s forests are located. RMK is
the keeper, protector and manager of the forest and other natural biotic
communities belonging to the Estonian state. RMK cultivates forests, preserves
natural treasures, earns income for the state by managing the forest, creates
opportunities for visiting nature, and provides nature education.
Further information:
Kristjan Tõnisson
Member of the Management Board of RMK
