K-11 Vattuvaara, Kuhmo

Finding: old-growth forest logging allowed, presence of threatened species ignored; violation of the PEFC criterion 10: Preservation of key biotopes, violation of the FFCS criterion 28: Buffer zones for waterways and small waterbodies.

Extensive logging of 60 hectares next to an old-growth forest belonging to the Natura 2000 program. Some of the area was logged in December 1999 and the rest in September 2000.

Over a year before the logging the FPS was informed about the results of the species inventory performed in the area. However, at least 28 occurrences of threatened (VU) or near-threatened (NT) species of bracket fungi were destroyed in the logging, as well as the edge forest of a brook.

A winter lair of a brown bear (Ursus arctos) was surrounded by clearcuts.

Source of information: field trips, FPS´s notification.

Probable buyers of the timber: StoraEnso, UPM-Kymmene, Kuhmo.

Photos above are taken from the same site, before and after logging, in the autumn of 1999 and the autumn 2000. Note the lichens hanging from the trees and decaying wood on the ground - these are characteristics of old-growth forests.

NEXT: K-12. The forests south of Elimyssalo, Kuhmo

>>> Case studies in Kainuu

K-1. Hammasvaara, Kuhmo
K-2. Iso-Kolkko, Kuhmo
K-3. Alannesuo-Raatevaara, Suomussalmi
K-4. Saarijärvi, Suomussalmi
K-5. Lapinlamminvaara, Suomussalmi
K-6. Karsikkojärvi, Kuivajärvi; Suomussalmi
K-7. The area of Kukkuri, Hyrynsalmi
K-8. Pieni Tuomivaara - Ukko-Halla, Hyrynsalmi
K-9. Rehvelinjärvi, Hyrynsalmi
K-10. Malahvia, Suomussalmi
K-11 Vattuvaara, Kuhmo
K-12. The forests south of Elimyssalo, Kuhmo
K-13. Petro, Hyrynsalmi