Anything goes? PEFC certified Finnish forestry: new case studies

>>> Hämeenvaara, Taivalkoski

Finding: old-growth forest logging allowed.

Road construction in to the area began in the beginning of April 2001. According to inventories by the Forest Service, the area is an exceptionally valuable old-growth forest. Several old-growth forest indicating and endangered species have been found in the area.

Hämeenvaara is included in the Protection Program for Old-Growth Forests in Northern Finland as an area whose ecological value should be preserved by the Forest Service. However, the area will be fragmented with 70-80 hectares of clearcuts in summer and winter of 2001.

>>> Metsäkylä, Taivalkoski

Finding: old-growth forest logging planned. Forest Service is planning to clearcut 25 hectares of old-growth forests in the Metsäkylä-area. Clearcuts will be made near small ponds and streams.

>>> Rumparinmaa, Taivalkoski

Finding: old-growth forest logging allowed. Known habitats of endangered species clearcut.

The Forest Service fragmented the 90 hectare old-growth forest with tens of hectares of clearcuts. The forest was especially rich in willow (Salix caprea) and hosted several old-growth forest indicating and endangered species.

Researchers of the University of Helsinki have proposed the forest to be protected in order to preserve the endangered and rare lichen species that occur there. Rumparinmaa is also included in the Protection Program for Old-Growth Forests in Northern Finland as an area whose ecological value should be preserved by the Forest Service.

Stora Enso is the most probable buyer of the wood from these loggings, which were carried out in habitats of endangered species.

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