Reindeer grazing forests being logged in 2004 in Inari, North Finland, Sámi area: Koddohjärvi, Nellim

Area code in maps prepared by reindeer herders and NGOs: Inari 33, Keskinen Talvilaidunalue. Precise location: Koddohjarvi, close to the village of Nellim. The forests around Koddohjärvi are located in larger area named Keskinen talvilaidunalue, which stands for "central winter grazing area".

After logging in area in September 2003, a storm fell most of the trees which had been left standing. These trees were logged and collected away in August 2004 by Metsähallitus.

The end result is compeletely destroyed forest, which has lost its importance as reindeer grazing area. "The reindeer herds used to stop here in winter and dig lichen from the ground. The circumstances in the area were good, as the snow did not pack so tight and deep in here in winter. Now this area is lost. The herd wont stop here anymore. Logging waste covers the ground and snow will pack tighter as a result of freely blowing wind.", says reindeer herder Kalevi Paadar from village of Nellim.

For more information on the relation between reindeer herding livelihood and PEFC- certified forestry in Finland, see the >>> Anything Goes -report, Conflicts between forestry and reindeer herding -section