4600 Christmas trees were brought from the state forest for the holidays 13.01

Preliminary data shows that 4600 trees were brought from the state forest this year, with a total value of EUR 42 000.

According to Marge Rammo, Head of the Nature Management Department of the State Forest Management Centre (RMK), the interest of spruce takers was surprisingly high, considering the extreme snow conditions, and it demonstrates that the old tradition of bringing home a tree together with one’s family has become popular again.

Marge Rammo said that during this season more than one half of the trees – 2400 in total – were paid for via the M-payment service. The figure is significantly higher compared to previous years. “Spruce excursions organised by RMK were also very popular and more than 1500 individuals all over Estonia participated”, commented Rammo.

“For the second year in a row we did not have to file a single report with the police, concerning illegal cutting of Christmas trees. It seems that the way of thinking has changed and the payment possibilities that RMK is providing are so convenient that the people have not abused our trust,” said Toomas Väät, Silviculture Head Specialist of RMK’s Forest Administration Department.

RMK is allocating the EUR 42 000 (approximately EEK 655 000) it received from the sale of Christmas trees to increasing nature and forest awareness.

In preparation for the Christmas tree cutting period, RMK cleaned snow from over 5000 kilometres of forest roads, for which more than 70 tractors and machine operators were used.

RMK is a profit-making state agency, established under the Forest Act, aimed at sustainable and efficient management of the state forest. RMK grows reforestation materials, organises forestry works and is engaged in the sale of forest and timber and the upkeep of wild animals. In addition, RMK establishes opportunities for hiking in nature and forest recreation on recreational areas, in Estonia’s five national parks and 40 other protected areas, and shapes awareness of nature. RMK manages 38% of Estonia’s forests.

Marge Rammo
Head, RMK Nature Management Department
Mobile phone: 5137035
E-mail: marge.rammo@rmk.ee

Toomas Väät
Silviculture Head Specialist, RMK Forest Administration Department
Mobile phone: 520 5734
E-mail: toomas.vaat@rmk.ee