Storm damage in state forest is not vast 06.01

“The majority of the storm damage, which will be recovered as first priority, is located in Lääne-Viru County. Forests, which had already been damaged in previous storms, were hit again along with old spruce stands under nature conservation,” said Tiit Timberg, Member of the Management Board of RMK, while giving an overview of the damaged areas. “We estimate that emergency clear cutting will be performed on 110 hectares in total, which is approximately 1% of the yearly clear cutting volume in state forests. Estimated timber volume in such areas is 25 000 cubic metres,” said Timberg.

“On the basis of the average market price, the estimated value of timber obtained by felling severely damaged forest is EUR 1.1 million. Based on previous experience, the share of logs decreases by 10-15% and this raises the share of firewood,” said Ulvar Kaubi, Head of the Timber Marketing Department of RMK.

Storm winds have felled individual trees or groups of trees across most of Estonia. “We estimate that the storm damaged trees that need to be cleared by sanitary cutting add up to 40 000 cubic metres,” said Tiit Timberg. The damage is greatest in Lääne-Viru (14 000 m³) and Järva counties (5 700 m³), but also in Harju (6 600 m³) and Tartu counties (4 000 m³). The volumes are smaller in other counties and the forests in Lääne County, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa were almost untouched by the storm.

In comparison, due to the storm in August 2010 clear cutting was conducted in 670 hectares of forest with timber volume of 150 000 m³ and strong sanitary cutting was performed in 1500 hectares (35 000 m³). The most severe damage also occurred in state forests in Lääne-Viru County.

RMK is a profit-making state agency established under the Forestry Act, aimed at sustainable and efficient management of the state forest. RMK grows reforestation materials, organises forestry works, is engaged in the sale of forest and timber and organises game upkeep. 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.

Further information:
Tiit Timberg
Member of the Management Board of RMK
Tel: +372 676 7061, +372 504 5761
E-mail tiit.timberg@rmk.ee