RMK to pay EUR 19.6 million in dividends to the State 04 April 04.04

During the year, turnover increased by 1% while dropping prices on the timber market deflated profits by 18%. Last year, EUR 14.6 million was paid to the State in the form of dividends, on which income tax accounted for EUR 3.7 million. In 2015, the profit after the tax on dividends was EUR 32.9 million.

Last year, RMK sold 3.6 million cubic metres of timber: logs 44%, pulp wood 36%, firewood 16%, and wood chips and cutting waste 4%. The year before, timber sales amounted to 3.4 cubic metres. The price of timber fell, on the average, by 6% over the course of the year.

The volumes of silvicultural works increased slightly in 2015. A total of 19.3 million trees were planted, i.e., 800,000 more than in 2014. Forest renewal was maintained on 24,559 hectares; cleaning of young growth, to improve their habitat conditions, was performed on 19,768 hectares; and thinning in middle-aged forests was performed on 9339 hectares. Regeneration cutting was performed on 9678 hectares, accounting for 1% of the state forest land under the care of RMK.

During the year, RMK’s recreational and protected areas were visited 2.2 million times, which is 300,000 more visits than in 2014. “In addition to several renovated study and hiking trails and observation towers, RMK completed the final section of the 820 km long trekking route from Peraküla to Aegviidu,” said Aigar Kallas, Chairman of the Management Board of RMK, listing the year’s major undertakings. “Also, the extensive works around one of Estonia’s most visited tourist attractions, Kaali meteorite crater in Saaremaa, were also completed. The works ensure the improved protection of nature and make it easier for guests to move around.” Last year RMK contributed EUR 6 million to provide opportunities to move around in nature and offer educational courses on nature, which is 11% more than the year before.

RMK spent EUR 1.7 million on nature conservation works in 2015, i.e., just as much as the year before. “As far as species are concerned, we paid special attention to capercaillie, flying squirrel, sand lizard and natterjack toad; extensive restoration works were completed on the Muraka Nature Reserve.” “We continue to work hard to restore and maintain semi-natural biotic communities and build access roads so they can be reached.”

RMK forecasts the turnover and profit for 2016 to reach EUR 171 million and EUR 37 million euros, respectively.

RMK cares for one-fourth of Estonia; it is the keeper, protector and manager of the forest and other natural biotic communities belonging to the Republic of Estonia. RMK earns a profit for the state through forest management, growing reforestation material, and organising forest and nature protection works. In addition, RMK establishes opportunities for nature walking in recreational and protected areas and shapes nature awareness. RMK consists of the Sagadi Forest Centre, the Elistvere Animal Park, the Tartu Tree Nursery, AS Eesti Metsataim and the Põlula Fish Farm. More than 700 people work for RMK; however, the total number of people employed in the state forest is 5000.

Further information:
Aigar Kallas
Chairman of the Management Board of RMK
Tel: 528 1299
E-mailaigar.kallas@rmk.ee