PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The project covers a series of scattered sites in south-central Finland, with a high occurrence of western taiga habitat, a priority habitat type listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC): old boreal birch woods; forests created by traditional slash-and-burn agriculture; bilberry western taiga; and fern western taiga. Many natural springs and creeks are to be found, whilst vegetation-covered rocks and undisturbed rocky woods occur on some of the island sites and inundated woodlands along the shores of the lakes. These forests are still relatively intact but their exploitation is certain if nothing is done. Among the species affected by the project, particular attention will be paid to the white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotus). Very fragmented populations remain in parts of eastern Europe and Scandinavia; the breeding population is at most 40 pairs in Finland, which are highly endangered and declining continuously. Immediate action is required and the project will secure the most valuable local nesting and wintering sites for the birds by safeguarding their western taiga habitat.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE project has a double-barreled strategy. On the one hand, straightforward purchase of the most sensitive areas in order to take them out of economic use altogether. On the other hand, as many forest-owners refuse to sell land, the project will try to conclude agreements with them in which they commit themselves to applying a forest management plan tailored to their particular situation that ensures logging is compatible with the maintenance of biodiversity. This is a new idea for Finland, where few such arrangements exist. The LIFE project thus plays a major innovation and demonstration role, especially in view of the current political debate on the renewal of Finnish forestry and conservation legislation. Within an identified ‘Core Zone’ covering 500 ha of the most valuable western taiga forest, a nature conservation plan has already been drawn up. Under this plan, half of the 500 ha is to receive total protection by being withdrawn from economic use by purchase, whilst the remaining 250 ha (100 ha completely clear cut after the proposal was submitted) is to become a nature management area in which only restricted exploitation of the forest is to be allowed. A ‘Perimeter Zone’ of 850 ha is to be brought under extensive forestry use, but no land purchases are planned here. The exact prescriptions for the use of the forest will be stipulated either in a nature management agreement (for forests in the core zone) or a forest management agreement (for forests in the perimeter). The nature and forest management agreements will focus on the priority western taiga habitats and be made with a view to preserving biodiversity, with special consideration for rare and endangered species such as the white-backed woodpecker, yet allowing restricted forest exploitation. Once accepted by the forest owner, he is committed to applying the agreement for 20 years.
RESULTS
The project carried out a series of initial studies - avian studies, insect studies, saprophylic fauna studies, myrmecophile (ant relationship) studies, flora studies, and woodpecker foraging studies – and held an international workshop. These studies have given essential information concerning the habitats and species;
102.6 ha were purchased, although some of these were bought opportunistically in the in the perimeter zone;
The project produced nature management plans for 37.1 ha (the target was 150 ha);
672.3 ha of forest management plans were produced against an 850 ha target;
A 185 ha pilot plan for the Lempää-union area was produced (100-200 ha was the target);
Commitments were signed for the most urgent cases and compensation payments made to eight landowners for not over-exploiting 74.1 ha of forest for 20 years;
The new Finnish Forest Act's compensation system was available from the beginning of 1997. This obliged owners to inform the Regional Forest Centre of their intention to fell. The inventory data and management plans provided by the LIFE project were used to help evaluate the possible need for compensation and management commitment;
There was media coverage of the project, and both general and specialist brochures and papers were produced. An education pack, “nature management planning” was produced for forest professionals across Finland. It covers 1) the basis of nature management; 2) nature management planning; 3) the pilot plan; and 4) experiences from nature management planning; and
The results of the pilot plan for the Lempää area were outlined in a special publication that includes maps, tables and diagrams, measures to be carried out with costs and other useful and relevant information. The project carried out a series of initial studies - avian studies, insect studies, saprophylic fauna studies, myrmecophile (ant relationship) studies, flora studies, and woodpecker foraging studies – and held an international workshop. These studies have given essential information concerning the habitats and species;
102.6 ha were purchased, although some of these were bought opportunistically in the in the perimeter zone;
The project produced nature management plans for 37.1 ha (the target was 150 ha);
672.3 ha of forest management plans were produced against an 850 ha target;
A 185 ha pilot plan for the Lempää-union area was produced (100-200 ha was the target);
Commitments were signed for the most urgent cases and compensation payments made to eight landowners for not over-exploiting 74.1 ha of forest for 20 years;
The new Finnish Forest Act's compensation system was available from the beginning of 1997. This obliged owners to inform the Regional Forest Centre of their intention to fell. The inventory data and management plans provided by the LIFE project were used to help evaluate the possible need for compensation and management commitment;
There was media coverage of the project, and both general and specialist brochures and papers were produced. An education pack, “nature management planning” was produced for forest professionals across Finland. It covers 1) the basis of nature management; 2) nature management planning; 3) the pilot plan; and 4) experiences from nature management planning; and
The results of the pilot plan for the Lempää area were outlined in a special publication that includes maps, tables and diagrams, measures to be carried out with costs and other useful and relevant information.